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history of makran balochistan

Makrani Culture

Posted by: HistoryPak

In Pakistan the Makrani people are mostly found in Balochistan in the Makran Coast and in lower Sindh mainly in the Lyari area which comes under Karachi. The Makrani people are also known as Sheedis because of their physical appearance.

 

Background

It is believed that they belong to East Africa and came to this part of world between 1200 AD and 1900 AD. The first person of this tribe came to India in 628 AD and several others came in 712 AD when Islam came in the subcontinent. Historians says this tribe have been soldier with Muhammad bin Qasim’s army and were known as Zanjis. Their arrival to this part of world as increased in 17^th century when Portuguese sold them to local princes. They are divided into four tribes Kharadar Makan, Hyderabad Makan, Lassi Makan and Melaro Makan. They follow Pir Mangho as their saint.

Language

Their language is Makrani, Makrani is languages that is mixture of Balochi and Sindhi and have most of its dialogues are similar to Urdu and some of the phases are very similar to African language.

Religion

Most of the Makranies belongs to Islam and follow the Barelvi School of though. Pir Mangho is followed as the saint of Makranies and they also have an annual festival know as Sheedi Mela, in this festival they visit Mangho Pir and play music and dance.

Marriages

Makranies mostly have intermarried with the people of their own tribe; they marry mostly with the fisher people, labours dyeing and cloth Makers. On their marriage they organise special functions in which the sing, dance and celebrate the event many days before the actual marriage ceremony.

Music

Music is a major component of Makrani culture. In 1970 and 1990 Lyari produced its own music knows as “Lyari Disco”. The musical beats, song and dances are similar to Africa. Music is not just use for entertainment but it also comes in their faith. In 1980 Dimly-lit a small recording studio was established in Lyari where young men and women recorded music. The song “Bija Teer Bija” recorded in Lyari Disco was used in PPP electoral campaign during 1988. Younis Jani is a popluar singer of modern word who belongs to Makran and his songs are very famous now days.

 

Sports

Football is the one of the most famous sport among them especially in Layri and Pakistan Football team have players from Layri. Layri is also known as mini Brazil because they love Brazil football team like their own team.  After football boxing is the next most famous sport and Layri have produced many international boxers, these boxes also won Gold Medal in Olympic. The Donkey Race is also a famous sport, it start from Layri and ends at Galifton Karachi.

 

Climate

The Makrani region that comes under Balochistan is mountainous; there are three main ranges, the Makran Coast Range, the Centeak Makran Range and Siahan Range. The weather is too in this area; Turbat is dry and moderate in winter but hot in summer on the other hand Panjgur region is cold in winter and moderate hot in summer. Much of the region is mountainous. There are no rivers so agriculture relies on springs rains and underground watercourses. The Makrani that lives in lower Sindh face a bit different scenario the climate is neither too hot nor to cold.

Factors of Production

Makranies that lives in lower Sindh are mostly doing the fishing business. They have the largest labour force employed at the Karachi port and harbour. Lyari is the only area in Karachi that hardly gained any benefit from the industrial and economic growth that took place between 1950 and 1980.  As there are no river so there are no crops but Dates, coconuts, bananas, grains and pulses are important crops. The development of the new port at Gwadar is currently driving the local economy.

Rituals

The thing that is common in Makran and African culture that they still respect crocodiles and worship them. They keep crocodiles and feed them on the regular basis. Historian says the area was known as “Crocola” that means worship of crocodiles.

 

Heroes

This area of the Pakistan has produced many heroes for this land. Hoshu Sheedi was an army leader of Talpur Army and fought with British army and died in the defence of his land. Noon Meem Danish is a famous Urdu language poet that belongs to this part of the word. As boxing is famous sport and many Olympians boxers belongs to this area such as Mehrullah Lassi and Abdul Rasheed Baloch.  Ali Nawaz Baloch is a big name in the football history of Pakistan.

