Balochistan-Killa-Abdullah

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Introduction/Geographical Details Kila Abdullah District

The district is located between 30° 05Ꞌ 07” to 31° 18Ꞌ 46” north latitudes, and 66° 14Ꞌ 23” to 67° 15Ꞌ 43” east longitudes. The district is bordered on the north and west by Afghanistan, on the east by Pishin district, and on the south by Quetta district. The district is named after its headquarters town, Killa Abdullah, which was built as a fort in the early part of the 19th century by an influential tribal chief of the Achakzais, Sardar Abdullah Khan, who named it Killa Abdullah (Abdullah’s Fort).

Sardar Abdullah Achakzai was one of two leaders of the Kabul rebellion, which occurred in Afghanistan in 1841, during which the British Envoy was killed. Sardar Abdullah bought two karezes—the Dehsora Karez from the Kakars, and Chashma Inzergai from the Ashezai Achakzais—in the early part of the 19th century and opened them up for public use.

Kila Abdullah District at a Glance

Name of District Killa Abdullah District
District Headquarter Chaman Town
Population[1] 757,578 persons
Area[2] 3,293 km2
Population Density[3] 131.3 persons/km2
Population Growth Rate[4] 4.0%
Male Population[5] 52.5%
Female Population[6] 47.5%
Urban Population[7] 19.7%
Tehsils/Talukas 04 Tehsils:

  1. Chaman Tehsil
  2. Gulistan Tehsil
  3. Killa Abdullah Tehsil
  4. Dobandi Tehsil
Main Towns Chaman, Gulistan, Habibzai, Killa Abdullah, Dobundi, Shela Bagh, Segi, Kachh Abdur Rehmanzai, and Sirki Talari
Literacy Rate[8] 27%
Male Literacy Rate[9] 42%
Female Literacy Rate[10] 8%
Major Economic Activity[11] Agriculture with its Allied Livestock Breeding & Fishing 39.2%
Wholesale, Retail Trade & Restaurants, Hotels 24.6%
Construction 16.6%
Community, Social & Personal Services 12.5%
Transport, Storage &Communication 4.4%
Electricity, Gas & Water 2.1%
Others 0.6%
Main Crops Wheat, barley, cumin, tobacco, sunflower, alfalfa, and fodder
Major Fruits Watermelon, musk melon, sarda, garma, plums, grapes, pomegranate, peach, apples, apricots, cherries, and almonds
Major Vegetables Chilies, cumin, brinjal, cucumber, cauliflower, pumpkin, carrot, radish, spinach, turnip, tomatoes, okra, onions, and potatoes
Forests (Area)[12] – HA[13]
Metaled Road[14] 906.0 km
Shingle Roads[15] 1,065.0 km
No. of Grid Stations Electricity is supplied by Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO)
No. of Tel. Exchanges[16] 06 Telephone Exchanges with 252 landlines, 752 wireless phone connections and 214 broadband connections
Industrial Zones[17] No industrial estates, but flour mills, ice factories and carpet industries are operating in the district
Major Industry[18] Flour Mills 11 Units
Carpet Factory 01 Units
Ice Factories 03 Units
Household Size[19] 8.0 persons per house
Houses with Piped Water[20] 50.7%
Houses with Electricity[21] 74.5%

Table 1.1 Killa Abdullah District at a Glance

[1] 2017 Census

[2] 1998 Census

[3] 2017 Census

[4] 2017 Census

[5] 2017 Census

[6] 2017 Census

[7] 2017 Census

[8] Pakistan Social & Living Measurement Survey (PSLM) 2014-15; Latest available.

[9] PSLM

[10] PSLM

[11] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been made public yet.

[12] Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19

[13] Land Utilization Statistics 613 HA under forests.

[14] Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19

[15] Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19

[16] Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19

[17] District Development Profile Killa Abdullah 2011, P&D Department, GoB

[18] District Development Profile Killa Abdullah 2011, P&D Department, GoB

[19] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been made public yet.

[20] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been made public yet.

[21] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been made public yet.

