Balochistan-Killa-Saifullah

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Introduction/Geographical Details Kila Saifullah District

Killa Saifullah district is located between 30° 31Ꞌ to 31° 22Ꞌ north latitudes, and from 67° 29Ꞌ 37” to 69° 20Ꞌ east longitudes. The district is located in the northeast of Balochistan, sharing its boundaries in the west with Pishin district and Afghanistan, in the north and northeast with Zhob district, and in the southeast with Loralai district.

Kila Saifullah District at a Glance

Name of District Killa Saifullah District
District Headquarters Killa Saifullah Town
Population[1] 342,814 persons
Area[2] 6,831 km2
Population Density[3] 27.6 persons/ km2
Growth Rate[4] 3.1%
Male Population[5] 53.1%
Female Population[6] 46.9%
Urban Population[7] 18.3%
Tehsils/ Talukas 03 Tehsils:

  1. Killa Saifullah Tehsil
  2. Muslim Bagh Tehsil
  3. Loi Band Tehsil
Main Towns Killa Saifullah Town, Akhtarzai, Muslim Bagh Town, Khan Mehtarzai, Loi Band, Sadar Batozai, and Murgha Faqirzai
Literacy Rate[8] 40%
Male Literacy Rate[9] 76%
Female Literacy Rate[10] 6%
Major Economic Activity[11] Agriculture with its allied livestock breeding, fishing & hunting 46.8%
Construction 21.1%
Community, Social & Personal Services 19.8%
Electricity, Gas & Water 5.4%
Wholesale, Retail, Hotel & Restaurant 3.3%
Manufacturing 2.7%
Others 0.9%
Main Crops Wheat, barley, cumin, tobacco, maize, moong, maash, sunflower, cotton, and fodder
Major Fruits Almonds, apples, apricots, grapes, peach, pomegranate, cherries, watermelon, musk melon, sarda, garma, and plum
Major Vegetables Onions, potatoes, tomatoes, okra, carrots, bottle gourd, pumpkin, cauliflower, peas, brinjal, luffa, cucumber, chilies, spinach, and tinda
Forest (Area)[12] 28,051 HA[13]
Black Topped Roads[14] 802.0 km
Shingle Roads[15] 947.0 km
Electricity[16] Electricity is supplied by Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO)
Telephone Exchanges[17] 02 telephone exchanges with 848 landlines, 365 wireless phones and 637 broadband connections
Industrial Zones[18] There is no industrial estate or industry
Major Industry[19] None, except some furniture making units in Muslim Bagh
Household Size[20] 7.1 persons per house
Houses with Piped Water[21] 13.5%
Houses with Electricity[22] 41.2%

Table 1.1 Killa Saifullah 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 2014-15 (PSLM); 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] According to Land utilization Statistics 20287 HA is under forests.

[14] Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19

[15] Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19

[16] Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19

[17] Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19

[18] Killa Saifullah District Development Profile 2011, by P&D department, GoB

[19] Killa Saifullah District Development Profile 2011, by P&D department, GoB

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

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

[22] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been made public yet.

Brief HistoryGovernmental StructureAdministrative DivisionsHistorical/ Heritage Sites and Tourism/ Picnic Spots

Brief History of Kila Saifullah District

Killa Saifullah (Saifullah Fort) is a fort built by Saifullah Khan, the Chief of Mirdadzai and Khoidadzai tribes of the Sanzekel Kakars. The district is named after this fort. Saifullah Khan was born in 1827 in Killa Saifullah (which was formerly called Upper Zhob); he was the great grandson of the renowned religious scholar Faiz Ullah Akhunzada (Zarh Nika).

