Outline District Profile iii

District Map vi

Name District 1

1. District Resources 3

2. Demography and Housing 5

3. Social Organisation 9

4. Government Organisation 14

5. Productive Sectors 19

6. Economic Infrastructure and Communications 32

7. Social Infrastructure 36

8. District Accounts and Development Funds 45

9. The District in Comparison to Balochistan 46

10. Conclusion: Potential and Constraints 50

The tribes inhabiting the area are indigenous to the land. Zhob is the cradle of the Afghan race. Qais Abdul Rashid, who is believed to be one of the progenitors of the Pashtoons or Afghans, lived in the Suleiman mountains near Zhob. He was born in 575 AD and died in 661 AD. Natives call the place where he is buried "Da Kase Ghar" (the mountain of Qais). The Chinese pilgrim Hiven Tsiang who visited India in 629 AD, described the Afghans as living in Zhob. The area was ruled by Nadir Shah from 1736 to 1747 and by Ahmed Shah Abdali from 1747 to 1773. It was part of the Afghan dynasty when the British penetrated it in 1881. A number of areas now in Zhob, Killa Saifullah, and Pishin districts were ceded to British Indian Balochistan after the Durand line in 1893. They soon became a district.

Zhob district is the second oldest existing district of Balochistan, after Quetta. It was raised to district level in February 1890, under Captain MacIvor as the first Political Agent.

The district has an important geo-strategic location. It links Afghanistan, South Waziristan Agency, D.I.Khan district, Killa Saifullah, Loralai, and MusaKhel.

The Zhob district lies from 30°-28' to 32°-50’ north latitudes and from 67°-50’ to 70°-20’ east longitudes.

The lowest point of the district is 1500 metres above sea level. People live up to 2500 metres. The highest peak in the district is Takht-i-Suleiman (Solomon's throne) at 4000 metres.

The climate of the district is cold. In summer the weather does not get very hot. In autumn the weather becomes very dry. The region receives heavy rainfall during summer, accompanied by thunder storms from July to September as a result of diversion of monsoon winds westward from Punjab. The average annual rainfall in Zhob was 320.5 mm. over the period 1992-1995. Most of the rainfall is received during the winter months from October to March. The hilly area at higher altitude has heavy snow fall and snow storms during winters. Dust storms blow in summer and winter, but dust pollution is not so much an issue as in lower situated districts.

Source: Pakistan Meteorological Department, Karachi

According to the Directorate of Mineral Development, a number of minerals are reported in the district, but the precise amount is not estimated. These minerals, including copper, coal, calcite, feldspar, fluorite, gland sand, limestone, ochre, phosphate rock, soap stone and leterrite, are not explored. Deposits of coal are reported in the Shinghar area. There are huge deposits of limestone in various parts of the district.

The vegetation in Zhob, according to the District Forest Officer Office at Zhob, consists of natural and artificial vegetation. The natural vegetation include Pinus Geranandiana (Chilghoza Pine), Acadia Modusta (Palosa), Olivea Cuspedatea, Pistacia Khunja, and Ephedra. The artificial vegetation include Euclyptus, Popular Sufaida, Mulbery, Bakain, More Pankhi, Quetta pine and Suroo.

The two major sources of energy in the district are electricity and fuel wood. Piped gas is not available in any part of the district. Gas cylinders are used for cooking purpose in cities. Electricity is utilised for commercial and domestic purposes. There is little use of electricity for agricultural purpose. The use of electricity for cooking and heating is common in rural and urban areas. A number of areas in the district are without electricity. The use of kerosene and diesel is frequent in those areas.

Many people use wood for fuel. According to the forest department spokesman, it is a bottleneck in the growth of trees and bushes, as every year thousands of trees and bushes are razed to the ground for fuel purposes. The use of coal is also common for heating purposes. In rural areas, dung cake is used for fuel and heating. The consumption of oil and electricity for heating purpose is little as the area has a mild winter season. The use of illegal electricity is common in rural areas.

The environment is very clean. One can breath fresh and pure air around. The rural surroundings of Zhob are also very clean. The climatic environment of Zhob district is clean and healthy because of its elevation, mild humidity and tiny population.

The soil of Zhob district is rocky and shingle gravel. The geographical location of the district is important as it links Afghanistan, NWFP and a number of districts in Zhob division. Vegetation and forest are spread over considerable parts of the district. The climate in most of the district is extreme in summer nor winter. The major sources of energy are electricity (where installed), bush wood, and kerosene oil. The district needs more electrification of villages and remote areas. Only 4% of the geographical area of the district is reported.

The annual population growth in the period 1971-81 for the areas now forming the district was 10.48 percent according to the 1981 population census. Sub-division wise it was 8.53 percent for Kakar Khurasan sub-division, 8.65 percent for Zhob sub-division, and 14.27 percent for Sherani sub-division. The population growth pattern in Sherani sub-division is one of the highest in Balochistan. The growth rate may have become even larger, as over the last decade a huge number of Afghan refugees having taken refuge into the district.

The total population of 223,220 as according to the 1981 census, can be divided into the following population composition. The age group from 1 to 14 years is 100,825; from 15 to 19 is 26,967; from 20 to 69 is 91,299 and the age group from 70 to 75 is 4,129 persons.

The ratio of dependent population in the district, according to the 1981 census, was 52.0 percent of the total population. The dependent population exists of age groups from year 1 to 14 and from 65 and older. Dependent people between the age of 15 and 64 are not included in the official figures.

The average household in the district is 9 persons according to the 1981 census. This dense household average is due to poverty, close-family marriages and no family planning. Family planning in the Zhob rural areas, because of religious rigidity, is abhorred, though those who are educated think family planning is necessary for better development. The tribal homogeneity and close family system account for the joint family system. Household size is largest in Sherani sub-division. The nucleus family system exists in Zhob city.

According to the 1981 census, in Zhob district, 85.6 percent (191,076 out of 223,220) of the population lives in rural areas. This percentage will be higher now, as a result of the influx of Afghan refugees and the fact that Killa Saifullah and Muslim Bagh (upper Zhob Division) have been separated from Zhob district to form Killa Saifullah district although the urban population of Zhob city has increased.

The spatial population distribution is not exactly known. In Kakar Khurasan sub-division the spatial population distribution is widest. The overall population density per sq. km is 21.

The principal ethnic group in the district is Pathan/Pashtoon. The historian Bartolad writes that the inhabitants of Zhob are Pashtoons, an Aryan tribe who have lived in the area from pre-historic times onwards. They have Afghan origins.

The predominant language in the district is Pashto. It is spoken by more than 98 percent of the population. There are however a number of dialects, the one most spoken is Kakari Pashto. The Kakar tribe is the largest of the tribes living in the district.

For many generations, Zhob area has known in-migration. The large migration into the district during 1892, when the Durand Line was drawn, mainly existed of people from Afghanistan moving to Kakar Khurasan, Zhob upper sub-division and Sherani area. Since 1947, many people from Punjab and NWFP have migrated to the district. Many Powandahs have bought property and settled down in the outskirts of the Zhob city and other areas. Since 1979, the district is marked with a huge influx of Afghan refugees in all three sub-divisions of the district. People from tribes living across the border in Afghanistan have moved to the district as well. The population of Kakar Khurasan has increased dramatically since then. The exact number of immigrants over the last decade and a half are not known. According to the 1981 census their number was 6,420 at the time, but unofficial reports indicated much higher figures.

Out-migration exists of people who have gone abroad to other cities and Gulf countries for better livelihood. A large number of Sherani tribesmen have gone to Gulf countries. Many people from Zhob live as temporary immigrants in Lahore, Karachi, and Faisalabad, engaged in fruit and transportation business. Many Kakar tribesmen have migrated to India and are citizens of India now.

2. Labour Force

The civilian labour force (working and looking for work) constitutes 32 percent of the total population. There are no proper statistics on male and female labour force participation, as this is not covered by the 1981 census report. Women are actively engaged as labourer in support of household, agricultural, poultry/cattle and construction duties.

The total number of employees getting their salaries from the treasury office at Zhob city is 3,726. There are around 600 federal employees serving in Post Offices, Registration, WAPDA and the Election Office department. The number of federal employees serving in the district is larger than the number of provincial ones, because the federal employees include two services cadre of the Frontier Corps (FC) and the army. Their strength is in thousands.