Brief HistoryGovernmental StructureAdministrative DivisionsArcheological Spots/ Tourism/ Picnic Areas – Historic Places

Brief History of Kila Abdullah District

Before[1] the advent of British rule in the border areas of Balochistan and NWFP (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), the areas belonging to Killa Abdullah (also spelled Kila/Killah or Qilla) were part of the Kandahar province of Afghanistan. Its early/ancient history is, thus, identical to that of Kandahar province which is, in turn, situated in a strategic location connecting South, Southwest, and Central Asia. Kandahar was thus a frequent target for conquest from multiple directions. The area was part of the Greek Empire established by Alexander the Great, as well as the Seleucid Empire,[2] the Mauryan Empire, and the Arab Dynasties. Once the Arab hold weakened, the area first became part of the Ghaznavid Empire (975-1187), and then the Ghorid Empire (also spelled Ghaurid; 1187-1215). Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire, destroyed the entire area, but it was later rebuilt during the Timurids’ Rule[3] (1370-1449). Mughal Emperor Babar ruled Kandahar and made it a part of his Mughal Empire in 1526. During the declining years of the Mughals, the area was taken over by Nadir Shah (1688-1747), and then Ahmad Shah Durrani (1722-1772), the founding father of modern Afghanistan, captured Kandahar.

The original inhabitants of the areas belonging to Chaman tehsil were the Kakars, who were annihilated[4] by the Marri tribe in Shahidan. A graveyard marks the place[5] where the slaughter occurred. Later, Ahmad Shah Durrani gave the country to the Alakozais, (a sub-clan of the Abdali/Durranis). The Alakozais sold some lands of the Dobandi Tehsil to the Hamidzais, who are a sub-branch of the Achakzais. The Achakzais are now the main and strongest occupants of the area.[6]

Between 1530 and 1545 AD, the province of Kandahar was in the possession of Mirza Kamran (brother of Mughal Emperor Humayun). Thereafter, the kingdom was brought under the rule of the Safavid dynasty (in 1622) and remained under them till 1709.

The Ghilzai came to power in 1709 and began to rule the district. In 1833, the area was given to Khush Dil Khan (nephew of the Governor of Kandahar) as a Jagir (land holding).

British-led Indian forces occupied Kandahar province during the First Anglo-Afghan War (1832-1842); they then occupied it again during the Second Anglo-Afghan War which lasted from 1878 to 1880.

During the First Afghan War, Quetta and Pishin areas (which included Killa Abdullah) fell into British hands in 1839. In 1842, however, Pishin Valley was again occupied by the Afghans. Under an agreement in 1879, Pishin, along with other districts, ceded to the British Government, and in 1882 British authority was extended over these areas. In 1883 Pishin and its adjoining areas were combined with Quetta. The British ruled the area till independence in August 1947. From then up to 1975, Quetta and Pishin were a single administrative unit. In 1975, Pishin and Killa Abdullah were separated from Quetta and made into one district and, in 1993, Killa Abdullah was separated from Pishin; it was given the status of a district and Chaman was declared its headquarters.

[1] The historical events recounted in this section have been drawn from District Development Profile Killa Abdullah 2011, P & D Department, GoB in collaboration with UNICEF.

[2] The Seleucid Empire was a Hellenistic Empire ruled by the Seleucid Dynasty (312 BC-63 BC) founded by Seleucus I Nicator

[3] Timurid Dynasty was founded by Timur or Tamerlane

[4] Quetta-Pishin District Gazetteer p. 299 does not include the date for this massacre

[5] Quetta-Pishin District Gazetteer 1907, p.299

[6] Quetta-Pishin District Gazetteer 1907, p. 299

Governmental Structure Kila Abdullah District

At the Federal level, Killa Abdullah district is allocated a set number of representatives in both the National Assembly and the Provincial Assembly:

  • Number of seats in the National Assembly 1
  • Number of seats in the Provincial Assembly 3

Under the Local Government Act 2010, Amended in 2011, Killa Abdullah district has 1 District Council with 36 Union Councils. It has 1 Municipal Corporation (Municipal Corporation Chaman) and 1 Municipal Committee as follows:

  • Municipal Committee Killa Abdullah

Each Union Council is represented by 1 member in the District Council. In addition, there is special representation of women (33%) and of workers and peasants (5% each).

