BALOCHISTAN: History, tourist attraction and Culture

History      

The original inhabitants of ancient Baluchistan, were the aborigine tribes speaking languages related to Munda languages. The Dravidians are thought to have migrated from the Iranian plateau and settled in Baluchistan and the Indus valley around 4000 BC. The Brahui living in Baluchistan still speak a Dravidian language, thought to be a remnant from this earlier susbtrate. The Indo-European Indo-Aryan peoples, and other Indo-Iranian peoples, migrated from what is now Afghanistan and surrounding areas starting around 2000 BC, and settled in all regions of Pakistan. Later, these Aryan groups would become the Pakhtuns and the various Nuristani, Dardic, and other tribes that currently populate the region. Before the arrival of the Baloch, the region was populated by Brahui people|Brahuis|. Nearly all of Baluchistan, and what is today the country of Pakistan, was part by the Persian Achaemenid dynasty that ruled the area for over two hundred years beginning in 540 BC. In 326 BC, Alexander the Great defeated the Hindu king Puru (Porus, Paurava) at the Hydaspes near Jhelum and annexed the area to his Hellenistic empire. After Alexander's death and brief Seleucid control, Baluchistan remained part of the Persian empire.

From the 1st century to the 3rd century AD, the region was ruled by the Pāratarājas (lit. "Pārata Kings"), a dynasty of Indo-Scythian or Indo-Parthian kings. The dynasty of the Pāratas is thought to be identical with the Pāradas of the Mahabharata, the Puranas and other Indian sources.

They are essentially known through their coins, which typically exhibit the bust of the ruler on the obverse, with long hair within a headband), and a swastika within a Brahmi legend on the reverse (usually silver coins) or Kharoshthi (usually copper coins). The coins can mainly be found in the Loralai area of modern Pakistan.

Herodotus in 650 BC describes the Paraitakenoi as a tribe ruled by Deiokes, a Persian king, in northwestern Persia . Arrian describes how Alexander the Great encountered the Pareitakai in Bactria and Sogdiana, and had them conquered by Craterus (Anabasis Alexandrou IV). The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (1st century AD) describes the territory of the Paradon beyond the Ommanitic region, on the coast of modern Baluchistan.

During the Arab conquest of the Persian empire in the 8th century, Muslim technocrats, bureaucrats, soldiers, traders, scientists, architects, teachers, theologians and sufis flocked from the rest of the Muslim world and many settled in Baluchistan and its tributory state until the rise of the Mughals. Numerous Baloch tribes, an Iranian people, moved into the area from the west in the 11th century to escape the Seljuk Turks. Western Baluchistan was conquered by Iran in the 19th century, and its boundary was fixed in 1872. Omani influence waned in the east and Oman's last possession, Gwadar, was bought by Pakistan in 1958. In 1998 Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in the Pakistani province of Baluchistan. 

Languages

Balochistan, despite its scarce population, has an uncommon racial and tribal diversity. Most of the people in the cities and towns understand and speak more than two languages. In addition to Pashto, Balochi and Brahvi, majority of the population understand and speak Urdu, the national language. Quetta city, the confluence point of all linguistic groups accommodates not only Urdu, Pashto, Balochi, Brahvi and Sindhi speaking people but Punjabi, Darri and Persian speaking as well. In Kachhi district, people speak Seraiki and Sindhi whereas in Sibi district, Khajjak a sub-tribe of Kakar also speaks a language derived from Pashto & Sindhi. Dehwar tribe of Sarawan sub-division in Kalat also speaks a language derived from Persian.





Dresses
The mode of dress among the Pashtoon, Baloch and Brahvi tribes is very similar having a few minor dissimilarities. Turban is the common headwear of the men. Wide loose shalwar (a bit similar to loose trouser) and knee-long shirts are worn by all. The dress of the woman consists of 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.






Marriages
Marriages are solemnized in presence of Mullah (a religious teacher) and witnesses. Life partners are commonly selected within the family (constituting all close relatives) or tribe. Except a negligible fraction of love marriages, all marriages are arranged. Divorce rate is very low.