Houses in the district are mostly solid buildings of stone-blocks and mud. In both urban and rural areas, the use of the stone is very frequent in the construction of houses. They are coated with thick mud. Well-off people coat their houses with cement or concrete. The use of clay bricks and baked bricks is common in the construction of houses in Zhob city and some other areas. The use of clay bricks is common for roofs, boundary walls and barns. The majority of the houses has roofs made of tin or iron, which are curved because of the snow fall in winter. The construction of double storey buildings is uncommon. There are a few in Zhob city.

In Zhob city and the surrounding area there are buildings constructed during the British period. In Zhob city the British built a huge airforce/military garrison, the Zhob Militia Mess and residences for Political Agent and Assistant Political Agents. Most of them were built during the period 1893 to 1910. Buildings which are important from an historical point of view are the Political Agent's Official residence known as "The Castle" and the Zhob Militia Mess the centennial of which was celebrated in 1989. All VIPs to Zhob can, if desired, stay overnight in one of these two buildings. There are a number of officers' bungalows, now under the occupation of army officers, situated on the VIP lane which are 80 to 100 years old. The APA house is also very old and nowadays accommodates the Assistant Commissioner.

At Shinghar, at a distance of 82 km from Zhob, at the height of 2850 metres above sea level, are a number of huts which were used by British officers. The place was the summer camp for the British Political Agent, the Assistant Political Agent, the Commandant Zhob militia, and other few officers. Arrangements were made for the pumping of water and transportation. The site is now abandoned because the present Pakistani district administrators do not seem to show the least of interest in the place. It appears a ghost town where occasionally people go for an adventurous over-night stay or a picnic.

A number of forts exist in the surrounding of the district which were built by the British for the deployment of militia troops. Some of them are abandoned and have collapsed. Others are in use by the Frontier Corps and Levy. The important ones are at Mir Ali Khel, Dana Sher and Mughalkot. There is one in Qamardin Kariz under the use of FC.

Eighty percent of the houses in the district are owned. The ratio of rented houses other than in Zhob city is 5 to 8 percent. The rest of the houses is let to tenants. The ratio of rented houses in the district is higher in Zhob city. In Zhob city, the ratio of rented houses is 35 to 40 percent, because of the large number of army, FC, and government officers.

As mentioned earlier, the houses in the district are made of stone, clay and baked bricks with thick clay or mud topping and iron or steel roofing. Doors, windows and ventilators are made of wood. Iron grills are rare. Most houses have a room with a ventilator. The use of cement is not common. It is mostly found in case of government buildings and upper class people housing. There are a number of houses which are over 100 years old. The height of the houses is usually not more than 3 metres.

Twenty-five percent of the area of the district is electrified. Gas is not available in the district except in cylinders by those who can afford buying them. For industrial and mechanical/agricultural purpose, the use of electricity is the only source. For the purpose of cooking and heating electricity, dung-cake and wood are used. The use of coal for heating is less common after the railway service was abandoned. In winter time, the rural population has difficulty finding sources of energy for heating. Therefore, they start storing wood in summer.

The housing characteristics are more or less similar all over the district. The houses are knit together in villages which may comprise few or many houses. Seventy-five percent of the houses in rural areas are without latrine and bath-room. Eighty-five percent of all houses in the district is without proper drainage, human waste disposal arrangements and sewerage system. However, because of the mountains and hills, the absence of drainage does not cause sewerage problems.

The major source of drinking water in the district is spring water. The drinking water in urban area of Zhob is supplied through gravity source by storage tanks. There are six reservoirs with each 120,000 gallon capacity. There is no regular sanitation system except in Zhob city which is however not properly maintained. As mentioned, because of the hilly slop and lack of mud, the rain water is soon absorbed.

Due to lack of a recent census, not much comment can be given on the actual growth of the population in Zhob district. The annual growth in the period between the two last censuses (1971 and 1981) was very high: nearly 10.5% for the whole of the district with a peak of 14.27% in Sherani sub-division. The projection of NIPS for 1995 assumes a considerably lower growth rate of about 3%, not taking into account the influx of Afghan refugees. It would not be surprising if the planned census in 1998 would indicate a population which is higher than the NIPS projection.

Taking the projection as the base, the district would have exactly the same density as Balochistan as a whole (21 per square kilometer). No exact information about migration flows is available.

The dependency ratio is a source for concern. The great proportion of young population means a challenge for the economy of the district with regard to creating job opportunities.

It is a predominantly rural district, maybe even more so than in 1981, due to the fact that urbanized areas were separated and included in a new district, Killa Saifullah.

The housing situation does not present a picture which is much different from the other parts of the province. Drinking water and sanitation are important issue, which should be addressed by the government. More about this subject can be found in paragraph 7.1.

The family set-up in the district is different for rural and urban areas. Urban life is limited to Zhob city. The rest of the district is purely rural. A large number of families in the district lead a nomadic or semi-nomadic life. Most people in the district live in a joint family system. In Zhob city nuclear families occur apart from the joint families.

The marriage system is more or less the same for all tribes living in the district. Marriage is regarded as an important institution. The age for a man to marry is from 20 to 25 years. Women are 13 to 18 years old when they marry. The majority of marriages is pre-arranged and the bride and groom often come from the same family. Marriages within the family with first or second (paternal/maternal) cousins are common. The marriage is settled by the families of the bride and bride-groom. Compared to women, men have a bigger say in the selection of their brides than women have in the selection of their future husbands. Yet the mutual families play the biggest role. Polygamy is practised. A large number of men has two wives. Hardly any man has three or four wives. When the husband dies, the wife has little chance of remarrying. When the wife dies, the husband easily marries again, no matter how many children he has.

The system of vulvar (bride-price) is widely practised in the district. Money is paid by the groom for a proposal to the guardians/parents of the girl. The amount varies from case to case. In case of close family marriages, the amount may be smaller or waived completely. The payment of vulvar is imputed at the time a proposal of marriage is made. There are no fixed rules about the amount of vulvar. The amount of vulvar may be paid by the bridegroom, his parents/guardians or relatives. The demanded price is usually raised when a proposal is repeated to the bride's side or when the one proposed to is very beautiful; or when the man proposing is very rich and already married.

The centuries old system of exchanging girls for marriage is commonly practised. It is called "tsarai". The system is strongly practised in semi-nomadic and the lower classes of society. In tsarai, a girl is married to a man in exchange for a bride for her brother. The system brings down marriage expenses as no vulvar has to be paid. Under the system girls are left with no choice. They are not asked for their consent. After their daughters are married, parents become almost indifferent towards their future welfare. The newly wedded wives remain at the mercy of their husband and in-laws. It is observed that under an exchange system of marriages, retaliation may be shown by the husband’s side against his wife in case his sister is not happy with his wife's brother. A second marriage on the side may result in marriage break-up or ill treatment of the wife.

The major expenses involved in marriages, other than vulvar, are the arrangement of the wedding and the purchase of jewellery and dresses. Gifts are given by relatives and friends to bride and bride-groom. The bride is wearing a typical red bridal dress designed for the occasion, with her hands and feet dyed red with henna. In Zhob district, where society is close, a man marrying outside the family under an arranged marriage is not allowed to see his bride before the wedding night. Marriage proposals, vulvar arrangements are verbal agreements. Though nothing is on paper, they are respected by and large.

A marriage is regarded as a way to strengthen tribal or family relations. Marriages can be used to settle tribal or family disputes. Refusal of a marriage if proposed may result in the weakening of a family relationship. However, the spread of education and literacy are mitigating this kind of considerations. The educated class of Zhob society is less rigid in the following of traditional rules, though they are not totally free from them.

The society is predominantly a patriarchal one. The power of decision making is solely in the hands of men. The decisions made by men are binding upon women. A woman is regarded as the honour of family and tribe. When a woman goes against the decision of her male family members, she brings shame on the family.

Although with the passage of time and advancement of literacy a large number of customs of co-operation are nowadays practised less rigidly than in the past, a number of them still exist.

