Sherani District

Sherani District
ضلع شیرانی
شېراني ولسوالۍ‎
شݔرانی دمگ‎
Sheerani
District of Balochistan
≈
Sulaiman Mountains from Sherani District
Map of Balochistan with Sherani District highlighted
Map of Balochistan with Sherani District highlighted
Country Pakistan
Province Balochistan
DivisionZhob
Established3 January 2006
HeadquartersSherani (town)
Government
 • TypeDistrict Administration
 • Deputy CommissionerN/A
 • District Police OfficerN/A
 • District Health OfficerN/A
Area
4,310 km2 (1,660 sq mi)
Population
 (2023)[1]
191,687
 • Density44/km2 (120/sq mi)
 • Urban
0
 • Rural
191,687
Literacy
[2]
 • Literacy rate
  • Total:
    (23.86%)
  • Male:
    (31.53%)
  • Female:
    (15.02%)
Time zoneUTC+5 (PST)
Total voters31,837.(Harifal, 8728; Sherani, 23,109)
Number of Tehsils1
Websitewww.balochistan.gov.pk

Sherani or Shirani (Urdu: ضلع شیرانی) is a rural district in the Zhob Division of Balochistan province in Pakistan.[3][4] The district lies within the Sulaiman mountain range, and its highest point is the Takht-e-Sulaiman at 3,487 metres (11,440 ft).

According to the 2023 census, it had a population of 191,687.[5] Notable villages in the district include (also known as Dargah), Karama, Zarkai Landawar, Shinghar, Tsappar Kili, and Manikhawa (Mani Kwa).

Administration

Before 2006, Sherani was a subdivision (sub-district) of Zhob district.[6] The new district was created on 3 January 2006.[7]

Tehsil Area

(km²)[8]

Pop.

(2023)

Density

(ppl/km²)

(2023)

Literacy rate

(2023)[9]

Union Councils
Sherani Tehsil 4,310 191,687 44.47 23.86% 14

History

The Sherani tribe maintained significant autonomy and resisted external domination until the British Empire consolidated authority over the region. In the winter of 1890, the Khiderzai Expedition formally brought Sherani under British rule.[10]

Mountstuart Elphinstone (1779–1859),[11] a Scottish statesman and historian associated with the British government of India, visited the region in the early 19th century and said that the Shiranis were led by a "Neeka" who received an annual tax of one lamb and one calf from those who owned such animals.[12] The Neeka functioned as both a judge and a commander-in-chief, with his authority believed to be derived from the conviction that he was "Under the immediate guidance and protection of providence."

British occupation

The occupation of Apozai by the British Empire took place on 31 October 1890. By 13 November, all the principal points in Sherani were occupied. At Karama, a grand inquest was held into the conduct of the tribe and fines imposed, and the proceedings were terminated by a darbar, at which the submission of the tribe was formally received and rewards conferred upon the deserving.[13]

21st century

On 3 July 2022, a bus traveling from Rawalpindi to Quetta carrying 33 people fell into a ravine, killing at least 20 people and injuring 11 others near Sherani District.[14][15] It was the second major accident in a month. Earlier, on 8 June, a minivan crashed in Killa Saifullah District, killing 22 people. Rescue sources said that the bodies and injured were moved to Zhob and Mughal Kot.[16]

Geography

In the northeast of the Balochistan plateau, Zhob and Sherani Basin form an oval surrounded by mountains. Qais Abdul Rashid (575-661 A.D.),[17] who is believed to be one of the progenitors of the Pushtoons, lived in the Suleiman Mountains. Natives call the place where he is buried "Da Kase Ghar" (the mountain of Qais). In Pushto, "K" is used for "Q".

In 1883, with the consent of the chiefs of the Sherani tribe (the inhabitants of the range), a survey party under Major Holdich, R.E., ascended the mountain, accompanied by a military escort. They found the summit of the ridge to consist of a long valley between two high rims, covered with the Chilgoza, or Edible, Pine (Pinus gerardiana). At the north end of the western rim is the highest peak, known as Kaisa Ghar, 11,300 feet above sea level; at the south end of the eastern rim is the Takht, properly so called, 3,441 metres (11,060 feet) above sea level.[18]

Many legends attach to this place; one legend says Noah's Ark alighted here after the Deluge, while others connect it with King Solomon, whose throne alighted on this peak, which has ever since borne the name of Takht-i-Suleiman. Lofty ranges west of the Takht-i-Suleiman contain strata of the Liassic (lower Jurassic) and middle Jurassic (about 208 to 146 million years ago).[19]

In autumn 1897, a slight shock of an earthquake was felt in Sherani District, in which several houses in Ghurlama, Kacchi, Burkhurdar, and Pasta fell down. No human or livestock loss is on record.[20]

Demographics

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1961 10,354—    
1972 25,384+8.49%
1981 78,625+13.39%
1998 81,684+0.22%
2017 152,952+3.36%
2023 191,687+3.83%
Sources:[21]

According to the 1998 census, the recorded population of the district was 83,771, with 26,111 residing in Harifal and 57,660 in Sherani. The district is divided into seven union councils: Kapip, Manikwa, Dhanasir, Mughal Kot, Ahmedi Derga, Shinghar Harifal South, and Shinghar Harifal North.