Administrative Divisions Kila Abdullah District

The district has a total area of 5,304 km2 and is divided into 4 Tehsils as follows:

Chaman Tehsil 11 Union Councils
Gulistan Tehsil 05 Union Councils
Killa Abdullah Tehsil 07 Union Councils
Dobandi Tehsil 02 Union Councils

Table 1.2 Killa Abdullah Administrative Divisions

Archeological Spots/ Tourism/ Picnic Areas kila Abdullah District

Some of the important shrines, archeological sites and important places which can be developed into tourist spots are:

  • Khojak Pass: The pass traverses the Khwaja Amran Mountains connecting the town of Killa Abdullah to Chaman, and thus, Quetta to Kandahar in Afghanistan. The pass starts at the town of Shelabagh (near Chaman town) on the Quetta-Chaman Highway (N-25)
  • Khojak Tunnel (also, Shelabagh Tunnel): This is a 3.91 km long railway tunnel located in Killa Abdullah district of Balochistan near the Pak-Afghan border at Chaman. It is located 1,945 m above sea level. The tunnel was built by the British in 1891 and was the longest railway cum road tunnel in Pakistan till the construction of Lowari Tunnel in the KP province connecting the towns of Dir and Chitral. The Khojak Tunnel is also known as the Shelabagh Tunnel
  • Spin Ghundi Mound: Located at the foot of an offshoot of the Khwaja Amran Range within the limits of the Habibzai village in Killa Abdullah. This mound was excavated in 1881 by Captain Lock. A column of stone next to the mound inspired a local legend[1] about a woman who, in trying to save her chastity from the local King’s (Dehsur) lust, went to Lamaral Ghundi (90 m from the mound) with a bowl of water and her dog, asking God to save her from the King. It is said that she was turned to stone, and Dehsur’s village was destroyed in answer to her prayers
  • Khwaja Amran Shrine: This is a major shrine in the region and can be reached from Gulistan by Khurgi. It is accessible from Chaman and Shero Garden as well. The shrine consists of an enclosure surrounded by a wall of stones, and contains a grave covered over with stones. The enclosure is 16.5 m long and 9.0 m wide. Khwaja Amran was a Tajik Saint and as a saint, he specialized in helping women with fertility issues. Married women, unable to conceive, believe that, by praying at the grave, they will become fertile
  • Chaman Town: This is a very important border town developed by the British. The town is situated 1,829 m above sea level. The town acts as a gateway to the trade routes between Afghanistan and Karachi
  • Gulistan Town: This town is famous for the number of fruit orchards

Figure 1.7 Shela Bagh Railway Station

Figure 1.8 Chaman Express Train

[1] Quetta-Pishin District Gazetteer, 1907. p. 48

Historic Places Kila Abdullah District

The Spin Ghundi Mound, Khwaja Amran Shrine and the Khojak Tunnel/Pass are historic places which need to be protected under the Government of Pakistan’s Laws.

Topography Kila Abdullah District

The district is surrounded by mountains which are intersected by long narrow valleys; the ground elevation of these valleys ranges from 1,205 to 2,675 m above mean sea level. The northern end of the district consists of the great plateau of the Toba Kakar Range which is the largest mass of mountains in the district stretching along its northern boundary and tapering off on the southwest into the Khwaja Amran Range and afterwards into the Sarlath Range. The Toba Plateau drains northwards into Afghanistan. The hill ranges of the district are fairly uniform in feature and consist of long central ridges with numerous spurs. These spurs vary in elevation from 1,500 to 3,300 m.

The Khwaja Amran Range and its continuation, the Sarlath, form the southeastern boundary of the district separating it from Pishin district. The highest peak of the Khwaja Amran Mountains is at the height of 2,702 m; at this peak, the shrine of Sufi Saint Khwaja Amran is located. The mountains derive their name from the name of this saint.[1] The town of Killa Abdullah is situated at the foothills/piedmont fans of the Khwaja Amran Range.