Convention prescribes that on two occasions one should show co-operation for a friend or relative - on the occasion of happiness and of sorrow. In case of the death of a relative, neighbour or friend, food is supplied to the deceased’s household for two to three days. Money or a sheep or a goat may be given to the family of the deceased as a token of compensation. Money or gifts in kind is also given when a friend, neighbour or family member marries. Such offers are remembered and returned. In Zhob district, co-operation is also practised by friends or neighbours in planting, watering, or harvesting crops.

The absolute majority of the people living in Zhob district belongs to the Sunni sect of Islam. A very small number of Shia people lives in the district. There are Syeds living in the district but they belong to Sunni sect. There is no "Imam Bara" found in the district.

The district used to have a huge Hindu population, but since partition of the sub-continent most of them have migrated.

The two major festivals are Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. They are occasions of great jubilation and joy. Other festivals are "Eid-Miladuld Nabi, and Sab-e-Barat". During these festivals alms are given to the poor and relatives give each other presents.

The Hindu population is not seen celebrating "Diwali" and "Holi".

The population of Zhob district are religiously very conservative and strict. There is large attendance in mosques, routine prayers, and religious observance. The performing of "Hajj" (pilgrimage to Mecca) is common. Also poor people have performed Hajj. During the Ramzan, the observance of fasting is generally very strict.

The role of the "Mullah" (religious leader) is very important in the performance of rituals. The role of Mullahs is still strong in rural areas where literacy is low. A Mullah is respected for being the leader in prayers, profound knowledge of the Quran and performing rituals. Sick persons visit him to be healed.

There are two well-known shrines in the district. They are of Hazrat Nazar Nika at six km from Zhob and Hazrat Khostoo Baba 100 km from Zhob in the direction of Waziristan. Two other shrines are Zakoo Nika near Zhob and Palwand Baba in the Mughalkot area. Visits to shrines is not common in Zhob. There are no shrines in the district where regular "urs" (annual celebrations) are observed.

The tomb of Qais Rashid on the top of Suleiman mountain is also a place to visit. However, as the mountain is steep and high, visits are difficult to make. People who reach the top take goats for sacrifice for the fulfilment of their desires and for the sake of the saint.

There are two major channels for conflict resolution in the district. One is the government channel and the other is tribal. The government channel can work through the Political Agent, the Assistant PA, Assistant Commissioners, Tehsildars, etc. The role of the Additional District and Session Judge in the settlement of a conflict is nominal. The role of the Political Agent in conflict resolution is bigger than that of other district magistrates, because of the PA’s control over funds and concessions for tribes. He can mobilise a number of sources, including the interference of notables, MPA and tribesmen, to settle a dispute.

The traditional tribal channel however has proved to be more effective in conflict resolution than the government channel. The previous "Jirga" system was more effective. The Jirga was a traditional system of justice which was actively practised in Balochistan to settle legal cases and disputes concerning law and order. The system, in practice since British rule, was modified under the Special Provision Ordinance (Criminal Provisions 11) of 1968 to make it more convenient for justice. The system was abolished in 1991. The government however still forms informal Jirgas (comprising notables etc) for conflict resolution, as they have proven to be very effective. In this case government lets the Jirga decide on the matter and adopts its proposed solution. A small Jirga can be formed by the Political Agent with the consultation of the notables of the tribes involved in the dispute to settle a problem. A Jirga at higher level may need the approval of the Commissioner or higher authorities. A Jirga is needed in the settlement of a number of tribal disputes in the district. In case of the settlement of a inter-tribal conflict, a solution can be reached by mobilising the Jirga of both tribes.

The population possess a large number of weapons. According to the Political Agent office report, both traditional and advanced weapons have been used in different situations. They include traditional rifles and 12-bore shot-guns, and advanced weapons. The use of rocket launchers and mortar gun has been reported as well.

In the tribal "B" area, the role of the police is limited. It is easy to obtain a licence for small arms, but there are many unlicensed arms in the district, particularly amongst tribes living close to the borders where many arms are smuggled in from Afghanistan. The frontier towns are believed to have stored arms and ammunition for supply into Pakistan during the Afghan revolution (1979 to 1994). The frontier town Kamardin Karez, at a distance of 224 kilometres from Zhob, had a famous arms market where one could buy a variety of arms including rocket launchers.

The entire society of Zhob district is male and tribally dominated. Men decide on politics and the fate of the family and tribe. Therefore, they assume a predominant role in both the community and family decision making. The rate of literacy amongst women is very low. Because of illiteracy and unawareness, women enjoy fewer civil amenities and fundamental rights. Human rights of women are frequently violated without any report.

Politically women are without any say. The women’s seats of the Union Councils are filled, but they do not participate in meetings. Female participation in elections has increased since 1985. Previously, women were discouraged to vote.

Women play a minor role in decision-making, but they play an important role in the household and agricultural affairs of the district. Though a woman shares the economic burden of the family as she contributes to the household and productive work outside the house in fields, nonetheless, her household work is not considered an economic contribution, and seldom credit is given to her by husband or elders for her significant contribution to the family and society.

In rural areas, women are commonly observed to be involved in looking after horses, camels and sheep, assisting in cultivation and doing traditional embroidery work. Society constrains them to remain illiterate and to endure problems related to polygamy, vulvar and a generally low social status. In case of polygamy, the first wife's opinion is not considered when a man wants to marry a second wife. A change in the women’s status is observed in areas with more female literacy. Educated women have more influence in decision making and have more authority. Interest in female education is rising, but there are not enough schools.

Cases of Siakari, or adultery, are very rarely reported. Because of the tribalism and Pashtoon code of honour, such an incident if happens is not reported. A number of females found suspected of having illegal relationship are believed to have been put to death (by shooting or beheading) without being reported officially. The man she was involved with may be killed as well. The discussion of the act is regarded as taboo.

Child labour exists in the district but in different dimensions. The district does not have any cottage industry or industrial sector where child labour is used. There is only one carpet centre in Zhob city where a few children work. However, the utilisation of child labour is frequent in rural areas. A large number of boys, ranging from the age group 7 to 10, can be seen cutting wood, grazing cattle and cutting fodder. A large number of parents, particularly in Kakar Khurasan and Sherani sub-divisions prefer their children to assist them in household and farm duties instead of going to school. Girls are exclusively engaged in household duties and fetching water etc. More than boys they often do not go to school.

There is a lack of government support for apprenticeship. The major sources of apprenticeship for boys is the private motor workshops, tailoring shops, carpentry, cooking, and bicycle repair shops where they receive informal training. Such training is observed as very helping to find work in future. In case of girls, they learn embroidery work at home. The government sector and NGOs can play an important role in the promotion of apprenticeship for children.

Most people live in a close joint family system. Customs of co-operation exist in the district on Islamic, tribal, and personal basis. A man's loyalty to a tribe is appreciated and required. An educated tribesman living outside the district still depends on tribal support. The number of marriages outside the tribe is small. Marriage is regarded as part of the promotion of family and tribal ties. A Pastho saying about marriage is that "There is no life without a wife, and no wife without family (close relatives), and no family without tribe."

The people are religiously very strict. One can see people making stops for prayers on highways and roads. The attendance in mosques in remote areas is very high. The "Mullah" is very important in the performance of rituals.

A large number of arms are possessed by the people. The number of unlicensed arms in the district is high. Arms are kept for self-defence, tribal enmities and as a symbol of strength.

There are a number of tribal conflicts. Tribal conflicts are a handicap in the promotion of agriculture, horticulture and general development in the district. The role of the district administration in the settlement of tribal disputes is appreciated and necessary to prevent it from escalation.

The system of local government has its origin in the Basic Democracies System founded by late President Ayub Khan (Basic Democracies Order of 1959). The institutions were dissolved after Z.A. Bhutto came to power as Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1970, but later the Local Unions and the Tehsil Councils were reactivated. A new local government system was introduced in 1975 under the Balochistan Local Government Act of 1975. This act however never became operational since the elections stipulated under this act were never held. In 1979 another local government system was introduced in the country, which was implemented in Balochistan under the Balochistan Local Government Ordinance 1980. This system is still in force.

The Local government administration at the district level is headed by an Assistant Director (AD). Under the AD comes a Development Officer (DO) at each sub-division. Under the AD are also a civil engineer and a number of clerical staff. There is a Chief Officer who works at the District Council Level and works independent from the AD.