Killa Saifullah is a Tribal Agency of Balochistan in social and administrative terms. It was part of Zhob up until 1988, and therefore, its early history is the same as that of Zhob district (described in detail in the chapter on Zhob). The prime historical importance of Zhob including the areas of present day Killa Saifullah, is that it is considered to be a cradle of the Afghan race. According to Zhob District Gazetteer 1907, “it is probable that the Afghans emerged from this base to seek riches and even gain an empire in India” (p. 28). In the 7th century AD, Hiuen-Tsang, a Chinese pilgrim, described Zhob as the residential place of the Afghans.

The Zhob District Gazetteer further states:

Later, in the 13th century the country came within the sphere of the raids organised by Gengis Khan, the Mongol. In 1398 AD, an expedition against the Afghans of the area was led by Pir Muhammad, grandson of Amir Timur. After that there are no authentic records of the history of the region. Although no authentic information exists about any foreign occupation, the construction of many forts, mounds and karezes which are scattered throughout the country are attributed to the Mughals. (p. 29)

Both Nadir Shah (1736-47 AD) and Ahmed Shah Abdali/Durrani (1747-73 AD) extended their power through Balochistan, and thenceforth Zhob remained under more or less nominal suzerainty of the Durranis and Barakzais (a branch of the Durranis) until it came under British rule. In the middle of the 18th century, Ahmed Shah granted a sanad (certificate) to Bekar Nika—fourth in descent from Jogi, and the head of the Jogezai family—conferring upon him the title and position of Badshah or Ruler of Zhob. This family continued to exercise authority over the Kakars until the First Anglo-Afghan War in 1878.

After the beginning of the First Afghan War in 1878, the British focused their attention on Zhob because the Kakars of Zhob, under the command of various Sardars—the important ones being Shah Jehan Jogezai (King of Zhob), Shahbaz Khan (Shah Jehan’s cousin), Dost Muhammad, and Bangul Khan—resisted the British authority and tried to disrupt their lines of communication.

On 7 October 1884, the British forces attacked the Killa of Saifullah Khan (now at Killi Rabat Karez) and the Killa of Shah Jehan Jogezai (King of Zhob) near Akhterzai. Shah Jehan, Saifullah, and Hamza Daulatzai fought bravely but in this battle, Malik Hamza Daulatzai was killed, and both Shah Jehan and Saifullah Khan escaped to Kalat (then in Afghanistan). The remaining tribal heads, along with their men, surrendered to the British forces by signing a treaty promising that they would not interfere with the administration of Zhob. After various other encounters with the Kakars of Zhob, the British fully occupied the territory and Zhob was declared a Political Agency in 1890. Captain McIver was appointed the first Political Agent to Zhob.

A number of areas now in Zhob, Killa Saifullah, and Pishin districts were ceded to British India after the signing of the Durand Treaty in 1893. However, tribesmen of Zhob always posed difficulties for the British government. In 1924, the British Political Agent to Zhob was murdered by tribesmen and during World Wars I and II, military posts in the area were under continuous threat of attacks by the tribesmen.

Killa Saifullah has been the traditional home of the Jogezai family. After the submission of Shah Jehan, the Badshah (king) of Zhob, to the British in 1888 at Gwal Haiderzai, Killa Saifullah area was annexed to Muslim Bagh (then Hindu Bagh) Tehsil—established in 1890—but later it was declared a sub-Tehsil in 1893 and a Tehsil in 1903. Muslim Bagh is believed to be named after a garden planted by a Hindu saint.

The district has some archeological sites that are mainly attributed to the Mughals. The ruins of an old fort called Mughalo Killa or the Fort of the Mughals were found in the West of the Karezgai village, about 3.75 km from Muslim Bagh, below which there is a spring of water which was restored about 125 years ago. Fragments of ancient pottery were found in these ruins and old silver and copper coins were also found.[1] The ruins of a fort called Khanki are located near Shina Khura about 25 km east of Muslim Bagh. Local tradition asserts that the fort was held by Miro, a Mughal governor, who was overthrown by Sanzar Nika, the progenitor of the Sanzarkhel Kakars. There are also ruins of an old fort called the Mughalo Brunj in Murgha Faqirzai. Similar ruins are found near Toiwar, Sharan, Ismailzai, and on the Zhar Hill near Akhtarzai.