Mountain Passes Kila Abdullah district

The most famous mountain pass in the district is the Khojak Pass, which is located in the Khwaja Amran Mountains and connects the town of Killa Abdullah to Chaman, starting at the town of Shelabagh (also spelled Shela Bagh, near Chaman town) on the Quetta-Chaman (N-25) Highway. The pass is about 70 miles (about 112 km) from Quetta by rail; in 1891, the British constructed a tunnel called the Khojak Tunnel through which the railway passed, connecting Quetta to Kandahar in Afghanistan. This is a 3.9 km long tunnel situated at a height of 1,945 m above mean sea level. It was the longest tunnel in Pakistan till the construction of the Lowari Tunnel in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province connecting the towns of Dir and Chitral. The Khojak Tunnel is also known as the Shelabagh Tunnel. The crest is reached at the Shelabagh[2] railway station, which is at a height of 1,950 m above sea level. Beyond Shelabagh, the road rises to the top of the pass and the rail track enters the tunnel to emerge on the other side after covering a distance of 3.9 km. It leads towards the last railway station of Chaman.

Another important mountain pass in the district is the Arambi Mountain Pass, which descends into the Arambi Village.

Figure 1.3 Sketch of Khojak Tunnel, c1910

Rivers, Streams, and Lakes Kila Abdullah district

There are no perennial streams or rivers in the district; however, some seasonal rivers and streams are found in the area. The Kurram River originates in the Toba Kakar Range in the northern part of the district and flows from the southwest to the northeast. The other river is the Pishin which flows eastward and makes the boundary of the district with Afghanistan. A large number of hill torrents emerge from the Toba Kakar Range and join the Pishin River. The drainage of the southern part of the district is from northeast to southwest.

Some of the important streams of the district are Shora Rud, Hanna, Khojak, Arambi Manda, and Surkhab Lora. Some of the intermittent streams/springs of the district include Wuch, Toghai Manda, Mandrak Sheela, Girdai, and Mastai. There are no perennial or seasonal lakes in the district.

Forests of Kila Abdullah district

There were 2 forests in the district—the Popalzai and Maslakh, but they were cut down over time to use the lumber for fuel and other purposes. Currently, there are no forests in the district.

Figure 1.4 Killa Abdullah District GIS Map, IUCN

Soils of Kila Abdullah district

The valley floor is covered with unconsolidated alluvial sediments that are mostly composed of clay, silt, silt-clay, and clayey-silt. Sediment deposition occurs in the valley owing to the seasonal streams flowing across it (generally north to south). The soil is of loamy nature in the Gulistan area, while the soil of Tehsil Chaman is sandy clay-gravel (Admixture). The sandy fraction increases towards the mountain ranges.

Climate of Kila Abdullah district

The climate of the district is warm in the summer and very cold in the winter. The area lies outside the monsoon currents. Most of the rainfall is in winter, and is scanty and irregular. Snowfalls occur during the months of January and February. July is the hottest month, with mean maximum and minimum temperatures of about 36 °C and 20 °C respectively. January is the coldest month with mean maximum and minimum temperatures of about 11 °C and ‑3 °C respectively.

The mean annual rainfall recorded at Quetta Station (the nearest meteorological station to Killa Abdullah) is 260 mm.

Seismic Activity Kila Abdullah district

The district falls into Seismic Zone 3 of the Pakistan Seismic Zone Map. This means that the district is vulnerable to earthquakes of high intensity.

[1] Quetta-Pishin District Gazetteer 1907 p.7

[2] Shelabagh was developed as the base camp for workers building the road and rail track through the pass. According to local legend, the British officer in charge of the tunnel project fell in love with a dancer girl called Shela, who hailed from the region, prompting the officer to started calling the place Shela and to-date the place is called Shelabagh.

Population Kila Abdullah District

The following table shows the population of the district as per 2017 Census population:

District Area

Km2

Population Male% Female% Urban

%

Growth Rate %
Killa Abdullah District 1,293 757,578 52.5 47.5 19.7 3.97
Chaman Tehsil [1] 433,768
Gullistan Tehsil [2] 115,172
Killa Abdullah Tehsil [3] 149,915
Dubundi Tehsil [4] 61,723

Table 1.3 Killa Abdullah Population Statistics

Religions Kila Abdullah district[5]

Muslims 99.5%
Christians 0.1%
Hindus Negligible %
Ahmadis 0.3%
Schedule Castes Negligible %
Others Negligible %

Table 1.4 Killa Abdullah Religions

Languages Kila Abdullah district[6]

Urdu 0.1%
Punjabi 0.6%
Sindhi 0.1%
Pushto 97.5%
Balochi 1.6%
Seraiki Negligible %
Others[7] 0.1%

Table 1.5 Killa Abdullah Languages

[1] Data not available

[2] Data not available

[3] Data not available.