Local government administration functions in mutual co-operation with the Chairman Office of the District Council. The District Council funds are channelled through the AD Union Council office. All Local bodies officials at the district levels fall under the Divisional Director of Local Government in Loralai.

However, the local government institutions have been dissolved on 19 December 1996.

The Union Council is the lowest tier of the local government system. In Zhob there are 17 Union Councils under the District Council. Each Union Council represents a population of 12,000 to 17,000 people. All the members are elected, directly by the people or indirectly by members. There is a peasant and a women representative in the Union Council. The number of members varies from 7 to 12.

There is no Town Committee tier in the Zhob district.

There is one Municipal Committee in Zhob sub-division in Zhob city. It comprises 23 members. They were directly and indirectly elected. It includes two women’s, one minorities’ and one farmers’ representative. The Municipal Committee of the district played an important role until its grants from the provincial government were stopped in 1993.

The District Council consists of 23 members. Among them are two women’s, one minorities’, one peasants’, and one workers’ representatives. The District Council plays an important role in the political and social development of the district. The District Council is headed by an elected Chairman who can have an important role in the promotion of development issues, if he so desires. No one has reached the office without strong tribal support. The election for the Chairman through the elected members involves political and tribal struggle.

Like all other districts, there are two categories of administration at the district level: federal and provincial. The role of Provincial government is substantial in the management of district affairs. Federal government administration plays a smaller role.

The district administration comprises a Political Agent (PA), an Assistant Political Agent (APA), an Assistant Commissioner or Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars. Important departments are the Levy, police and anti-corruption departments and the Irrigation, Construction and Works (C&W), Livestock (Animal Husbandry), Labour, Jail, Public Health & Engineering, Local Government, Health, Social Welfare, Forest and Wildlife, Excise and Taxation, Treasury Office and Education Departments. They come all under the jurisdiction of Provincial Government.

Institutions functioning under the Federal Government are the Elections Office, WAPDA, Registration and Post Offices. WAPDA plays a substantial role in the electrification of urban and rural areas. Further there are the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Inter Service Intelligence (ISI), but their role is less visible.

Zhob also has a Frontier Corps (FC), known as Zhob Militia, and an army brigade.

The Zhob district comprises largely "B" area under Levy control. The Levy is a traditional institution for law and order maintenance. The jurisdiction of the police is limited to the five kilometres area around Zhob city. ("A" area) the office of the Superintendent of Police was established in 1983, previously it came under the SP of Loralai. The regular police force is 260 for the two districts of Zhob and Killa Saifullah together, including one SP, one Deputy or Assistant Superintendent of Police and three Inspectors.

Travelling on the highway is safe in day time. At night travelling is restricted. Foreigners are only allowed to travel on highways in daylight without any permission of camping. They may only travel across the district when escorted. Cases of kidnapping, dacoity and looting are not common. Tribal disputes are common and regularly involve the killing of persons involved. Often criminals flee across the borders into Afghanistan. The role of the FC (Zhob Militia) is very important in the promotion of law and order, checking smuggling across the borders, and stopping tribal warfare if escalating.

The Zhob Militia is one of the oldest forces of the sub-continent. It was established in 1890 as the Zhob Levy Corps with Captain W.A.D. O' Mealy as its first Commandant. The Zhob Militia had jurisdiction over the region which now includes the entire Zhob division. Nowadays the ZM is headed by a Commandant with a rank of full colonel. It has four wings: at Zhob, Sambaza, Muslim Bagh and Qamardin Karaz.

The district Qazi court can decide only in civil cases not exceeding Rs. 50,000. Also, they are not allowed to adjudicate cases involving government as a party. In a situation where Qazi courts exercise their jurisdictions and a government party is found involved in a case, directly or indirectly, the Qazi courts are not empowered to interrupt the proceedings. A Qazi court does not have the power to penalise except in the case of contempt of court, for which they may sentence the offender to six months imprisonment. However, this power is hardly ever exercised. Cases are brought before the Qazi court by lower courts or directly by a party involved.

The civil judiciary comprises an Additional Session Judge at Zhob city. His area includes Killa Saifullah. The Civil Judge sits in Loralai. The separation of judiciary is not implemented in Zhob city. The Assistant Commissioner still decides on criminal cases. There are around 600 cases pending with the AC office. The District Session Judge in Loralai can transfer or withdraw any case from the Zhob Session or Additional Session Judge office. Murder cases are only dealt with by the Session Office.

There is one jail at Zhob city which comes under the Prison Department. The jail building was built during the British period and used to be a Judicial Lock-up. After partition it was turned into a regular jail. Those convicted to life imprisonment and those who are convicted to death are shifted to Mach jail. At the district level, the Superintendent of Jail comes under the direct command of the Assistant Commissioner and the Sub-District Magistrate.

There are a number of Levy lock-ups in the district at Mani Khawa, Qamar-din-Karaz, Zhob city and Sambaza. The Levy lock-ups come under the district administration.

There are two Senators from the Zhob district, Zariff Khan Mandokhel and Subedar Khan Mandokhel; both are members of the PML-Nawaz. Previously there was another Senator, Rahim Khan Mandokhel from PKMAP, but he resigned after his election to the Provincial Assembly.

NGO activity is negligible in Zhob district.

Zhob is a provincially run administered tribal area with a Political Agent as the administrative head of the district. The role of Political Agent in the administrative affairs of the agency is very important. It is more independent and autonomous under a non-elected government than under an elected one. The role of the local government bodies was also important in dispensing day to day local affairs. The role of the local bodies has become severely handicapped after provincial government stopped dispersing funds.

The society in Zhob district is largely tribal and tribal conflicts frequently occur. The strongest political party in the area is JUI. Mullana Mohammad Khan Sherani is a pillar of the party in Zhob district. PKMAP is the second largest party. The role of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz is limited. The winning of Jaffar Khan Mandokhel was due to his personal influence rather than the political party he was affiliated with.

The agriculture/horticulture sector of the district is one of the important sectors to support the livelihood of the indigenous tribal people. However, the sector, despite all potential, has lagged behind. The horticulture has improved with the advent of electricity.

The total land of the district is 1,651,787 ha out of which only 60,980 ha is reported. The area under forest is 13,010 Ha. The potential area available for cultivation is 37,117 ha. For details see 1.1.

Land ownership in the district is not concentrated in a small number of land owners. People are not allowed to sell their land to a person outside the tribe without the consent of his tribe’s elders. Tenure exists. Tenants are hired on a yearly basis. In return for their services they receive a fixed share of the produced crops, in most cases 50%, while the inputs are provided by the landowner.

In the table below the cropped area, the production and the yield can be found for the major crops. It can be noticed that no figure is given for olive production.

The district has potential for the growth of olives, but the government does not encourage it enough. According to the Agriculture Department, the area for olives has grown with 3,020 Ha. The major factor accountable for the little interest in olive growing is that there is no market or industrial infrastructure available for the growers.

There are two cropping seasons: Khariff and Rabi. Rabi crops are sown between October and mid February and harvested in June. Kharif crops are sown from April to July and harvested by the end of October. In the areas with higher altitude (above 2300 metres) where the climate is colder, the sowing of Rabi crops continues till late March and harvesting takes place in late June or July. The harvesting of Kharif crops can go up to November.

For a detailed analysis of production/yields see the table above. The statistics cover the average yield total production of the crop items approximately. The exact number is very difficult to know.

According to the Irrigation Department, the majority of the area in the Zhob district is irrigated by springs. There are around 120 springs in Zhob district. The size of the springs vary. In the case of large springs, the water is led to the land through channels (Walla). In case of small springs, the water is stored in reservoirs and then brought to the land. The Karez system, a traditional source of irrigation in Balochistan, is almost nil in Zhob.

The farming system is largely traditional, but the use of machines is growing. Harvesting and ploughing is now mostly done mechanically.

The use of agricultural mechanisation in the district is limited. The major item of agricultural mechanization is the tractor. Tractors are also used to run tube wells in areas without electricity. Threshers are rarely used. The use of machines for fertiliser distribution and seeds is negligible. Spray machines are sometimes used, mostly in horticulture, against parasites. Many people prefer traditional methods to mechanization.