There are some ancient karezes, said to have been constructed in Mughal times, which may be considered to be relics of archeological interest. These include Karez Akhtarzai, Karez Soghai, and Mustafa Karez in Killa Saifullah subdivision and 2 karezes in Sra Khulla, about 6.5 km from Muslim Bagh.

The entire Killa Saifullah district remained a part of Zhob district, and was called Upper Zhob SubDivision, until 14 December, 1988. However, Badinai, the sub-Tehsil of Killa Saifullah district, was previously included in Kakar Khurasan as a SubDivision of Zhob with the name Kashatoo. In 2002 it was transferred to Killa Saifullah district. At present, Killa Saifullah district comprises Killa Saifullah SubDivision—which includes Killa Saifullah Tehsil and Badinai sub-Tehsil—and Muslim Bagh SubDivision, which includes Muslim Bagh Tehsil and Loiband sub-Tehsil. Kan Mehterzai town (in Muslim Bagh) boasts Asia’s highest railway station.

[1] Zhob District Gazetteer, p. 49

Governmental Structure Kila Saifullah District

At the Federal level, Killa Saifullah 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] 1
  • Number of seats in the Provincial Assembly 1

Under the Local Government Act 2010, Amended in 2011, Killa district has 1 District Council with 20 Union Councils. It has 2 Municipal Committees as follows:

  • Killa Saifullah
  • Muslim Bagh

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).

[1] This seat is shared by Zhob districts

Administrative Divisions Kila Saifullah district

Killa Saifullah district has a total area of 6,831 km2 and is divided into the following Tehsils (named after their headquarters):

Killa Saifullah Tesil 08 Union Councils
Loi Band Tehsil 02 Union Councils
Muslim Bagh Tehsil 05 Union Councils

Table 1.2 Killa Saifullah Administrative Divisions

Historical/ Heritage Sites and Tourism/ Picnic Spots Kila Saifullah district 

There are no historical/ heritage protected sites in the district, but there are archeological sites mainly attributed to the Mughals[1] which are of national importance[2] and that need protection under the Government of Pakistan laws. These are:

  • Mughal-o-Killa (remains of a fort built during Mughal rule), Karezgai Valley, Muslim Bagh: Below these ruins, there is a spring of water which was restored 125 years ago. Some pieces of ancient pottery, as well as old silver and gold coins were found near the spring
  • Khanki Fort/ Shina Khura, located about 25 km east of Muslim Bagh: Local tradition holds that the fort was held by Miro, a Mughal governor, who was overthrown by Sanzar Nika, the progenitor of the Sanzarkhel Kakars
  • Mughal-o-Brunj Fort, in Murgha Faqirzai: Other ruins similar to the ruins of old forts have been found Toiwar, Sharan, Ismailzai, and on the Zhar Hill near Akhtarzai

Ancient karezes also exist, said to have been constructed during the Mughal period. These may be considered remains of archeological interest. These include:

  • Karez Akhtarzai
  • Karez Soghai
  • Mustafa Karez
  • 2 karezes in Sra Khulla, about 6.5 km from Muslim Bagh

Kan Mehtarzai is famous in the district. It hosts Asia’s highest railway station—at a height of 3,339 m above mean sea level.

[1] Killa Saifullah District Development Profile 2011, by GoB, in collaboration with UNICEF

[2] Killa Saifullah District Development Profile 2011, by GoB in collaboration with UNICEF.