A lot of marriage rituals are celebrated in different tribes. In some tribes, the takings of “Valver”, a sum of money paid by the groom to his to be wife’s family, also exist. But this custom is now gradually dying out since it has given rise to many social problems. The birth of a male child is taken as a source of pride since he is thought to be the defender of family and tribe.




Festivals
Many religious and social festivals celebrated by the people of Balochistan. Two major religious festivals are Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-ul-Fitr. On these festivals, people adorn their houses, wear new dresses, cook special dishes and visit each other. Eid-Meladun-Nabi is another religious festival. It is a celebration of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) birthday. Numerous colorful social festivals are also source of jubilation. Sibi festival that traces its roots to Mehergar, an archaeological site of ancient human civilization, attracts people from across the country. Folk music performance, cultural dances, handicrafts stalls, cattle shows and a number of other amusing activities present a perfect riot of color. Buzkashi is a peculiar festival showing velour of Balochistan people. It is celebrated on horse-back by two teams that use their skills to snatch a goat from the each other.




Tribal System
Cultural landscape of Balochistan portrays various ethnic groups. Though people speak different languages, there is a similarity in their literature, beliefs, moral order and customs. The cementing factor is religion which provides a base for unity and common social order.
Pashtoon, Brahvi and Balochi ethnic groups are known for their hospitality. Guest is accorded in high esteem and considered a blessing from God. Better off people even slaughter sheep or goat for their guest. Sometimes, it so happens that where there are more houses, the guest is assumed to be the guest of the whole village. This open heartedness is the loving feature of the tribal people and is not as deep in the city or town dwellers.

Another adorable feature of Balochistan culture is faithfulness and sincerity in all relationships. There is no place or respect for unfaithful people in prevalent moral order. If fidelity is reciprocated with disloyalty or betrayal it is never forgotten.

Ethnic Distribution
A number of ethnic groups constitute to make people of Balochistan. Three major ethnic groups are Pashtoon, Baloch and Brahvi which are further divided into various tribes. The Pashtoon tribes include Achakzai, Durrani, Ghilzai, Kakar, Kasi, Khajjak, Looni, Mandokhel, Marghzani, Sherani, Tareen and Zarkoon. The Balochi speaking tribes include Ahmedzai, Bugti, Buledi, Dashti, Domki, Gichki, Jamot, Jattak, Khosa, Kurd, Lashari, Marri, Magsi, Nosherwani, Rakhashani, Rind, Sanjarani and Umrani. Brahvi speaking tribes include Bangulzai, Bezenjo, Lango, Lehri, Mengal, Mohammad Hasni, Mohammad Shahi, Raisani, Shahwani, Sumulani and Zehri. Most of these tribes are bi-lingual and are quite fluent both in the Balochi and Brahvi languages.

The tribal chief is called Sardar while head of sub-tribe is known as Malik, Takari or Mir. Sardars and Maliks are members of district and other local Jirgas according to their status. The Pashtoon believed to have roots in Afghanistan whereas Baloch believed to have originally come from Arabia or Asia Minor can be divided into two branches: the Sulemani and Mekrani as distinct from the Brahvis’ who mostly concentrate in central Balochistan. Among the major Pashtoon tribes, Achakzai, Kakar & Tareen settled in Quetta & Afghan border areas; Bugti and Marri tribes are the principal Baloch tribes who are settled in the buttresses of the Sulemania (Talpur of Sind also claims their Baloch origin) while Shahwani, Mengal & Zehri are the major tribes among Brahvi.

 

Competitive Advantage of Balochistan

Availability of Raw Material Coastal Belt and Development of Gwadar Port DeepSee Port Access to Central Asian Countries, Gulf States & other neighbouring countries Hardworking Labour Industrial Zones having all the basic Infrastructure Flexible Government Policies

• Fruit Processing Plants
• Apple Treatment Plants
• Date Processing Plants
• Tomato Paste Manufacturing
• Fried/ Dried Onion Plants
• Cut-flower Business & Floriculture
• Plantation of Palm Trees and Processing
• Cool Chains

Date Processing Plant

• In 1996-97 only, 60,905 tonnes of dates worth US $25 million were exported
• The share of dried dates in this amount being 70%
• 11% of the production was exported in 1997

Area in Hectares

• Apple is an important crop in Balochistan in terms of the people employed, the value of the output, and the revenue it generates.
• The apple export of Pakistan during the last five years is only on the average: 2,960 tonnes per year constituting just 0.5% of its total production.
• Main Reason for low export volume is the absence of a treatment plants required to treat and pack the fruit according to the International Market Requirements.