 

Politics

In 18^th century this part fell under the Khans of Kalat control. In 19^th century British had very little control over it. Since 1970 to 2008 elections Lyari has been an unbending state for Pakistan People Part (PPP). Z.A Bhutto’s manifesto has won the hearts of these people and from that manifesto they became loyal to PPP and after the hanged death of Z.A Bhutto they recorded lot of protests against Zia regime. Many of the Lyari people were jailed due to their support to Murtaza Bhutto. They also welcomed Benazir Bhutto with a large really on her return to Pakistan in 1986. Asif Ali Zardari and Benazir Bhutto marriage also took place in Lyari. Now many other political parties have opened their offices but still PPP is the strong party, so Layari has a major contribution in the politics of Pakistan.

Street Crimes

This area is also known for its streets crime. Every day some target killing and other incidents takes place. Mostly these activities are back up by political parties. The story began in 1960 when first time a gangster Kala Nag came in this area and started business of hashish and snatching. He gave birth to the other gangster groups later with the arrival of weapons they became more dangerous and political parties start using these groups for their personal motives.

http://historypak.com/makrani-culture/

History of quetta

Quetta

http://historypak.com/quetta/

Quetta is also spelled Kuwatah which is a variation of Kot, a Pashto word meaning “fortress.” It is believed the city’s name is derived from the four imposing hills (Chiltan, Takatu, Zarghoon and Murdaar) that surround the city and form a natural bulwark. Quetta, is the provincial capital of, the Balochistan province of Pakistan. It is also Known as the Fruit Garden of Balochistan due to the diversity of its plant and animal wildlife, Quetta is situated at an average elevation of 1,680 meters (5,500 ft) above sea level, making it Pakistan’s only high-altitude major city. The population of Quetta was 11,000 in 1891 to a total of between 1,865,137 and 2.8 million according to the 2012 reports which makes it the 6th largest city in Pakistan.

 

Demographics

Quetta was a part of Afghanistan but in 19th century it was made part of British Raj. Quetta mainly comprises of Pashtun, It also have Baloch, Hazaras, Punjabi and other Minority Groups. Pashto is the language spoken by majority of Quetta residents. Other languages include Brahui, Balochi, Urdu, Punjabi,Saraiki, Hazaragi, and Sindhi.

Geography

The area of Quetta is 2,653 km²  , which is surrounded by Four Mountains which acts as a natural fort. Quetta has an imported strategic location, because it act as a trade route between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Bolan Pass is also located there which is the gate way to South Asia.

History

The area was in control by Kasi Tribe Pashtun. The first important incident of Quetta is from the 11th century when it was captured by Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi during his invasions of South Asia. In 1543, the Mughal emperor Humayun rested in Quetta on his retreat to Safavid Persia, leaving his one-year-old son Akbar in the city. In 1828 the first westerner visit Quetta. Quetta originally belongs to Afghanistan. It was briefly captured by British during First Afghan War in 1839, in 1876 Quetta became part of British Empire. British Troops constructed the infrastructure for their establishment as it was a strategic location. By the time of the earthquake on 31 May 1935 Quetta had developed into a bustling city with a number of multistory buildings. The epicentre of the earthquake was close to the city and destroyed most of the city’s infrastructure and killed an estimated 40,000 people. After many years the city has been rebuilt mainly with local funds.. However multi-story buildings are also built, while a number of buildings of three to five floors are being constructed in the city.

 

The predominantly Muslim population supported the Muslim League and the Pakistan Movement. On joining Pakistan, Quetta was made the capital city of the newly created province of Balochistan before it was combined with other Balochi princely states (Kalat, Makran, Lasbela and Kharan) to form the Baloch province. Quetta remained the capital of the province until 1959 when the provincial system was abolished under Ayub Khan. After the 1971 war, the provincial system was re-instated, and Quetta was once again made capital of Balochistan. Most of the Population of this City belongs to Pastun Tribes i.e., Alizai, Kasi, Kakar, Khilji, Syed, Durrani.