Topography of Kila Saifullah district

Geographically, the district is mountainous[1] and comprises of valleys with varying elevations above sea level. The greater part of the district is covered with hills and rocks, intersected in the south by Zhob Valley. The valley is an immense stretch of alluvial plain extending from Kan Mehterzai Pass, and onward to the Gomal River in the form of a crescent. The boundary between Quetta valley and Zhob Valley is the dividing line between the continental watershed and the Central Asian watershed at Kan Mehterzai Pass. The rivers in Quetta valley drain into the Central Asian watershed. Zhob River drains into the Indus via Gomal River. Numerous small valleys run up from either side of the great Zhob Valley into the hills. Among these hills, Sharan and Khaisoro Valleys are situated. A considerable part of the soil in these valleys consists of virgin land. Pasture lands are frequently found nearly all over the district.

Killa Saifullah is at an elevation of 1,550 m above sea level, while Muslim Bagh is at 1,795 m and Kan Mehterzai at 2,170 m.

The hills in the district mainly belong to the Toba Kakar Range. In Killa Saifullah, the principal ranges are:

  • Torghar [Shagana Kotal] (2,070 m)
  • Azak (2,557 m)
  • Baliaraghar (2,958 m)
  • Spin Ghar, which separates the Khaisor Valley from the Zhob Valley (2,936 m)
  • Ghina-ghara (2,646 m)
  • Shorghar
  • Yavhashki (2,964 m)
  • Churmaghar [the southern hills] (2,113 m)

The major hills of Muslim Bagh Sub Division include

  • Kand (3,288 m) in the extreme west. The same range is known as Barsha or Nigand (2,877 m) in the north
  • Surghund (3,234 m) in the southwestern corner
  • Marzaghan [Atoka] (3,007 m) in the south
  • Malkand and Sraghar in the north
  • Torghar (2,958 m)
  • Yavhashki (2,964 m) on the western spur of the Spin Ghar Range
  • Thor (2,827 m)
  • Surghundi (2,528 m)
  • Sharan (2,608 m)
  • Sakir (3,086 m)

Rivers, Streams, and Lakes Kila Saifullah district

The main drainage of Killa Saifullah district is carried off from the west to the east by Zhob River and several of its tributaries. In its upper reaches, the Zhob River is known as Lahar. The main tributaries are Kundar, Wali, Murgha Toi, Kumchugai, Rod Faqirzai, and Marzaghan; there are a number of other hill torrents, which traverse the northern portion of the district.

In Killa Saifullah SubDivision, Toi is the principal tributary. In Muslim Bagh SubDivision, its principal tributaries are the Kamchughai and Rod Faqirzai from the north, and Marzaghan from the south.

In addition to the above, a large number of hill torrents originate from the hills and flow down in floods during the rainy season; some of these include Bahrwala Viala, Ziara Lahar Viala, Zharai Viala, and Paski Shela.

Forests of Kila Saifullah district

Killa Saifullah supports coniferous and scrub forests. Coniferous forests occur at 1,500 to 3,500 m, mainly in Torghar with chilghoza and kail as the dominant species. Scrub forests are found at 500 to 1,500 m with wild olive, ash, and willow being the key species. Besides forest areas, trees can be found along streams and nullahs in remote hilly areas of the district. Major tree species of the forests are shina or wild pitachios (Pistacia khinjjuk), wild ash (Fraxinus xanthoxyloides) and obusht or Greek juniper (Juniperus excelsa polycarpos). In the valleys, ghaz (Tamarix spp.) is found in streambeds.

The following table shows the type and area of forests in the district according to the Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19:

Coniferous Forests – HA Irrigated Plantation – HA
Riverine Forests – HA Scrub Forests 28,051 HA
Coastal Forests – HA Rangelands – HA

Table 1.3 Killa Saifullah Forests

There are 4 notified natural forests.[2] These are:

Tarawal 4,000 HA
Khatuka 4,000 HA
Kand 5,000 HA
Nasai 7,000 HA

Table 1.4Killa Saifullah Notified Forests

Although there are no State Wildlife Protected Areas in the district, there is an internationally acclaimed community-based protected area called Torghar Conservancy, with an approximate area of 180,000 HA.