Oil Palms Cultivation And Subsequent Processing

• Pakistan imported 1.2 metric tonnes of palm oil annually and it was being increased by 16%, annually.
• Pakistan is totally dependent on imports to cover its demand of palm oil.
• Low cost import substitution product.
• Any potential investment company can provide semi-refined form of palm oil to the local market through an oil expeller unit.

Cool Chains

• To develop Farm-to-Market Infrastructure
• To promote the exports of fresh fruits and vegetables
• To Attain the maximum value for the produce of Balochistan

Isheries
There is a need to expose the fish industry of Balochistan to the improved methods in fish handling/preservation for an end product that is in demand world-wide to enhance exports. The total catch in the year 2001-2002 was 654,500 m. tonnes. The total value was Rs. 5.90 billion. While the total catch in Balochistan in the year 2001-2002 was 118,033 m. tonnes.Fish hatcheries at the coastal area is another viable project because of the availability of favourable conditions.

• Shrimp farming is the production of marine shrimp in ponds and tanks with the use of natural and commercial feed.
• Cultured or farmed marine shrimp play an important role in supplying the world's shrimp demand. There are 30 species of marine shrimp in Pakistan waters.

Livestock

• Layer Farming.
• Eggs being supplied to Quetta from Karachi.
• Climate supporting such an industry.
• Goat/Sheep Farming
• Currently goat/sheep are being exported to Middle Eastern countries
• Cattle Fattening Farm – Dairy
• Cattle/Poultry Feed
• Cattle coming into Balochistan from neighbouring provinces
• Export potential to Iran and the Middle East
• Goat/Sheep related processing industry
• Sheep Casing’s processing
• Revival of Harnai Woollen Mills through privatisation

Apply, If You Want To Get A Mineral Title

• ReconnaissanceLicence (RL)
• Exploration Licence (EL)
• Mineral Deposit Retention Licence (MDRL)
• Mining Lease (ML)

Reconnaissance License
To enable mining companies to reconnoitre large areas in a short span of time using modern techniques of satellite imagery, aerial photographs, aeromagnetic and regional geochemical surveys, an RL will be granted over an area of 100 to 10,000 sq. km. in respect of a mineral or group of minerals. Unless stipulated otherwise, the licence will be non-exclusive for a period of 12 months and will not be renewable. However, the licensee will have the right to an exploration licence over 10% of the area held under an RL provided the criteria for the grant for such a licence and other requirements of the law are met. The Licensing Authority will take a decision the application for an RL within 120 days from the date of filing of complete application.

The application fee for an RL will be Rs. 15,000. The licensee will be obliged to carry out an approved work programme and comply with other conditions of the RL.

Exploration Licence
An Exploration licence will be granted over an area not exceeding 1,000 sq. km. for a period not exceeding three years where the applicant meets the specified criteria. The application must provide adequate information about the applicant, description and a sketch map of the area, work programme and expenditure to be undertaken and technical and financial resources available to the applicant.

Application fee for EL will be Rs. 25,000 and fee for each renewal will be Rs. 50,000. In addition, rent of the land over which the licence is granted will have to be paid. The rent will increase progressively each year.

Mineral Deposit Retention licence (MDRL)
On completion of full feasibility study, if the holder of an El can demonstrate the deposit, though potentially viable, can not be commercially developed, due to depressed metal/mineral prices utilizing proven technology or with financing on commercial terms which are reflective of current market conditions for other mining projects., he may, within 180 days before the expiry of the EL, apply for a Mineral Deposit Retention Licence. The application must be accompanied with full justification and data and the prescribed fee. The applicant for an MDRL will have to demonstrate the exploration operation had progressed as far as practicable and that the applicant is able and willing to comply with the conditions of the MDRL and has complied with the terms and conditions of the EL.