 

Culture

Quetta as a city has a vast historical background due to which there culture and tradition are very strong. There are many ethnic groups in Quetta but there cultural values are closely linked. The reason can be the same religion they share.

 

People of Quetta are not violent as they are portrayed in previous years, they are loving, caring and very welcoming. It has been only a decade or two when the people have turned like this. Maybe it is their necessity to protect themselves and their families from the hostiles which have entered their city and creating violence.

The mode of dress among the Balochi, Pashtun and Brahvi tribes is very similar having a few minor dissimilarities. Turban is the common headwear of the men. Wide loose shalwar and knee-long shirts are worn by all. The dress of the woman consists of the typical shirt having a big pocket in front. The shirt normally has embroidery work with embedded small round mirror pieces. Big ‘Dopatta’ or ‘Chaddar’, a long rectangular piece of cloth cascading down the shoulders and used to cover head, are used by the women.

Traditional Pashto music is mostly klasik ghazals, using rubab or sitar, tabla, portable harmonium, fluteand several other musical instruments. The famous two dance of Pashtuns is the Attan and Khatak dance, which was mainly done in the war time for the leisure time but later on being made a part of their culture. And now it is famous all over the world. Where ever Pakistan is been represented these dances are shown not only part of Quetta but a part of Pakistan Culture.

 

As Quetta being part of Muslim State, the two Eid festivals which mark the end of fasting and the end of the Hajj allow the majority Muslim community to put on musical shows, distribute sweets and presents among the relative and the poor.

Buzkashi is a festival or sport celebrated by Pashtuns in which two teams ridding on horse, attempt to snatch a goat from each other. The people of Quetta like football as a sport more than cricket or hockey which is National Game of Pakistan.

Quetta’s bazaars specialty are colorful handicrafts, Balochi mirror work and Pashtun embroidery.Afghan rugs, fur coats, embroidered jackets, waistcoats, sandals, and other traditional Pashtun items are also famous and imported in western countries as well.

The soil of Quetta is also very rich, as they are one of the biggest exporter of Fruits and Dry fruits, as well almonds. Much of the fruit is been distributed from Quetta alone in Pakistan. The famous dry fruits products are also distributed from Quetta.

The Pashtun traditional dishes such as Kadi kebab and Lamb Roash and Balochi Saji and other traditional delicious dishes are available around the city especially at Prince Road, Jinnah Road, Serena Hotels. The Pashtun tribal cuisine “Roash” which non-locals call “Namkin” is to be found in both city restaurants as well as in the outlying areas. Some of the finest mutton in the country is raised around Quetta and is a mainstay of local cuisine. The Pashtun tribal dish, “Landhi”, is made of a whole lamb which is dried and kept fresh during the cold winters. “Khadi Kebab” is a lamb barbecue while “Sajji” and “Pulao” are other local dishes.

history of kalat.