Figure 1.3 District Killa Saifullah Map by IUCN

Soils of Kila Saifullah District

According to the Atlas of Pakistan, soil in Killa Saifullah district is of 2 types. Alongside the Muslim Bagh-Killa Saifullah Road, soil is mainly loamy, part gravely, valley-fill with some rock outcrops and some sand dunes. The soil in the rest of the district is made of rock outcrops and is loamy, very shallow, steep, high mountain soil, of mainly arid and semi-arid zones.

Climate Kila Saifullah district

The climate of Killa Saifullah, at a general elevation of 1,500-2,200 m above sea level, is semi-arid. It can be placed in the “warm summer and cool winter” temperature region. The summer is warm, with mean temperatures ranging from 21 °C to 32 °C. June is the hottest month, when mean maximum temperatures can exceed 32 °C but do not rise above 38 °C; however, the mean temperature, even in the hottest month, remains below 32 °C. The winter is cool and longer than summer, lasting for about 7 months (October-April). In winter, the mean temperature is below 10 °C and in the coolest month (January), the mean monthly temperature drops below 10 °C. The mean maximum and minimum temperatures during January are 11 °C and ‑3 °C. Frost is common, and the low temperature is caused by high elevation. Kan Mehterzai is at a height of 2,170 m above sea level, and remains snow-clad in January and February, when the temperatures remain below freezing point during the cold spells. Nights are chilly in Killa Saifullah district, and cold katabatic winds can confine the inhabitants to their homes. The mean average annual rainfall is 260 mm.

[1] Killa Saifullah District Profile; 2011, by GoB in collaboration with UNICEF

[2] Killa Saifullah District Profile 2011, by P&D Department, GoB

Seismic Activity Kila Saifullah District

Killa Saifullah is located in the active seismic region, which is Zone 4 on the Seismic Zone Map of Pakistan which means severe damage due to earthquakes.

Population Kila Saifullah district

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

Tehsil/ Taluka Area

km2

Population Male% Female% Urban % Growth Rate %
Killa Saifullah District 6,831 342,814 53.1 46.9 18.3 3.05
Killa Saifullah Tehsil 4,386 147,565
Upper Zhob Tehsil[1] 2,445 167,188
Loi Band Tehsil No Data 28,061

Table 1.5 Killa Saifullah Population Statistics

Religions Kila Saifullah district[2]

Muslims 99.5%
Christians 0.1%
Hindus Negligible %
Ahmadis 0.4%
Scheduled Castes Negligible %
Others Negligible %

Table 1.6 Killa Saifullah Religions

Languages Kila Saifullah district[3]

Urdu 0.3%
Punjabi 0.3%
Sindhi Negligible %
Pushto 99.2%
Balochi Negligible %
Seraiki 0.1%
Others[4] Negligible %

Table 1.7 Killa Saifullah Languages

[1] Upper Zhob Tehsil has been renamed Muslim Bagh Tehsil

[2] 1998 Census; 2017 census Data has not been released yet.

[3] 1998 Census; 2017 census Data has not been released yet.

[4] includes Brahvi language

Economic ActivityEconomic Infrastructure

Economic Activity Kila Saifullah District

The economy of the district is based on agriculture with its allied livestock breeding and fishing/hunting. The major occupations[1] of the district are:

  • Agriculture with its allied livestock breeding, fishing & hunting (46.8%)
  • Construction (21.1%)
  • Community, Social & Personal Services (19.8%)
  • Electricity, Gas & Water (5.4%)
  • Wholesale, Retail, Hotel & Restaurant (3.3%)
  • Manufacturing (2.7%)

Land Use Kila Saifullah district

The following table shows the main land use statistics of the district as per Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19:

Total Area 683,100 HA Reported Area 416,780 HA
Total Cultivated Area 153,799 HA Net Sown 81,994 HA
Current Fallow 71,805 HA Total Uncultivated Area 262,981 HA
Culturable Waste 101,384 HA Forest Area 20,287 HA

Table 1.8 Killa Saifullah Land Use Statistics

Agriculture Kila Saifullah district

The district is in the Cold Agro-Ecological Zone of Pakistan. Crops of the district include wheat, barley, cumin, tobacco, maize, moong, maash, sunflower, cotton, and fodder.