The application fee for an MDRL or its renewal will be Rs. 100,000 each and the licensee shall, in respect of the MDRL area, pay in advance, for each year, the rent applicable for the responding period of the EL.

Mining Lease
The holder of an EL or an MDRL may apply for a mining lease for over an area subject to a maximum of 250 Sq. Km. within his EL or MDRL in respect of the mineral/minerals discovered. The application shall be accompanied by detailed information including technical and financial resources available for development of the mine, work programme for development and operation of the mine, production schedule, financing plan, environmental protection plans, proposals for procurement and use of local goods and services, training of nationals and the prescribed application fee. The application will be considered, in accordance with specified criteria, within 120 days after receipt of application or receipt of any additional information requested. The licence will remain valid while the application is under consideration.
The application fee for an ML or its renewal will be Rs. 100,000 each and the land rent will be Rs. 3,000 per sq. kilometre/year to be paid in advance each year. 

Mega Development Projects

Quaid-E-Azam Residency Quaid-e-Azam residency with its lush green lawns, chinar trees and flower gardens commands a striking view of the whole valley. It is of historical importance, as the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Founder of Pakistan, stayed there during his last illness. It houses the relics of the Father of the Nation. The Residency was built in 1882 by the British and used by the Agent to the Governor General as his summer headquarters. Hazarganji Chiltan National Park In the Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, 20 kilometers South-West of Quetta, Maarkhors have been given protection. The park is spread over 32,500 acres, altitude ranging from 2021 to 3264 meters. Hazarganji literally means "of a thousand treasures". In the folds of these mountains, legend has it, that, there are over a thousand treasures buried, reminders of the passage of great armies down the corridors of history. The Bactrains, Scythians, Mongols and then the great migrating hordes of Baloch all passed this way. Hanna Lake A little short of the place where the Urak Valley begins and 10 kilometers from Quetta is the Hanna Lake, where suitable rest rooms and pavilions on terraces have been provided. Golden fish in the lake comes swimming right upto the edge of the lake. A little distance away, the waters of the lake take on a greenish blue tint. Right where the water ends, have been planted pine trees on the grass filled slopes. The greenish-blue waters of the lake provide a rich contrast to the sandy brown of the hills in the background. One can promenade on the terraces. Wagon service operates from city bus station at Circular Road. The transport can be hired through the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Tourist Information Centre, Muslim Hotel, Jinnah Road Quetta. Quetta/The Capital City Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, 1692 meters above sea level, lies at the mouth of Bolan Pass. It has three large craggy mountains. The name Quetta is derived from the word "Kwatta" which means a fort and, no doubt, it is a natural fort surrounded as it is by imposing hills on all sides. The encircling hills have the re-sounding names of Chiltan, Takatoo, Murdaar and Zarghoon, that seem to brood upon this pleasant town. There are other mountains that form a ring around it. Their copper red and russet rocks and crests that are powdered with snow in winters add immense charm to the town. The main thoroughfare and the commercial centre of Quetta is Jinnah Road, where the Tourist Information centre of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, as the banks restaurants and handicraft shops are located. Ziarat A visit to Quetta is incomplete without a trip to Ziarat. Situated 133 kilometers (3 hours by car) from Quetta at an altitude of 2449 metres above sea level, Ziarat is a holiday resort amidst one of the largest and oldest Juniper forests in the world. It is said that some of the Juniper trees are as old as 5000 years. The name Ziarat means 'Shrine'. A local saint, Kharwari Baba, is believed to have rested in the valley and blessed it. After his death he was buried here. People frequently visit the saint's shrine, which is 10 kilometers from Ziarat. Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation has a Motel Complex with 18 comfortable rooms and cottages. Accommodation can be booked from the PTDC Offices in Quetta.The apple grown in the orchards, particularly the black and red kulu variety are delicious. Other Places to visit: Zindra Shrine of Baba Kharwari Fern Tangi Sandeman Tangi Chutair Valley Lak Pass Bolan Pass Khojjak Pass Harnai Pass Sibi Mehrgarh