The total number of voters in the district was 31,837, consisting of 17,535 male voters and 14,302 female voters.[22] Within Harifal, there were 8,728 voters, including 4,797 male voters and 3,931 female voters. In Sherani, there were 23,109 voters, with 12,738 male voters and 10,371 female voters.

As of the 2023 census, Sherani district has 36,100 households and a population of 191,687. The district has a sex ratio of 122.02 males to 100 females and a literacy rate of 23.86%: 31.53% for males and 15.02% for females. 75,400 (39.34% of the surveyed population) are under 10 years of age. The entire population lives in rural areas.[23] 636 (0.33% of the surveyed population) are religious minorities, nearly all Christians.[24] Pashto is the predominant language, spoken by 99.87% of the surveyed population.[1]

Villages

According to the 1998 census, there were 186 rural villages in Sherani district, though 16 of these were unpopulated.[25]

Population of rural villages in Sherani district, according to the 1998 census.[25]
Number Village Name Population in 1998 Households in 1998
1 Abu Sar 479 75
2 Aghberga Ragha 405 37
3 Ahmdi Dirgha 900 175
4 Astashai 1265 209
5 Atatazai 611 98
6 China 87 17
7 Ghundi Adam Khan 93 22
8 Ghund Ser 82 23
9 Ghundi Kohna 463 58
10 Gurgur Chinah 184 30
11 Karim Kachh 50 6
12 Kori Wasta Qurieshi 874 136
13 Kori Wasta Yasinzai 795 95
14 Kothah 371 45
15 Kuram Abu Thal 0 0
16 Nawab Kot 216 39
17 Niazi Kot 535 83
18 Sanni Zai 186 36
19 Sher Ghali 1268 134
20 Shinah Kazhah 388 46
21 Surlakai 1103 134
22 Turjana 395 61
23 Wala Shol 597 120
24 Aghburgai 435 50
25 Killi Gul Muhammad 545 75
26 Killi Khan Alam 3338 347
27 Killi Pir Muhammad 475 59
28 Mandao 655 84
29 Mushken Bund 118 17
30 Raghsar Manglazi 0 0
31 Sharo 673 67
32 Spin Shah 331 49
33 Surabah 0 0
34 Tangi Perowezan 785 104
35 Aghburga Wah 191 19
36 Algazzai 102 12
37 Anghushtai 235 38
38 Besh Lawara 1098 139
39 Chashmaragh 125 13
40 Daglawara 547 87
41 Dahana Sar Post 154 25
42 Dori 26 4
43 Ghagra 368 64
44 Gharing 421 74
45 Gharyasa Tarozai 185 38
46 Ghazi 0 0
47 Ghozai 0 0
48 Ghurwandi Zarghovilla 85 11
49 Ghuryasa 85 15
50 Ghuryasi 296 39
51 Hasar 492 62
52 Hasarkai Lowara 137 17
53 Kazah 121 15
54 Khawaja Wahi 295 41
55 Lawara 494 67
56 Macharogai 188 25
57 Mukhwai 108 21
58 Pasta,Taki karmanzai 89 20
59 Promah 142 21
60 Ragha Sar 354 52
61 Sara Kohnah 66 13
62 Sari Lawara 340 32
63 Sera Raiz 170 34
64 Shauha 456 71
65 Soroi Kani 441 66
66 Sozai 36 5
67 Spin Lawara 84 13
68 Tor Bandanar 261 25
69 Torkani 22 6
70 Wila Shoi 52 3
71 Zar Gawah 166 26
72 Zerpan 0 0
73 Anzar Khezai 1029 131
74 Aspasta Aghburga 2524 380
75 Ghurlama 860 132
76 Ibrahim Zai/Sozai 206 33
77 Ibrahimzai 280 41
78 Kachhe 358 35
79 Kahol Tirkai Lihkwan 279 62
80 Kamal Zai 568 77
81 Khanki Jallat 0 0
82 Khankai karmanzai 328 42
83 Karama karmanzai 941 87
84 Lehar Chopper Khail 1331 118
85 Lehar Karmanzai 872 101
86 Manikhwa 796 106
87 Mobi Tjwar Khar 185 16
88 Mosai Aziz Khan 944 59
89 Pasta karmanzai 709 115
90 Ragha Mina 757 75
91 Rusta Wusta Wast(Spal) 168 26
92 Siratoi Mena 282 43
93 Tairi Karmanzai 342 51
94 Uzhdan 391 42
95 Walmai karmanzai 513 82
96 Warghari 1205 123
97 Zara Killa 2344 348
98 Zarina Monah 160 33
99 Ziandi Miloo 797 51
100 Bhambrat 173 23
101 Chajobi 2069 222
102 Chaudai 90 12
103 Chur Kandi 174 43
104 Daghalo Kazha 110 12
105 Domandi 97 11
106 Duglor Zor 0 0
107 Gahai 190 22
108 Hota 106 8
109 Ingashai Pan 528 27
110 Kachh Mina 46 4
111 Kajal Khail 238 23
112 Karamachah 158 22
113 Karezai 131 24
114 Kazha 583 74
115 Khawazha 179 22
116 Khozai 60 15
117 Laghre Kazha 315 48
118 Lakai 0 0
119 Landai 191 18
120 Lio Band 183 18
121 Loghai Mena 0 0
122 Loi Raghah 642 69
123 Manah 109 13
124 Mankai 48 8
125 Mehrapai 328 50
126 Mir Ali Khail 452 63
127 Mughal Kot 705 76
128 Mughal Kot Malitia 0 0
129 Munga 14 4
130 Oshe Wasta 357 25
131 Ragha Karigran 910 83
132 Sarokai 525 74
133 Ser Qund 233 28
134 Serraggha 483 66
135 Sharun 355 54
136 Shen Narai 86 13
137 Shen Urmezai 200 31
138 Shenah Kohnah 610 36
139 Shenaki Kohnah 540 108
140 Shinah Pounga -I 878 98
141 Shinah Pounga-Ii 0 0
142 Shinalandai 1020 115
143 Tarkha Bayan 1010 89
144 Terkey Bayan 0 0
145 Tor Ghandi 1086 177
146 Tor Ragha 327 41
147 Tor Saman Zoi 406 71
148 Tora Murgha 304 57
149 Tungi Kohnah 556 49
150 Turwa Phail 0 0
151 Zara Kazha 359 28
152 Zebai Sar 314 38
153 Abrahim Khail 917 152
154 Arund Bund Munglzai 289 62
155 Babkow Zai 466 77
156 Behlol 2020 205
157 Daryakhan Zai 1361 139
158 Dwala Garh 688 142
159 Haudakai 522 60
160 Hurm Zai 588 63
161 Kachh Mulanica 442 83
162 Kazha Malizai 1058 100
163 Kot Mallezai 480 82
164 Lalukzai 275 32
165 Landai 161 26
166 Lor Khadazai 408 85
167 Malik Jankaz Khudazai 641 118
168 Pahlan 193 30
169 Phezai 357 54
170 Pustah 0 0
171 Ragha Surankan 566 67
172 Shah Umarzai 137 20
173 Sharn/Pai Mohammad 139 28
174 Shin Kowai 244 29
175 Shina Landai 1473 154
176 Shingar Hassanzai 308 32
177 Showangai 93 15
178 Shubkai Menzai 375 66
179 Shucha 0 0
180 Soor Ghar 74 6
181 Spinah 286 41
182 Sumezai 829 103
183 Tora Murgha 140 19
184 Trai Malazai 404 55
185 Zama 242 33
186 Zor Khar 776 119