Fruits of the district include almonds, apples, apricots, grapes, peach, pomegranate, cherries, watermelon, musk melon, sarda, garma, and plum.

Vegetables grown in the district include onions, potatoes, tomatoes, okra, carrots, bottle gourd, pumpkin, cauliflower, peas, brinjal, luffa, cucumber, chilies, spinach, and tinda.

Livestock Breeding Kila Saifullah district

Livestock breeding is the second most important sector of the economy. It is the main source of income for nomadic families. The following table shows the population of livestock in the district as per the 2006 Census of Livestock (qtd. in Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19):

Cattle 69,361 Heads Buffalos 151 Heads Sheep 1,066,690 Heads
Goats 783,624 Heads Camels 21,751 Heads Horses 1,359 Heads
Mules 270 Heads Asses 21,248 Heads

Table 1.9 Killa Saifullah Livestock Statistics

The following breeds of livestock are indigenous to the district: 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 Saifullah district

Data on the total number of commercial poultry farms in the district is not available. Poultry is mostly bred in homes for eggs and meat.

Fishing Kila Saifullah

There is no fishing activity in the district.

Bee Keeping/Apiary Kila Saifullah district

Due to the district’s arid nature, scanty rainfall, and lack of vegetation, bee keeping is almost negligible in Killa Saifullah.

Irrigation Network Kila Saifullah district

The major sources of irrigation are tube wells, karezes, springs, canals, and wells. Some of the important karezes of the district are Karez Akhtarzai, karez Soghai, and Mustafa Karez (the karezes are located in the Muslim Bagh area only). The following table shows the mode of irrigation and area being irrigated by each mode (Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19):

Total Irrigated Area 87,144 HA Government Canals – HA
Private Canals – HA Wells – HA
Tube Wells 87,080 HA Karez/Spring/Others 64 HA

Table 1.11 Killa Saifullah Irrigation Statistics

There are a number of delay action dams that have been built by the Irrigation Department, which help in recharging ground water. Some dams are under construction also. These are Tor Kane Dam, Malgagi Dam, and Murgha Faqirzai Dam.

Manufacturing/ Industry Kila Saifullah district

There are no small, medium, or large manufacturing units in the district. The only organized manufacturing is furniture making.

Mining Kila Saifullah district

Chromite, magnesite, marble, asbestos, amethyst, gabbro, iron ore, limestone and copper[2] are present in the district. Moreover, there is occurrence of manganese, calcite, soapstone, and coal in the area, but these minerals are not being mined on a commercial scale. Chromite is found mainly in the Muslim Bagh area.

Oil and gas is being explored in the district.

Handicrafts Kila Saifullah district

Embroidery work is the main handicraft done by women of the area with excellent skill and craft. Mostly, it is done on women’s dresses for personal use, though some more skilled women receive orders to make dresses for other women of the village. This embroidery work is not sold in the town markets. This craft can be developed as a cottage industry.

[1] 1998 Census; 2017 census Data has not been released yet.

[2] K-Saifullah District Development Profile, 2011, by GoB, in collaboration with UNICEF

 

Economic Infrastructure Kila Saifullah District

Killa Saifullah is well connected with other parts of the province and country by road. The district has National Highways, as well as Provincial and District roads. Major road links are the two National Highways N-50 and N-70. Both important towns, Killa Saifullah and Muslim Bagh, are located near the junction of the two National Highways. All parts of the district are accessible by roads, and most of the roads are shingle. There is a non-functional railway, but no airport in the district.