The major agricultural input required is fertiliser. There are various kinds of fertilisers used. They are Urea, D.A.P, Dye Ammonium phosphate, Potassic, S.O.P., S.S.P and N.P.K. Urea and D.A.P are most commonly used. They are bought from the Agriculture Department or from the private sector. The total amount of chemical fertiliser used according to Agricultural Statistics 1994-95 was: 673 tonnes: 190 tonnes of Urea, 290 tonnes of D.A.P., 120 tonnes of Nitro phos and 10 tonnes of S.S.P. Most fertilisers are used for horticulture, especially for the growth of apples, almonds, grapes and melons.

In 1980 the Government of Balochistan started a fruit development project in collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) to promote the growth of various sorts of fruit. The project has two experimental stations, one of them is in Zhob district. Plots were allotted for the demonstration of planting, harvesting, marketing, nutrition etc. to the farmers. As part of the project the "trickle irrigation system" was introduced and installed in the farmers' orchards. The farmers also learned spray techniques. The project established many nurseries for the multiplication of root stocks and new commercial varieties. Part of the material has been imported from abroad.

Marketing is in the hands of private enterprise. The involvement of government in marketing is still minor, however its role is growing. The Agricultural Marketing Regulation Act 1991 is in function since June 1996 to reduce the middlemen's role and fix the commodities' prices, but it is hardly effective in Zhob. The middlemen’s role is still big because of the little commercial and marketing knowledge the producers have. Only some producers take care of marketing their products themselves. The major market for fruits is D.G. Khan and Multan. Quetta is also a major fruit market for Zhob and Killa Saifullah districts.

The marketing value for wheat and maize is small, as they are not produced in quantities large enough for commercial marketing. Zhob district depends on the import of wheat from outside.

Zhob is itself a big market for timber imported and smuggled from Afghanistan and Waziristan. Timber is exported to Punjab and NWFP through the road routes of Loralai and Waziristan respectively.

No statistics exist on the levels of income. There are broadly three levels of landowners: middle, lower middle and lower. One can hardly find a high level landlord or fruit grower.

The Department of Agriculture is headed by the Extra Assistant Director who is also accountable for agriculture. There is no separate agriculture extension wing. The Extra-Assistant Director functions under the Deputy Director stationed in Loralai. He is assisted by a team of field assistants and other staff.

Lack of water for irrigation is a factor for the underdevelopment of agriculture. The only source available is spring water. Underground sources are nil. The lift irrigation system is not very successful. It needs to be updated and advanced. However, rain water sources and flood water, if stored properly, could be a great help in the promotion of agriculture.

There is another factor accountable for the low profile of agriculture sector of the district. It is tribal feuds which have been a handicap in the cultivation of a large number of fields for wheat and maize. Cases have been reported of rivalling tribes destroying each other’s crops.

Other factors are the preference for traditional methods and the fact that many people rather invest money in contractor-ship or abroad. NGOs and the government should provide more incentives for the promotion of the agriculture sector.

Throughout the district, horticultural practices are improving, but it still falls shorts to its potential. Because of the assured returns on investment, there is a growing trend amongst farmers to cultivate fruits. The three fruit crops; apple, pomegranate and melon have been quite successful. In agriculturists' analysis, almond, a leading nut crop of the district, needs to be more promoted as it is more profitable for the orchard owners.

The Zhob district has huge potential for the growth of olive. It is cultivated on a substantial area, but because of no industrial sector in the district olives have as yet little market value. A medium size industrial set-up for the processing of fruits and olive can provide a big incentive to the area. The area also has potential for the growth of sunflowers on commercial lines.

The livestock sector provides a large part of the population with a source of livelihood. People grow cattle (small and big ruminants) and draught animals without formal training or support from the government. They depend on the sector for food, money and trade.

Draught and transport livestock in the district are species like camels, horses, mules and donkeys. The use of cattle for draught and transport purpose is common throughout. The district’s camels are famous all over the province. They are originally imported from Afghanistan. The donkey cart is commonly used for transportation and to carry loads.

The large ruminant sector, including cows and buffaloes, is not so much developed. The use of buffaloes for milk is not common because of lack of water and scarcity of fodder. However, the trend of keeping cows for milk has increased. Women milk the cattle and process the milk to produce butter, cheese, etc.

The small ruminants sector of the district is a traditionally important source of livelihood and a token of property for the majority of population in the district. People keep goats and sheep for dairy, wool and meat. The milk of small ruminants is commonly used in the district. Women process the milk to produce cheese, butter, etc. Sheep are usually kept in herds, varying in size from 20 to 1,000 animals. The average herd is around 75. A common man in the district will have sheep and goats to support his family.

The poultry sector is growing at the private sector level for personal use. There is a poultry farm run by the Livestock Department, with a manager, office assistant and other staff, including 8 poultry attendants. The poultry sector for commercial purpose at private level is not so much developed, though progress is being made.

The most common livestock diseases are viral diseases (HS). There are two kinds of HS: Black water quarter and Anthra. Anthra is common among small ruminants. There are three kinds of parasites, liver flood, wire worm, and lung worm in large and small ruminants. Diseases like "Enterotximia", "caprice ploro phumenia", and "sheep pox" are common in small ruminants. The district is not adequately covered with enough vaccination programmes.

The most common disease among poultry is the highly contagious "New Castle". The disease is more likely to occur among "farmi" (both broiler and layer) chickens than "Desi" (domestic).

Zhob district has its own Veterinary Officer for disease control. Mobile dispensaries go around the district from time to time.

Women use traditional cures to treat animal diseases.

The total number of veterinary hospitals in the district is four. There are 57 veterinary dispensaries, but a number of them are not working because of lack of staff and proper buildings. There is one Artificial Insemination (A.I.) Centre and one Disease Investigation Laboratory (D.I.L) Unit.

At the district level the Livestock Department is headed by an Assistant Director in BPS 18. There are ten veterinary doctors/officers for disease control, artificial insemination and for the veterinary hospitals in Zhob district. The Deputy Director’s office is located in Loralai.

The livestock sector has much potential. It is one of the most important sectors to provide a source of livelihood to a large section of the district’s population. The sector mostly involves small ruminants. Sheep and goats are the most important species found in the district. They are raised herds with herd sizes varying anywhere from 20 to 1,000. The average herd is 75 heads. Zhob district, unlike many other areas in Balochistan, is not faced with constraints to enhancing the productivity of small ruminants due to deteriorating range lands. The carrying capacity of existing ranges is still enough to support the livestock sector.

The growing of cattle is also very common in the district and the cattle population has grown steadily in numbers, but productivity still remains below potentially achievable levels. For draught and transport purposes camels, horses, donkeys and mules are used.

Livestock sector development in the district is faced with the following constraints. There are no training facilities for farmers to improve their skills in livestock raising. A number of existing dispensaries are not well-maintained. No systematic and disciplined review of the livestock staff requirements has been carried out by the Livestock Department.

Women’s role in poultry, milk processing, preparing food and cleaning abodes is not well recognised by men nor the Livestock Department. Measures to promote the livestock sector need to take into account the invisible participation of women, who so far do not have access to either loans or training programmes.

Fishing potential in the district exists, but is very limited. Fishing is possible only in Zhob river, near dams and in ponds.

There are four fish species found in the Zhob river, ponds and delay dams. According to the Fisheries Department, they belong to the group of fish found in cold and mild cold area. They are "Rohu" (Labeo Rohita), "Morkhi" (Carrihina Mirgla), Thella" (Catla) and "Mali" (Wallago Attu). The availability of "Trout" would be possible in the areas with high altitude, but there is not enough water available.

Fishing is prohibited from June 1 to August 31 each year because of the breeding season.

The techniques are traditional. The fish is caught with hooks and nets. There are two kinds of netting, technically termed "Cost Nets" and "Gill Nets". Fishing is done without any license. Hooks are mostly used for fishing in streams.

Because of the small quantities and low quality, caught fish is rarely sold on the market.

There is an Assistant Director Office in BPS 17 for Fishery in Loralai. The office is responsible for the development and maintenance of fisheries for the whole division. Under him are a number of Inspectors.

The fishery sector in the Zhob district has no potential, because of the little availability of fishing-water. The only source of fishing is Zhob river which has the average depth of one to two metres. It is a river but has the water smaller than a stream. Fishing potential in ponds and delay dams is also very limited as the quantity of water is scarce. The development of fishery through artificial ponds is technically possible, but then still the climate of the district is not very suitable for fishing.