[4] Data not available.

[5] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been made public yet.

[6] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been made public yet.

[7] These include Brahui etc.

Economic ActivityEconomic Infrastructure

Economic Activity Kila Abdullah District

The major source of income for the residents of Tehsil Chaman is quite different from that of the residents of Tehsil Gulistan. The majority of the male population in Tehsil Chaman, for example, is engaged in trade and commerce, with some of them establishing and maintaining trade links with foreign countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea,[1] while horticulture is the backbone of the economy in Tehsil Gulistan. In fact, Abdullah Khan Achakzai is credited for providing the impetus for fruit growing in this area. The major occupations of the district, thus, include (1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been made public yet):

  • Agriculture with its Allied Livestock Breeding & Fishing (39.2%)
  • Wholesale, Retail Trade & Restaurants, Hotels (24.6%)
  • Construction (16.6%)
  • Community, Social & Personal Services (12.5%)
  • Transport, Storage & Communication (4.4%)
  • Electricity, Gas & Water (2.1%)
  • Others (0.6%)

Land Use Kila Abdullah district

The following table shows the land use statistics of Killa Abdullah district (Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19):

Total Area 323,800 HA Reported Area 17,242 HA
Total Cultivated Area 16,629 HA Net Sown 11,442 HA
Current Fallow 5,187 HA Uncultivated Area 613 HA
Culturable Waste – HA Forest Area 613 HA

Table 1.6 Killa Abdulah Land Use Statistics

Agriculture Kila Abdullah district

Killa Abdullah district belongs to Zone V of the Agro-Ecological Zone of Balochistan. In Zone V, the elevation varies from 700 to 1600 m above mean sea level, and the rainfall varies from 200 to 280 mm per year. The crops grown in the district include wheat, barley, cumin, tobacco, sunflower, alfalfa, and fodder. The fruits grown in the area include watermelon, musk melon, sarda, garma, plums, grapes, pomegranate, peach, apples, apricots, cherries, and almonds. The vegetable crops include chilies, cumin, brinjal, cucumber, cauliflower, pumpkin, carrot, radish, spinach, turnip, tomatoes, okra, onions, and potatoes.

Figure 1.5 Wheat Crop, Killa Abdullah

Livestock Breeding Kila Abdullah district

The following table shows the statistics of livestock for the district as per 2006 Census of Livestock (qtd in Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19):

Cattle 53,111 Heads Buffaloes 479 Heads Sheep 325,020 Heads
Goats 115,405 Heads Camels 359 Heads Horses 690 Heads
Mules 151 Heads Asses 4,008 Heads

Table 1.7 Killa Abdullah Livestock Statistics

The major livestock breeds of the district are raigi (camel); Koh-i-Suleimani (cattle); shinghari and sperki or pidie (donkey); kakari, dumeri or harnai, gosalli or kajalle (sheep); and khurasani and Koh-i-Suleimani (goat).

Poultry Farms Kila Abdullah district

Table 17, Number of Commercial Poultry Farms and Number of Birds by Size of Flock does not include any data on number of poultry farms in the district.

Fishing in Kila Abdullah district

There is no fishing activity in the district.

Bee Keeping/ Apiculture Kila Abdullah district

Bee keeping is not a viable economic activity in the district.

Irrigation Network Kila Abdullah district

Major irrigation sources for the district are tube wells and dug karezes. The following table shows the mode of irrigation and area irrigated by it for the district (Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19):

Total Irrigated Area 11,550 HA Private Canal Irrigated – HA
Government Canals – HA Wells 126 HA
Tube Wells 10,743 HA Karezes/Springs etc 681 HA

Table 1.9 Killa Abdullah Irrigation Statistics

According to the Pakistan Water Gateway (official website of IUCN Pakistan) there are 243 karezes in the district. Some of the notable karezes are Desora Karez, Inayatullah Karez, Shin Karez, Yaro Karez, Spina Taza Karez, Syed Salo Karez, Badwan Karez, and Wajoba Karez.[3]

Mining Kila Abdullah district

The mineral Antimony is being mined in the district. Major deposits of Antimony are at Ranjo Sooka and Killa Viallah, where stibnite is associated with Quartz veins which fill fractures and joints in Khojak shale of the Oligocene age.