The Khans of Kalat were founded by a Brahui hill chieftain named Kumbar (or Kambur). His tribe was hired by Sehwa, the Raja of Kalat, a Hindu princely state, to protect against marauding tribes from the Multan, Shikarpur and Upper Sind areas. Kumbar and his troops successfully repressed the incursion, but afterward, they deposed the raja and Kumbar became the first Vali. Kalat state was founded in 1638, then acceded to Pakistan on 31st March 1948 and ceased to exist on 14th October 1955 as it became part of West Pakistan province. It had an area of 141,673 km2 with capital: Kalat City. The khanate of Kalat had originally been a feudatory of Kabul. Its rulers, the Wali, later became a trusted leader in the army of Ahmad Shah Durrani, who in 1761 invaded India and crushed both Mughal and Maratha forces at the battle of Panipat. The territories controlled by the state fluctuated over the centuries but eventually were established by treaties with the British Agent Robert Sandeman in the late 19th century. In 1839 Kalat was taken by the British, and the Wali, Mehrab Khan, was killed. The victors then installed his son, Nasir Khan, as ruler and in 1854 a formal treaty was executed. From that time Kalat came under British control, with the Government of India frequently acting as referees in disputes between the Wali and his chiefs. Parts of the state to the north and northeast were leased or ceded to form the province of British Baluchistan which later gained the status of a Chief Commissioners province. Languages spoken are Persian and Baluchi.                           1638            Kalat State founded.      14 May 1854            Under British protection.             1876            British protectorate.      31 Mar 1948            Kalat accedes to Pakistan.      03 Oct 1952            Joins Baluchistan States Union.      14 Oct 1955            State extinguished.   Mughal Empire...........................................1595 - 1638 KAMBARANI, Ahmadzai segment (titles: Wali, Begler Begi Khan) Mir Hassan Khan Mirwari.................................1638 - 1666 The Mirwaris, from the whom the Ahmadzais are descended, claim Arab origin. In their earlier legends we find them living at Surab near Kalat, and extending their power thence in wars with the Jats or Jadgals. They then fell under the power of the Mughals; but one of their chiefs, Mir Hassan, regained the capital from the Mughal governor, and he and his successors held Kalat till 1955. The rulers of Kalat were never full independent. There was always a paramount power to whom they were subject. In the earliest times they were merely petty chiefs; later they bowed to the orders of the Mughal emperors of Delhi and to the rulers of Kandahar. They supplied men-at-arms on demand. Most peremptory orders from the Afghan rulers to their vassals of Kalat are still extant, and the predominance of the Sadozais and Barakzais was acknowledged so late as 1838. For the first 150 years, up to the death of Mir Mahmud Khan I, a gradual extension of power took place and building up of a constitution by looking at the condition of the country, marvel of political sagacity and practical statesmanship. Mir Ahmad Khan I........................................1666 - 1695 It is from Mir Ahmad that the eponym Ahmadzai is derived. Mir Ahmad made successive descents on the plains of Sibi. Mir Mehrab Khan I..............................................1695 Mir Samandar Khan.......................................1695 - 1713 He extended his raids to Zhob, Bori and Thal-Chotiali. He levied an annual sum of 40,000 Rupees from the Kalhoras of Sind. Mir Ahmad Khan II.......................................1713 - 1714 Mir Abdullah Khan.......................................1714 - 1734 He is known as the greatest conqueror of the dynasty. He turned his attention westward to Makran, while in the north-east, captured Pishin and Shorawak from the Ghilzai rulers of Kandahar. He was eventually slain in a flight with the Kalhoras at Jandrihar near Sanni in Kachhi. Mir Mohabat Khan........................................1734 - 1749 He was granted the title of Beglar Begi (Chief of Chiefs) by Shahanshah Nadir Shah of Persia in 1739. Mir Mohabat obtained through Nadir Shah in 1740 the cession of Kachhi, in compensation for the blood of Mir Abdullah Khan and the men who had fallen with him. Mir Hosayn Nasir Khan I.................................1749 - 1794 He was the brother of Mir Mohabat Khan. Through the wisdom of both brothers, they developed stronghold in their state. Mir Hosayn Nasir Khan ruled 44 years, known to the Brahuis as "The Great", and the hero of their history. In these years, he ruled with strenuous administration and organization interspersed with military expeditions. He accompanied Ahmad Shah in his expeditions to Persia and India, while at home he was continuously engaged in the reduction of Makran. After nine expedition, he obtained the rights from the Gichkis to collect half of the revenues. He was distinguished for his prudence, activity and enterprise. He was essentially a warrior and a conqueror and his space time was spent in hunting. He was most attentive to religion and enjoined on his people strict attention to the precepts of Islamic laws. His rule was also free from internecine