Road Statistics Kila Saifullah district

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

Total Roads 1749.0 km
High Type Roads/Black Topped 802.0 km
Low Type Roads/Shingle 947.0 km

Table 1.10 Killa Saifullah Road Statistics

Important road links of the district are:

  • National Highway N-50 (195 km) connects Quetta with Dera Ismail Khan, Muslim Bagh, Killa Saifullah, and Zhob via Kan Mehterzai
  • National Highway (N-70) connects Killa Saifullah with Dera Ghazi Khan via Loralai
  • Road Linking N-50 with Pishin
  • Another road linking N-50 with Khanozai and Pishin

Rail and Airways Kila Saifullah district

There is a non-functional railway station, the Kan Mehtarzai railway station, which is the highest railway station in Asia, at an elevation of 3,329 m above mean sea level. The station was closed in 1986; it was a narrow gauge railway line, and the engines and bogies that could be used on these lines were discontinued by the manufacturers, leading to the decision to cease operations on the railway line. The nearest railway station and airport is at Quetta. There is no airport in the district, and the nearest airport is at Zhob.

Radio and Television Kila Saifullah district

There are no radio and television stations in the district. Because of the absence of TV transmission, the use of satellite dishes is increasing, especially in towns where cable TV is also easily available. Radio transmissions from Quetta, Karachi, Lahore, and the BBC can be received throughout the district.

Telecommunications Kila Saifullah district

In Killa Saifullah district, Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation (PTC) has established 2 telephone exchanges providing 848 landlines, 365 wireless phones and 637 broadband connections (Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19). In addition, all major cellular services are available in the district.

Post Offices/ Courier Services Kila Saifullah district

There are 02 post offices in the district and most of the courier services provide services in the district (Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19).

Banking/ Financial Institutions Kila Saifullah district

The following banks have branches in the district:

  • National Bank of Pakistan
  • Muslim Commercial Bank
  • Zarai Taraqiati Bank

According to the “List of Reporting Bank Branches; 2019” by State Bank of Pakistan there are 12 branches of different conventional banks and 05 branches of various Islamic banks in the District.

Electricity and Gas Kila Saifullah district

In Killa Saifullah district, the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) looks after the supply of electricity.

There is no natural gas pipeline in the district. Instead of natural gas, people use liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders.

Educational Institutions Kila Saifullah district

The following table shows the number of primary, middle, secondary, and mosque schools in the district as per Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19:

Institution Boys/Girls Institution Boys/Girls
Primary Schools 414/214 Middle Schools 30/17
High Schools 25/06 Community Schools 35
Higher Secondary 01/01 Degree Colleges 02/01
Universities Mosque Schools[1]
Vocational Training Schools Private Schools[2] 04

Table 1.12 Killa Saifullah Educational Institutions

Healthcare Facilities Kila Saifullah district

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

Institution No./beds Institution No./beds
Teaching Hospitals Hospitals 02/70
Rural Health Centers 05/30 Basic Health Units 16/-
Dispensaries 15/- Mother Child Health Centers 02/-
TB/Leprosy Clinics 01/- Private Hospitals 05/35
Private Dispensaries -/-

Table 1.13 Killa Saifullah Health Institutions

Policing Kila Saifullah district

For the purpose of administration, the district is divided into two areas: “A” and “B”. The town area of Killa Saifullah comes under “A” area and the rest of the area of the district falls under the “B” area. “A” area is controlled by a regular police force, headed by the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). This DSP is assisted by Station House Officer (SHO), Inspector Police, and other staff. The “B” area is controlled by a levies force. Levies are a conventional force that help maintain law and order. In levies, men from different tribes are employed. The levies force comes under the direct control of the Deputy Commissioner (DC).

Policing is looked after by the Balochistan Police. In the district, the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Loralai is the Chief of the Police. The RPO is assisted by 2 SubDivisional Police Officers (SDPOs) one each stationed at Killa Saifullah and Muslim Bagh. There are 02 Police Stations in the district according to the table 19.7 (a) Number of Police Stations 2019 by Division/District issued by Federal Bureau of Statistics.