The district has big potential for social and natural forestry. A large area of the district has vegetation. There are two state reserves in the district. The total area covering forest (social forest) is around 13,010 Ha.

There are two forestry reserves in the district. A forestry reserve can be defined as "any forest or waste-land which is the property of government, or over which the government has proprietary rights, or to the whole or any party of the forest-produce of which the government is entitled".

An area of about 12,000 ha is declared as state forest. There are seven state forests. Important forest areas are Shin Garh State forest with an area of 1,500 Ha with largely pine-nut trees. The Suleiman mountain range has approximately 4,800 Ha. of forest. There are two private forests, around 1,000 Ha. with commercially grown pine-nut trees. There is block plantation in Kapip area state forest which is around 50 Ha. There is more block plantation in different places of the district covering around 100 Ha. There has been a number of other chunks of forestry, commercial and natural. Road side plantation has a length of 15 to 20 kilometres (along National Highways).

Commercial forestry in the district is for production of pine-nut and timber. The pine-nut forests are very profitable. The growth of forest for commercial timber forestry is in Sherani sub-division.

The major vegetation in the area other than agricultural area is classified into forest area which comprises block plantation, canal side plantation, road side plantation, and farm forestry. The major vegetation includes species of Eucalyptus, Acacia, Dalbergia, Zizyphis, Albizzia, Azadricha and Sesbania. Alkagae Camalerum, Kikar (acadia Arabica), Kandi, tamarix and Tali are rare. The growth of Meskat is common along canals area with water logging and salinity.

The cutting, marketing and processing is largely done by private enterprises. According to the Forestry Department, government auctioning of forest trees is through private contractors. Illegal cutting is common in rural areas. It mostly includes small trees and bushes for household fuel consumption.

The Department in Zhob district is headed by a Divisional Forest Officer who is stationed in Zhob city. Under him is one Range Officer, one Forester, 27 Forest Guards, 3 Game Watchers and clerical staff.

The district is known for a variety of wildlife species. It includes migratory and non-migratory species. The migratory birds include the sand grouse, pigeons, cranes, and ducks. Zhob district is a migratory corridor to a number of birds from Central Asia and Siberia. The outskirts of the district are staging areas for a variety of migratory wildlife birds, particularly the cranes. Each year a large number of cranes are trapped by professional hunters with the help of tamed cranes. Each year professional crane hunters are reported to have come to Zhob from NWFP, particularly Bannu.

Non-migratory birds include brown partridges, Chakoor, and Sesi. They used to be common in the area, but their numbers have reduced due to excessive shooting, poaching and netting by professional hunters. Zhob’s bushy and mountainous terrain are teemed with wolves, jackals, and foxes. Leopards and bears are found in the Suleiman range. There is no sanctuary in the district, nonetheless, a ban is imposed on shooting in the district by the district administration on behalf of higher authorities.

There is a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) branch in the district to preserve the wildlife, natural forest and environment.

Bee-keeping is non-existent in Zhob district. Honey is secured from wild bee-hives. The area has potential for bee-keeping as there is plenty of wild vegetation and horticultural crops, particularly orchards.

The district is largely covered with forests. The area has potential for natural and social forestry. Forests are both privately and government owned. Most of the pine-nut forest in Shinghar and Suleiman range are privately owned. They are grown on commercial basis. Pine-nut forests are a source of livelihood for a large part of the population.They are not forests but trees that are individually owned. A family may have a number of trees divided among its members.

Tree cutting is very common in the area. There is a lack of awareness about the negative effects of deforestation. The Forestry Department does not seem to be playing an effective role in the preservation of forests and plantations.

A number of mineral resources are reported, but no calculations have been made of the costs of exploration and exploitation.

There is an office of an Assistant Director for mining in Loralai. He is accountable for any mining/mineral activities in Zhob. Mining activities are almost negligible in the district.

The district, as mentioned, is believed to have a number of mineral deposits, but they are neither explored nor estimated for costs. Potential for mineral exploitation seems almost not present.

The industrial sector in the district is underdeveloped and negligible. There is no industry or manufacturing unit in the district. There are only small industrial units in the district.

There is only one carpet centre in Zhob city. There is no other significant small enterprise development.

The following are the manufacturing units. There are 20 shellers and hullers, 15 flour mills, 8 ice factories, 8 oil expellers and 35 brick clins.

In Zhob district no trade is noticed as import or export, but a wide variety of goods is smuggled into the district from Afghanistan through Qamar din Karez and other shingle routes.

The district is endowed with a number of picnic spots and has scenic beauty, however, no regular tourism development has taken place. Important picnic spots are Saliaza Kapip, Viala, Babar, Shinghar and Badanzai, all in 50 km. distance from Zhob city.

Objects of major archaeological interests in the district are a number of mounds, ruins, and caves. By some they are believed to be part of a very early period of history, but most experts say that they belong to the Mughal period. They are now turned into ruins and have been dug by the local population for coins, gold and mud. Some people have found coins, silver figures and pieces of gold while digging mud for the construction of houses and ploughing agricultural land.

At a distance of 5 kilometres from Zhob lies mound "Paryano Ghundi" (the mound of witches). It is the biggest of all mounds found in the district. It is also known as "Mughalo Ghundi" (in British imperial gazetteer mentioned as "Maghlia ghundi"). The ruins are spread over an area of 200 yards, and still show the signs of a city that existed in the past. The mound was excavated by Sir Aurel Stein in 1924 and revisited in 1950. According to his dairy, the Zhob civilisation belonged to the period of 2500 BC. Items found are figures of the Zhob mother goddess, lead shaped stone, and bronze arrow points and magnificent bull figures of terra-cotta. Also pieces of fine black on red pottery has been found, some of which suggests the famous Harappan pottery. Other mounds can be found in Mina Bazaar and near Dera village.

The handicrafts include traditional women’s embroidery work. Embroidery is not done on a very large scale. Sometimes women sell their work to earn some extra money. The work is bought by middlemen at a very low price. This situation is the result of lack of home industry, lack of access to the market for women and lack of attention from the Industrial Department to this unique skill.

Zhob has no services for small and medium sized enterprises and industrial development.

The area has potential for development of agro-industry. It has the availability of cheap labour, land, roads and rail links, and electricity supply. Still, the industrial units which were issued NOCs have not started functioning yet. It is because infrastructure facilities have not been made available by the government. There are rich and influential landowners in the area, but they are not interested in starting up industries. The landlord culture surpasses the industrial one.

There are no vocational and training institutes, nor are there credit or marketing facilities available. Women are involved in embroidered handicrafts, but this time consuming activity is not properly rewarded. Credit and marketing facilities are required in this respect.

The infrastructure and communication system in the district is very much neglected.

The number of metalled roads in the district is very small. The majority of the roads are shingle. The main road which links Quetta with Killa Saifullah and Zhob is a National Highway. There is a metalled road which links Zhob with D.I.Khan through Danasar. It was built by the (army) Frontier Works Organisation. The road linking Zhob with Waziristan is metalled, but is not very well maintained near the border at Gul Kach bridge.

Mini bus and bus services are available from dawn to dusk. Travelling at night is uncommon as it is regarded to be unsafe, except on the highway.

There is one Excise and Taxation Officer for the district for the registration of both private and government vehicles. Some plates are marked with a T indicating Tribal; these are exempted from tax. In Zhob district, however, a large number of vehicles are without registration, particularly in the case of smuggled Iranian motor cycles. A large number of tractors are without any registration also.

The airport at Zhob has also a military base.

The train service from Quetta to Zhob was established in 1916. It was actually built from Bostan to Khanai (3 km off Bostan) to Muslimbagh (previously called Hindubagh) as a private siding for Balochistan Chrome Ore Company for exploration of the Chrome Ore

mines near Muslim Bagh. Later on it was extended to Fort Sandeman (Zhob). It ran from Bostan railway station, at 30 kilometres distance from Quetta, to Zhob city. It served as an important means of transportation of goods. People travelled for shorter distances. The highest altitude railway station on this route was Kan Matarzai at 2800 metres. The total distance of the track was 295 kilometres. In total there were 11 railway stations on the track. The train service was abandoned in 1985, as it was uneconomic and the tracks were not properly maintained.