conflicts, which were subsequently happening in the past. Mir Mahmud Khan I.......................................1794 - 1816 Some revolts happened in his reign. In 1810, Henry Pottinger visited his capital and left a record of his experiences, published in 1816 as "Travels in Beloochistan and Sinde". Mir Mohammad Mehrab Khan II.............................1816 - 13 Nov 1839 His reign was a struggling one with his chiefs. He murdered many of them. He became dependent on men of the stamp of Mulla Muhammad Hassan and Sayyid Muhammad Sharif, by whose treachery, at the beginning of the first Afghan War. Sir William Macnaghten and Sir Alexander Burnes were deceived into thinking that Mehrab Khan was a traitor to the British; that he had induced the tribe to oppose the advance of the British army through the Bolan Pass. Finally, when Sir Alexander Burnes was returning from a mission to Kalat, he was robbed, despite an agreement between the British and the Khan. This view determined the diversion of Sir Thomas Willshire's brigade from Quetta to attack Kalat in 1839. It was an act which has been described by Malleson as "more than a grave error, a crime", published in 1878 as "History of Afghanistan". The place was taken by assault and Mir Mehrab Khan was slain. A coin of Kalat of ruler Mir Mehrab Khan II as KM#11 is known (page 655 of 19th Century 1800-1900 Standard Catalog of World Coins, 3rd edition by Krause publication) Falus, Metal: Copper, Edge: Plain, Shape: Round or irregular, Mintage Years: AH 1237-1238 and 1240 (1822 - 1824 CE). Mir Shah Nawaz Khan.....................................1839 - 1840 He was appointed to succeed with Lieutenant Loveday as political officer. However it was not in his destined to occupy the throne for long and in 1840, a rebellion of the Sarawan tribesmen caused his abdication. Mir Muhammad Hassan, afterwards known as Mir Nasir Khan II, was placed. Mir Hosayn Nasir Khan II................................1840 - 1857 By the effort of Colonel Stacy, Mir Nasir Khan II was induced to submit to the British Government. Mir Nasir Khan II at first acknowledged Shah Shuja as the paramount power in Baluchistan, but subsequent events in Kabul caused this undertaking to be annulled. In 1854, as a consequence of the European imbroglio with Russia, a formal treaty; the first of those with Kalat, was concluded with the British Government. Quarrels broke out between him and the chiefs and perhaps Mir Nasir Khan II died by poison in 1957. He was succeeded by Mir Khudadad Khan, a mere boy. Mir Khudadad Khan (1st time)............................1857 - Mar 1863 One of the first acts of the new ruler was to open fire with his guns on the chiefs, who lay encamped near the city of Kalat. Due to this his had seven major and many minor rebellion till 1876. Mir Sherdil Khan (usurped to throne)................Mar 1863 - May 1864 In March 1863, through the machinations of Mulla Muhammad Raisani, Sherdil, attempted to assassinate his cousin Mir Khodadad Khan, but succeeded only in wounding him. A general insurrection ensued, Sherdil Khan was declared ruler and Khudadad Khan retired to the frontier. Mulla Muhammad later joined the other side and Mir Khudadad regained the throne in May 1864. Mir Khudadad Khan (2nd time)........................May 1864 - 15 Aug 1893 Revolt after revolt followed, until an attempt was made by the Commissioner of Sind to arbitrate between the parties in 1873. It proved abortive and Major Harrison, the British Agent was thereupon withdrawn and Mir Khudadad Khan's subsidy was stopped. At this juncture, Sir Robert (then Major) Sandeman appeared on the scene. His first mission to Kalat in 1875 was not entirely successful. Immediately after his departure from capital, Nur-ud-din, the Mengal chief, with many of his followers, were slain by Mir Khudadad Khan. Mir Khudadad Khan believed that Nur-ud-din and his men were making a plot to kill him and were a major treat to his life. A few months later Major Sandeman was again on spot, accompanied by a large escort. By Major Sandeman's tact and firmness the Mastung agreement, the Magna Charta of the Brahui confederacy, was drawn up on July 13, 1875 and read out formally in Darbar. Thus British Government was now accepted the responsible paramount power for preserving peace in the country and therefore a fresh treaty was concluded with Mir Khudadad Khan in December 1876. In the following year Sir Robert Sandeman was appointed from Agent to Governor-General and a new Province under British India, was created as Baluchistan on October 01, 1877 as Quetta was permanently occupied on June 19, 1877 being it's capital. During Sir Robert Sandeman's lifetime, no serious revolts occurred in spite of these changes in the region. In March 1893, the chief accountant, with his father, his son and a follower were murdered by Mir Khudadad Khan. He suspected that these people were making a plot to kill him. Later Khudadad Khan's abdication was subsequently accepted by Government of India in favour of his son, Mir Mahmud Khan. Mir Khudadad Khan was shortly afterwards removed with his second and third sons to Loralai and they start living in Pishin. KM#21 (page 655 of 19th Century 1800-1900 Standard Catalog of World Coins, 3rd edition by Krause publication) Falus Year: 