Figure 1.4 A Petrol Pump/ Gas Station on the Highway in Killa Saifullah

Figure 1.5 Zhob Valley Railway Locomotive #74 Display

Figure 1.6 A Police Station Killa Saifullah

Figure 1.7 Cadet College, Killa Saifullah

Figure 1.8 Jogezai Residence, Killa Saifullah

[1] included in primary schools

[2] 2011 Data

Environment and Biodiversity Kila Saifullah district

Kila Saifullah district is located in the northwest of Balochistan province; the major environmental problem of the district is degradation of water aquifers, and the disappearance of vegetation.

In the absence of industrial units, there is no brown pollution.

There are no notified state protected areas in the district; however, the Torghar Conservancy is a role model for other community-managed conservation areas in Pakistan.

Flora and Fauna Kila Saifullah district

Flora Kila Saifullah district

The major tree species found in the district are obusht or Turkestan juniper (Juniperus excelsa polycarpos), wild ash (Fraxinus xanthoxyloides) and shina or wild pistachios (Pistacia khinjjuk), which occupy favorable sites. The main shrubs are janglee badaam/ wild almond (Prunus eberne), sparae or cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.), tharkha or sea wormwood (Artemisia maritime), hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), kala zira or caraway seeds (Carum bulbocastanum), Oman or joint fir (Ephedra nebrodensis and Ephedra intermedia), makhi or joint pine (Caragana ambigua), khakshir or flixweed (Sisymbrium sophia), zralg or barberry (Berberis lycium), and surae or pale rose (Rosa lacerans). The ground cover is constituted mainly of Stipa himalacia, Dichanthium annulatum, Chrysopogon aucheri, and Cymbopogon spp.

The district has the following vegetation zones:

  • Uphill steep rocky cliffs: Turkestan Juniper (Juniperus Excelsa polycarpos) is the predominantly climax species associated with wild pistachios (Pistacia khinjjak), joint fir (Ephedra nebrodensis and Ephedra intermedia) and ash (Fraxinus anthoxyloides)
  • Foothills: The foothills comprise mostly of the fertile deep soil plateaus like Toba Kakari and Kakar Khurasan range. It provides summer grazing land for both the local and nomadic graziers, who bring their livestock for grazing. It is dominated by a variety of shrubs like tharkha or wormwood (Artimesia maritima), wild almonds (Prunus eberne), makhi or joint pine (Caragana ambigua), zralg or barberry (Berberis lyceum) and ghuzara or peaflowered tree (Sophora griffithii) associated with herbs and grasses
  • Piedmont plains: These are mostly modified by the local community for agriculture and other land uses. The region consists of more or less flat to undulating plains. The wasteland contains mostly tharkha or wormwood (Artimesia maritime), dwarf saxaul (Haloxylon griffithii) with sporadic mixture of edible seasonal forage plants, which support thousands of animals, both local and nomadic
  • Dry stream beds: These are commonly found in the entire district where Tamarix Spp. is commonly seen

Fauna of Kila Saifullah district

Key species found in the district include, among mammals, straight-horned markhor, Afghan urial, wolf, hill fox, Asiatic jackal, cape hare, porcupine, Afghan hedgehog, Afghan pica, and stone marten.

Avifauna of the district includes chakor, see-see partridge, kestrel, magpie, golden eagle, a number of finches, buntings, seasonal/migratory waterfowls, hawks, bustards, and sand grouse.

Reptiles found in the district include Afghan tortoise, Afghan agama, Indian cobra, saw-scaled viper, dwarf dark-headed racer, and Levantine viper.

Protected Areas and Wildlife Kila Saifullah district

Even though there is no government-owned Wildlife Protected Area in the district, the Torghar Conservancy is a community-based Wildlife Protected Area, which provides sanctuary to the Suleiman markhor and Afghan urial.