There is a radio station in Zhob. The station started functioning on experimental basis. Television sets have become more common. The signal is transmitted from Loralai. The use of dish antennas is growing, though still many conservative people do not allow satellite tv in their homes. The use of dish antenna in restaurants is limited.

The telephone system in Zhob is connected to the national system. The telephone office is under a Sub-Divisional Officer. The total number of connections in Zhob city is 815. There are six exchanges in the district with telephone connections as follows on 30 April, 1997: Mani Kwa 31, Walaak (not functioning), Qamardin Karaz 13, Babar 14, Omza (hometown of Rahim Mandokhel MPA) 22, and Badanzai 6.

The postal service in Zhob is partially developed. There are three departmental sub offices at Zhob city, Zhob GPO and Qamardin Karez respectively. There are nine extra-departmental branches at Killi Appozai, Killi Ibrahim Khel, Killi Gohar Appozai, Killi Lowara, Mani kwa, Mir Ali Khel, Sambaza, Shinghar and Sharan Jogazai. The sub-post offices have license renewal facilities. The Superintendent of Post Offices is stationed in Loralai.

Zhob has a courier service, making use of the flights coming and going from the airport near Zhob city.

There are six bank branches in Zhob city: the Allied Bank, the National Bank of Pakistan, the Muslim Commercial Bank, the United Bank of Pakistan, the Habib Bank and the Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan (ADBP). There is also an ADBP branch in Murga Kibzai.

The Women’s Development Bank does not have a branch in the district, though none of the other banks provide credit facilities especially for women.

There is no piped gas provision in the district. People depend on gas cylinders. They are used selectively in urban areas. The use of gas cylinders in rural areas is very rare.

The sub-division of Zhob is under a SDO of WAPDA. The Xen office is in Loralai. There is a grid station in Zhob facilitating the supply from Quetta and Sibi power lines. Its capacity is 132 KV. Because of the inadequacy of power supply against load-power, load-shedding frequently happens.

10. Rest Houses

There are few rest/guest houses in the district. There are three guest houses in Zhob city of B & R, Irrigation, and Livestock. The one of the Livestock Department is not very good. There are two semi-furnished guest houses at Qamardin Karez and Sherani.

There is an old FC Mess established in 1892. There are two Army Officer Messes --- all well furnished. A VIP who visits Zhob district for a night stays in FC Mess. The PA house (Castle) has got two well furnished rooms designed for a VIP night stay. The staying of VIP in Castle is also commonly reported.

Piped gas is not available. Though there is a demand for it, not only in Zhob city, but also in big villages like Kandaka and Bhanwar, the provision of gas is not given priority.

Credit for women to generate income is becoming a development trend since the Grameen Bank experience in Bangladesh. However, banks nor NGOs have initiated any such scheme to encourage women’s economic participation in this area.

The main source of drinking water in the district are springs. These springs are canalized. The water is often stored in tanks, either community- or private tanks. In Zhob city in most cases community tanks are used. In rural areas people, in most cases women, fetch water from other sources like streams and wells. But also in rural areas tanks are used.

Although the water from springs is clean, there is a need for filtration of water. A new system with two tanks is introduced. In the first tank water is stored to let the solid waste settle down, while in the second tank the water is made bacteria free.

The Public Health Engineering Department has undertaken 97 water supply schemes. These schemes serve a total population of 79,000, which is 23% of the total population in the district. Others are dependent on private tanks, streams, wells, etc.. Obviously an expansion of the PHED activities is required. Especially Mani Kwa and Sherani are priority areas for an expanded provision of drinking water.

The drinking water administration comes under the Executive Engineer, Health Engineering Department PHED, that serves both Qilla Saifullah and Zhob districts. There is a SDO stationed in Zhob sub-division and there are sub-engineers in Sherani and Qamar-din-Karez.

The ground water sub-sector is negligible in Zhob district.

As of yet, sanitation does not come under the PHE. The intention is that PHE will be involved with sanitation. This is quite a challenge. Government attention is needed to alleviate the poor sanitary situation in the district.

As mentioned in 7.1.2, the Public Health Engineering Department comes under the Executive Engineer, at Zhob city. He is accountable for the two districts of Zhob and Killa Saifullah. Under him are three SDOs: at Muslim Bagh, Killa Saifullah and Qamardin Karez. The EXEN office comprises accountant, headman, tracer etc.

Nearly one quarter of the population is provided with drinking water through schemes of PHED. It is obvious that this percentage has to be increased in future through the implementation of more schemes. The filtration of water should receive proper attention as well.

Since women are involved to a great extent in fetching water, it is imperative to take women's needs into consideration while planning and implementing water supply schemes.

The sanitation in the district is in a poor state. It is hoped that the intended involvement of PHED will bring about a substantial change. A new system of sewerage is an option that should be seriously considered, provided enough funds can be obtained for such a project.

The population of the district largely depends on the government run hospital, dispensaries, RHC/BHU etc. for free medical service. The medical resources in the district are inadequate for the rural areas. There is only one hospital at Zhob city. The other two sub-divisions have a RHC with 34 beds capacity. The hospital has limited lab, X-ray, and other examination facilities. The hospital has vacancies for specialists, which are not filled because many specialist are not willing to work in rural areas like Zhob district. The hospital capacity cannot meet the demand for health care in the district.

The district has a small number of private practitioners serving in Zhob and other small towns. They charge reasonable prices. Complicated cases are referred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) at Zhob which has better medical facilities and a proper team of specialists. Civilians have restricted access to the military hospital, but many of the hospital specialist have a private practice for civilians in the evenings.

The major diseases in the district are diarrhoea, typhoid, gastro-enteritis, malaria, tuberculosis and hepatitis. Skin diseases are also common. The major factors accountable for incidence of these diseases are illiteracy and poor family hygienic conditions. The lack of literacy among women has adverse effects on family hygiene, nutrition, health, family size and education of children. The people are unaware of or less inclined to practice family planning. Diarrhoea leads to a high rate of infant mortality each year. Malaria is very common in the district, even in winter cases of malaria are reported in the hospital. Preventive measures against malaria, hepatitis and diarrhoea are hardly taken.

Cases of gastro-enteritis and hepatitis are a result of the use of contaminated water from the canal, ponds and water tanks.

Malnutrition, especially lack of consumption of dairy products, are a bottleneck for the treatment of tuberculosis patients.

Maternal mortality/fertility rates are high in the district due to lack of preventive health care facilities.

The district health administration comes under the District Health Officer. The DHO office comes under the Director of Health in Loralai. The hospital at Zhob comes under the Medical Superintendent, who is accountable for the functioning of staff at the hospital.

x minor involvement

xx substantial involvement

xxx major involvement

The health sector in the district needs development. There is only one hospital in the district which is at Zhob city. Those who can afford to pay for medical care prefer the CMH at Zhob. The two RHCs at Mani Khawa and Murgha Kibzai are below the health standard and fail to meet the needs of the people. The number of Medical Officers is very small. The dispensaries and BHUs are faced with a lack of staff. The rate of diseases common in the area has increased during the past years, because of the growth of the population and inadequate medical services available.

People are inclined to go to a "Hakim" and other traditional healers for common and complicated diseases such as hypertension, tuberculosis, malaria and childlessness and diarrhoea. The Hakims are traditionally educated without any advancement in medicine. There are a few homeopath doctors in the area. In rural areas persons with basic qualifications of dispenser and medical technician run small first aid practices.

Women’s health is a severe problem, as women do not have access to health care facilities. Either their health situation is ignored, or due to social and cultural norms they are not taken to a male doctor. The poor health of mothers affects the health of their children and the rest of the family. More lady doctors, who are regularly available, and other facilities to improve women’s health are needed.

In Zhob district, schooling has always been a neglected sector. The number of primary, middle and high schools in the district, was disappointingly low, particularly as far as girls’ schools are concerned, until very recently. Up to 1991 there was no middle school for girls and only one high school.

There are two important private schools: Paper Grammar and Army Public School. In addition to these there are two other small private schools.

