BALUCHISTAN

Although Baluchistan is area-wise the largest province (347,190 sq. km), it is most sparsely populated, with a total of population around 5 million (3.8 per cent of the countryıs total population). It has thus an average density of 12 persons per square kilometer. Located in the west and north-west by Iran and Afghanistan; on the north by the provinces of N. W. F. P. and the Punjab; on the east by the province of Sind and on the south by the Arabian Sea. It has common borders of 832 kilometers with Iran and of 1,160 kilometers with Afghanistan, while it has 560 kilometers of coast commanding 1,440 kilometers of Arabian Sea. It guards the Gulf. It is the western-most part of South Asia. Its geographical situation makes it a strategic area.

Baluchistan is a land of contrasta; of lofty mountains and vast, barren wastes and lush green valleys: of sunny beaches and Juniper-clad forests; of extreme temperatures - 50°C at Sibi to 10°C at Khan Mehtrazi. The rainfall averages from 3 to 14 inches.

Baluchistan has a rich cultural heritage and a chequered history. It has about 400 tribes, sub-tribes and clans mainly Baluch with chunks of Pashtoon, Hazara, Punjabi and Sindhi settlers. It has three main language groups: Baluchi, Pashto and Brauhvi. Urdu is widely understood.

 With the capital at Quetta, Baluchistan province comprises six administrative divisions, namely, Quetta, Sibi, Kalat, Makran, Loralai and Nasirabad. Quetta Division consists of the districts of Quetta, Pishin, Chagai, Loralai Division of Zhob and Loralai District; Sibi Division of the districts of Sibi and the agencies of Kohlu and Dera Bugti; Kalat Division, of the districts of Kalat, Khuzdar, Kharan and Lasbela; Makran Division, of the districts of Turbat, Panjgur and Gwadar.

Baluchistan is a mineral-rich province, while it is called; 'Fruit Garden of Pakistan'; because of the production of finest qualities of fruits. The province now stands on the threshold of a big leap forward towards development in every field.

ECONOMY:

Baluchistan was considered to be the most backward area of the subcontinent at the time of independence. After independence, agriculture, industry and mineral resources were developed as a result of which it has gained an economic base, although a small one.

PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST:

The picturesque lofty mountains, the vast plains, the Juniper-cald villages of Ziarat with rare species of flora and fauna, the famous mountain passes and the long sunny beaches of Makran, especially Sonmiani and Gadani, possess tremendous potential for the tourist industry. Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation has developed the Gaddani beach, while it has set up tourist villages at Ziarat where a Juniper Club has also been opened at an altitude of 8,000 feet. Besides Ziarat which itself is a beautiful tourist resort at the height of 7,500 feet above the sea level, the Valley of Urak lined with apple orchards and the Hanna Lake near Quetta, are attractive tourist spots. A safari park has also been developed in oldest juniper forests of the world with trees having an average age of 300 years, has assumed the importance of a place of pilgrimage for it was here that the founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah spent his last days. It was his favorite hill resort. One enters Quetta through the historic Bolan Pass, which was treaded by many invaders and conquerors in the past. The most striking of all mountain passes is Khojab Pass, which links Quetta with the town of Chaman and terminates near Pak-Afghan border. Alexander the Great marched through southern Lasbela and eastern Makran, after leaving the Sind area of Indus Valley.