1293 AH (1876 CE). Metal: Copper. Weight: 5.57g. Diameter: 27.0 mm x 22.5 mm. Edge: Plain. Shape:Round, irregular or rough-cut octagonal. Ruler:Wali Mir Khudadad Khan [2nd time (AH 1274-1311] citing: Mahmud Khan Durrani. In 1893 the Wali was deposed for misrule and Kalat's mint was closed. Mintage Years: AH 1281-1282, 10786 & 1186 (for 1286), 1290, 1293-1296 and even some without date. Kalat under British influence from 1875 to 1948 Mir Mahmud Khan II...............................10 Nov 1893 - 03 Nov 1931 In 1897 the wave of unrest, which passed down the frontier, made itself felt in Baluchistan, where a movement among the Sarawan chiefs, which might have had serious consequences, was averted by the arrest and imprisonment of two of the ringleaders. In the same year an outbreak occurred in Makran, and British troops engaged the Makran rebels at Gokprosh in January 1898 and the ringleader with many of his followers were slain. Another outbreak occurred in Makran in 1901, which was also put down by British troops by the capture of Nodiz fort. Nawab Bahadur Mir Mohammad Azam Jan Khan.........03 Nov 1931 - 10 Sep 1933 Abdul Karim Baloch, his youngest son, educated in Karachi, served as the governor of Makran province until March 1948. Also known as Prince Abdul Karim Khan was the younger brother of Khan of Kalat , Mir Ahmad Yar Khan, the last ruler of Balochistan. After the British left Balochistan on 13th August 1947. The Khan declared to join Pakistan. However, protests broke out and people demanded internal political sovereignty. The refusal to grant autonomy to Balochistan and the continued existence of the Sandeman system resulted in civil unrest. On the night of 16th May 1948, Prince Abdul Karim Khan, decided to lead a separatist movement against the Pakistan government. The prince asked help from Afghanistan, Iran and Soviet Union (Russia), but did not receive a positive and prompt response. The Prince invited the leading members of Baloch nationalist political parties; the Kalat State National Party, the Baloch League, and the Baloch National Workers Party, to join him in the struggle for the creation of an independent "Greater Balochistan." Apart from his political motives, the Prince was a member of the royal family and the former governor of the Makran province; he was upset by Pakistan's recognition of Sardar Bay Khan Gichki as Makran's ruler. The Prince was forced to return to the Khanate and negotiate for his demands peacefully. On 08th July 1948, when the news of the Prince's arrival reached Kalat, the Prime Minister and a Kalat State Force went to meet the Prince at Earboi to deliver the Khan's message. With Afghan aid, Abdul Karim entered Balochistan and organised a rebellion against Pakistan in the Jhalawan area. He received assistance from Mir Gohar Khan Zehri, an influential tribal leader of the Zarkzai clan. Major General Akbar Khan, who was in charge of the Pakistani army's Seventh Regiment, was ordered to attack the insurgents and force them to surrender. Prince Karim and his 142 followers were arrested and imprisoned in the Mach and Quetta jails. After the arrest of the Prince and his party, the Attorney Governor General gave an order for an inquiry, to be conducted by Khan Sahib Abdullah Khan, the Additional District Magistrate of Quetta. He submitted his report on 12th September 1948. His report was based on the Prince's activities and upon the letters and documents published by the separatist force. After the inquiry, R. K. Saker, the District Magistrate of Quetta, appointed a special Jirga (official council of elders of the same and surrounding tribes). This Jirga was instructed to study the circumstances and events which led to the revolt and was asked to give its recommendations to the District Magistrate. On 10th November 1948, the Jirga heard the testimony of the accused and gave its recommendations to the District Magistrate. on 17th November 1948, suggesting the delivery of the Prince to Loralai at the pleasure of the Government of Pakistan and various other penalties. The District Magistrate, in his order dated 27th November 1948, differed with the opinion of the Jirga and sentenced the Prince to ten years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of 5000 rupees. Other members of his party were given various sentences and fines. He founded Ustman Gal (People’s Party) and took part in the formation of the National Awami Party, he worked as the head of the branch of the ‘Sindhi, Baloch and Pakhtun front in Balochistan and died in 1986. To Pakistan from 1947 - date Capt. Mir Sir Ahmad Yar Khan (1st time)..........10 Sep 1933 - 14 Oct 1955 He was the son of Mir Mohammad Azam Jan Khan and the President of Council of Rulers from Apr 1948 to 14 Oct 1955. From 03 Oct 1952 to 14 Oct 1955 the four Baluchistan states (Kalat, Kharan, LasBela and Makran) form the Baluchistan States Union. As he was the Wali of Kalat, became Khan-e-Azam of the Union. He died in 1979.   Tom Hickinbotham (British Agent)...................1945 - 1947 Mir Ahmad Yar Khan (2nd time, in rebellion)......20 Jun 1958 - 1958 Mir Dawood Jan S/o Ahmad Yar Khan (pretender)...........1979 - Jan 1998 Mir Agha Suleiman Jan S/o Dawood (pretender)........Jan 1998 - date http://www.chiefacoins.com/Database/Countries/Kalat.htm