The majority of the schools are government run schools. They come under the direct supervision of the District Education Officers, one male and one female. The female district education officer administers the two districts of Killa Saifullah and Zhob and is based in Muslim Bagh. The Male DEO is stationed in Zhob city. There are three categories of government run schools: primary, middle, and high schools. There used to be Mosque schools in the district, but they became government schools in 1993.

A primary school comprises two rooms. Most schools, including the girls’ schools do not have a boundary wall. The schools are government owned or donated by the MPA. A number of them are used as resting places. The total number of primary schools for boys is 371 with 14,920 students. The number of primary schools for girls is 40 with 4,157 students.

There is no vocational school in the district.

There are 22 boys’ schools with a total of 4,055 students (1,364 urban and 2,691 rural). There are 5 middle schools for girls with a total of 927 students (877 urban and 50 rural).

The total number of high schools is 7 for boys and 1 for girls. The total number of male students is 2,604 (2,329 urban and 275 rural). The total number of girls enrolled in high school is 711 (694 urban and 17 rural). The private school Grammar Model High School will start high level classes in 1998.

There is one degree college at Zhob city. The college was established in the 1960s and received its degree status in the early 1970s. Zhob college is one of the oldest colleges in the province. The college has a number of female students because there is no separate girls’ college. The number of girls aspiring to go to college is high, but many parents are reluctant to send their daughters to a boys’ college.

The school administration comes under a headmaster or head mistress. A head master or head mistress is supported by a number of teachers, drawing masters, science teacher, a clerk etc. The number and variety of staff varies from school to school.

The school buildings belong to the government of Balochistan. Building of private schools are privately owned. Some primary school building are funded by MPA funds and donated to the Balochistan government. There is little consistency in construction and style of school buildings. The majority of them lack playing grounds, boundary wall and latrines.

The education sector in the district is faced with a number of development issues. The number of middle and high schools for girls is not sufficient. The number of drop-outs from primary and middle schools, particularly girls, are high because of poverty and social unawareness of the parents. Drop-out rates decreased after the government and NGOs started distributing books and cooking oil.

The schools are short of qualified teachers, particularly science teachers. At times JV teacher teach in high school classes.

The literacy rate in the district is low among men and women both. However, the number of girls’ schools is much lower than the number of boys’ schools. The intermediate college for girls does not have a permanent building. It is temporarily housed in a private 4 room building. In today’s development initiatives, where women’s education is a major concern, efforts to increase opportunities for women need to be made. In Zhob district lack of education has maintained the social set-up with old and suppressive traditions. Health, employment, water and sanitation and environmental preservation are all underdeveloped mainly due to lack of education and awareness.

The trend of cheating in secondary and middle examinations has increased.

Attendance is not very high in rural areas, which accounts for the low standard of schooling in the district.

Football (soccer) is traditionally a very popular game in the district. There are frequently matches between local and national teams in the army football stadium. Football is played all over the district. There are a number of football teams/clubs.

Cricket is played in the cantonment and college area. The district has got an officer club (civilian), Zhob Militia club and an army officer club. There are a number of cricket clubs. Squash is popular among army and civilian officers.

There are two football stadiums, four playing grounds, two tennis courts and two squash courts.

The playing of traditional games such as wrestling and tent-pegging is observed in rural areas, but they are not very common.

The young people like to play sports. Football is particularly popular and is played all around the district. However, there are not enough sports facilities available in the district.

Traditional games are not much played anymore because of the process of modernisation.

The main objective of the series of District Profiles is to provide information on a wide range of sectors and subjects for each of the 26 districts in Balochistan. The result however creates the possibility to compare the districts among themselves and to compare the situation in each of them with the situation in Balochistan as a whole. To introduce this perspective, 32 indicators have been selected on which this comparison can take place. These indicators, and others, can be found on the following two pages. Each district can be ranked on each of the indicators. The relative position of Zhob district is reflected in the diagram on the third page. The diagram gives a bottom-up ranking: position nr.1 means the lowest score on that particular indicator, while position nr.26 implies the highest score.

An overall ranking of districts is not given, because that would mean attaching as certain weight to each of the indicators.

As far as Zhob district is concerned, the following observations can be made.

• With its 16,520 square kilometer, Zhob is about 3,000 square kilometer bigger than the average size of districts in Balochistan; the size of the area gives the district position nr.20, while the population (projected to be 344,122) puts it one position lower. The density of population is the same as the density for the whole of the province.

• The quantity of fruit production is comparatively high (fifth highest in the province), while the overall agricultural production puts the district in the middle category. The agricultural production value per hectare is the third highest, which might indicate a reasonably favourable productivity.

• Zhob district scores relatively high as far as the number of livestock units is concerned; it takes however a fairly low position in the ranking on pasture area and available pasture area per livestock unit. This would suggest that expansion of the livestock sector is only feasible through more intensive methods of production. The current value of livestock off-take per capita puts the district in the upper half of the ranking.

• The enrolment figures in primary education for both boys and girls belong to the middle category (position nr.13 and 10 respectively); while the pupils/teacher ratio is on the high side compared to the other districts (position nr.21 for boys and nr.17 for girls).

• All of the four health indicators fall in the middle category of rankings with the lowest score for the population per doctor ratio (position nr.9), although the number of population per bed is nearly twice the average in the province as a whole.

• Although exact figures on the coverage of water supply are not available, the impression is that also on this indicator the district takes a position in the middle.

• The density of metalled roads (length of road per square kilometer) is about 50% higher than the average in the province and gives Zhob district position nr.16. The situation with regard to shingle roads is less favourable: position nr.9 and a density which is 20% lower than the provincial average.

Although Zhob is one of the oldest districts in Balochistan, only 4 % of its geographical area is reported. This can be seen as an indication of its rugged environment. As far as is known, the potential area for cultivation is less than 3% of the total geographical area. The district is strategically located, bordering Afghanistan and the provinces of NWFP and Punjab. The population is estimated to be nearly 350,000, which makes the district exactly as densely populated as Balochistan as a whole.

The society in Zhob is male dominated and firmly rooted in tribalism. The role of the Khan (chief) of the tribe is however limited; many decisions are taken at tribal level with the consent of a group of elders. A large number of people in the district live a nomadic or semi-nomadic life. Most people live in a joint family; in particular in Zhob town the nuclear family system also exists.

It is a male dominated society with a subordinate position for women, especially in public life. Women have a much lower literacy rate. There is a gender imbalance with regard to access to educational and health services. The influence of women in politics and in decision making in general is not at all commensurate with their contribution to the economy (work in agriculture and livestock) and with the work they do in the household.

The role of local government institutions is potentially of utmost importance for the running of the district affairs and for the further development of the district, but is in reality severely handicapped because of financial constraints. NGOs play a very marginal role in the district.

The provincial government is the most influential actor, both in administrative sense as in developmental matters.

The rainfall in Zhob district (around 300 mm. a year) is one of the highest in Balochistan. It is of course not enough for a thriving agricultural sector. The main water input in agriculture is through irrigation, with springs and perennial rivers as the main sources. Horticulture is the most important sub-sector, especially due to the increased access to electricity. Apples are the biggest crop. The main constraints are the traditional growing methods, the limited supply of water (groundwater is not available). Tribal feuds have in a number of cases played a detrimental role as well in the further development of agriculture. The role of the middlemen in marketing is still big, which negatively influences the income of the growers.

The livestock sector provides a source of livelihood to a large section of Zhob's population. Many households have sheep and goats, in herds varying from 20 to 1,000. The livestock sector has potential, since the carrying capacity of the rangelands still can sustain an expansion of the numbers of animals. Constraints are the methods used in livestock raising and the lack of training and extension facilities to improve those methods. More attention should be given to the provision of veterinary care, especially to the maintenance of the dispensaries. The Livestock Department should review its staff requirements in order to provide adequate support to this important sector.

Private enterprises play an important role in forestry. Pine- nuts and timber are the most important products. The impression is that the Forestry Department could have a more beneficial impact on the sector. A well defined partnership between public and private sector could increase the contribution of the forestry sector to the economy of the district.

Industry can be considered as non-existent in Zhob, although there is a potential for agro- industry. Many elements of the required economic infrastructure are present (as road links, electricity). The money to invest in new industries is probably also locally available, but an industrial culture has not yet developed. Another constraint is the lack of a vocational training institute which could provide skilled labour.