Oil and gas deposits are now being explored in the district.

Industry and Manufacturing Kila Abdullah district

According to the District Development Profile 2011, Killa Abdullah by the P & D Department Balochistan, even though there is no industrial zone or estate in the district, there are 11 flour mills, 1 carpet factory, and 3 ice factories operating in the district.

Trade Kila Abdullah district

Killa Abdullah is adjacent to Afghanistan and therefore, there is a direct trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both legal and illegal (smuggling) trade takes place. From Afghanistan, fresh and dried fruit, timber, cotton, and sheep and goat skins are imported into Pakistan. It should be noted that transit trade to India also takes place via Chaman.

Handicrafts Kila Abdullah district

The handicrafts of the district include embroidery work on children’s and women’s dresses, on caps, as well as bed and pillow covers among other textiles. Sheep’s wool is used to make rugs, shawls, and sweaters.

[1] District Development Plan 2011 Killa Abdullah, by GoB and UNICEF

 

Economic Infrastructure Kila Abdullah District

The district lacks adequate infrastructure like roads and railways. Some of the major routes pass through the district, however, including the National Highway N-25, also called the RCD Highway, connecting Chaman with Karachi. A railway line also connects the district to other parts of Pakistan.

Road Statistics Kila Abdullah district

According to the Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19 the road statistics of Killa Abdullah district are as follows:

Total Roads 1,971 km
High Type Roads 906.0 km
Low Type Roads 1,065.0 km

Table 1.8 Killa Abdullah Road Statistics

Some of the important roads of the district include:

  • National Highway N-25 or the RCD Highway passes through the district
  • Quetta-Yaru, Maizai-Chaman-Kandahar Road
  • Saranan-Gulistan Road
  • Killa Abdullah-Dub Khanozai Road
  • Gulistan-Huramzai-Pishin Road
  • Gulistan N-25 Link Road

Rail and Airways Kila Abdullah district

The district is connected by rail with other parts of Pakistan and with Afghanistan. One of the longest railway tunnels, the Khojak Tunnel, is located in the district. There are 2 railway stations in the district, one at Killa Abdullah, and the other at Chaman.

There is no commercial airport in the district and the nearest airport is the Quetta International Airport.

Radio and Television Kila Abdullah district

There are no TV or radio broadcasting stations in the district, but radio programs broadcast from Karachi, Quetta, Islamabad, Zahidan (Iran), and Kabul (Afghanistan) as well as the BBC can be heard throughout the district. TV can be viewed through cable.

Telecommunications Kila Abdullah district

Killa Abdullah district is connected to other parts of Pakistan and the world via a modern digital telephone exchange. There are 06 telephone exchanges with 252 landlines, 752 wireless phones and 214 broadband connections in the district.[1] Cellular phone services, with considerable coverage in all major towns, are also available.

Post Offices Kila Abdullah district

There are a total of 07 Post Offices in the district.[2] All the major courier companies provide their services in the district as well.

Electricity and Gas Kila Abdullah district

Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) is responsible for the supply and transmission of electricity to the district.

Banking/ Financial Services Kila Abdullah district

The following banks all have their branches in the district (mostly at Chaman)

  • Allied Bank Ltd.
  • Askari Bank Ltd.
  • Bank Alfalah Ltd.
  • Bank Islami Ltd.
  • Habib Bank Ltd.
  • Muslim Commercial Bank Ltd.
  • National Bank of Pakistan Ltd.
  • National Investment Bank Ltd.
  • The Bank of Khyber
  • United Bank Ltd.

According to “List of Reporting Bank Branches” 2019, by State Bank of Pakistan there are 14 branches of various conventional banks and 06 branches of different Islamic banks in the District.