Introducing Ziarat Balochistan

Introducing Ziarat

The old British hill station of Ziarat was founded as a retreat from Quetta’s summer heat. It nestles in its eponymous valley, surround by ancient juniper forests at an altitude of 2600m, about 130km northeast of Quetta. With a residency, offices and even a sanatorium, it served as the administration’s summer capital, and now carries a slightly worn (though attractive) ‘end of empire’ feel.

Refreshingly cool in summer and almost invariably snow-clad in winter, Ziarat is a relaxing destination and a handy base for exploring the surrounding gorges and balding hills of juniper. Don’t get your hopes up too high, though – this may be lush for stark Balochistan, especially in spring, but northern Pakistan it isn’t.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/pakistan/balochistan/ziarat/introduction#ixzz44xq6xFTY

Introducing Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park

This 15, 555-hectare national park in the mountains, about 20km southwest of Quetta, is a showcase of the sort of ecosystems that were once far more widespread in Balochistan. Amid juniper, pistachio, almond and ash trees, a huge variety of bird life is present, from tiny warblers to vultures and eagles. Harder to spot is the impressive array of large mammal species. The most notable is the Chiltan markhor, a wild goat that now only persists in the park boundaries. Wolves, leopards and striped hyenas are also present, along with smaller species like porcupine.

The park is a protected area watched over by rangers who may be able to show you around. It’s particularly attractive in the spring when wildflowers abound. Permission to visit must be obtained from the Divisional Forestry Office (081-9211648; Sabzal Rd, Quetta), where you can also book accommodation at the park’s resthouse (only for day use). There isn’t any public transport to or from the park so you’ll need to hire a car. The entrance is only a couple of kilometres from the main Quetta–Mastung road. The PTDC office in Quetta can provide more details.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/pakistan/balochistan/hazarganji-chiltan-national-park/introduction#ixzz44xpGVqhh