Educational Institutions Kila Abdullah district

The following table shows the number of Educational Institutions in Killa Abdullah district as per Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19:

Institution Boys/Girls Institution Boys/Girls
Primary Schools 415/68 Middle Schools 40/10
High Schools 31/10 Community Schools 28
Higher Secondary 03/02 Degree Colleges 01/-
Universities Mosque Schools[4]
Vocational Training Schools Private Schools[5] 11

Table 1.10 Killa Abdullah Educational Institutes

Healthcare Facilities Kila Abdullah district

The following table shows the Government Health Care Institutions in the district as per Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19:

Institution No./beds Institution No./beds
Teaching Hospitals Hospitals 01/54
Rural Health Centers 05/50 Basic Health Units 45/-
Dispensaries 09/- Mother Child Health Centers 02/-
TB/Leprosy clinics etc. 01/- Private Hospitals 02/10
Private Dispensaries 01/-

Table 1.11 Killa Abdullah Health Institutes

Policing Kila Abdullah district

Almost all of the districts of Balochistan are bifurcated into an “A” and a “B” area. The “A” area, comprising towns and highways, has a police force. Typically, a police station has a radius of a maximum of 8 km jurisdiction. A “B” area does not have a police force. All major law and order situations in the “B” area are dealt with by levies.

A levy is a conventional force for maintaining law and order. Installed during British rule, levy members are recruited along tribal or clan lines. The levies fall under the direct command of the Deputy Commissioner (DC), with powers delegated to the assistant commissioners, and tehsildars, among others. The levies in all districts are classified as Sepoy, Hawaldar, Dafeedar, Jameedar, and Risaldar. Every district in Balochistan has its own levy, named after the district. Recently, at the initiation of the DC administration, a new levy force has been recruited on the district level, known as the Task Force. This Task Force is better trained and equipped with advanced weapons.

The policing of Killa Abdullah district is looked after by the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Quetta. This RPO is assisted by 3 SubDivisional Police Officers (SDPO) stationed at Chaman, Gulistan, and Killa Abdullah. In all, there are 03 police stations[6] in the district.

Figure 1.9 A Mosque in Killa Abdullah

 

Figure 1.10 Gulistan Railway Station, c1930

Figure 1.11 Koh-e-Shin, Killa Abdullah

Figure 1.12 A fruit Orchard, Killa Abdullah

Figure 1.13 Arambi Dam Site

Figure 1.14 Killa Abdullah Railway Station

[1] Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19.

[2] Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19

[3] For more details please visit http://beta.waterinfo.net.pk/?q=karez

[4] included in Primary schools

[5] 2011 Data

[6] 19.7 (a) Number of Police Stations by Division/District; by Federal Bureau of Statistics 2019

Environment and Biodiversity Kila Abdullah District

Environmental pollution, especially brown pollution, is almost negligible as there is very little industrial set up or even heavy traffic in the district.

Flora and Fauna Kila Abdullah district

Flora Kila Abdullah district

In the district, the major tree species are tarkha sperah/sea wormwood (Artemisia meritima), shora/saxaul (Haloxylon griffithii), huma/desert tea (Ephedra intermedia), zawal/yarrow (Achillea santolina), makhi/pea shrub (Caragana ambigua), lokhae (Scirpus wardianus), ber (Zizyphus nummolaria), wild olives (Olea ferruginea), olives (Oleao officinalus), pistachio (Pistacia cabulica), plum (Prunus eburnean), khagal/athel pine (Tamarax aphylla), juniper (Juniporis excels) and pine (Pinus geranandiana).

Bushes are the major source of feed for camels and comprise of salsola (Haloxylon recurvum), dwarf palm/mazri palm (Nannorhops ritchieana), camel thorn (Alhagi camelorum), and barri or bata (Periploca aphylla). Grasses include Stipa capillata, Cocculus leæbaSorghum halepenseAllium sphærocephalum, and Atriplex canescens.

Fauna Kila Abdullah district

Wolf, fox, jackal, rabbits, mountain sheep, and markhor are some of the mammals found in the district. Common game birds include see-see partridge, sand grouse, houbara bustard, and varieties of duck.

Protected Areas and Endangered Fauna Kila Abdullah District

There are no wildlife protected areas in the district, nor are any of the historical buildings protected.