Education

Balochistan is the least literate province of Pakistan, with a literacy rate of 37% (20% for women), compared to 54% nationally. The lack of secular education is more noticeable in Balochistan than in any other province, with 50% of children compelled to attend religious schools. The national budget for the MRA (Ministry of Religious Affairs) is around 1.2 billion rupees, whilst the secular education ministry is allocated 200 million.[26]

There is only one intermediate college in the entire district,[27] with 19 teachers and 70 students, and four high schools with 67 teachers, insufficient for the thousands of boys aspiring to admission. All four high schools and the college are located in the sherani area, none in Harifal. Similarly, only eight middle-standard boys' schools with 263 enrolled students and 102 teachers exist in the whole district.[28]

Though no authentic figures of female literacy rate are available, even rudimentary guesses make the female literacy rate not more than 3%, while the male rate, as reported by the NCHD is about 18%. 76 schools are working with one teacher and one room without any shelter.[29] There are five registered Seminaries and five private Schools. The NCHD is running five feeder Schools. Teachers in these private schools work in a quack fashion and use very crude methods of teaching, including bastinado-type caning on the hands. 83% of schools are without electricity, 45% are without a boundary wall, 50% are without a toilet, and 35% are without drinking water.

Flora

See also: Sherani District wildfire

Aak in Urdu, Sodom's Apple or swallow-wort in English, karagh in Balochi, spelmai in Pashto (Calotropis procera), grows prolifically in Shinghar. It is deadly poison if eaten, as Alexander the Great discovered when his starving horses and cattle ate them on their long march back from the Indus through the Mekran.[30]

References

  1. ^ a b "7th Population and Housing Census: Population by Mother Tongue, Sex and Rural/Urban" (PDF). Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
  2. ^ "Literacy rate, enrolments, and out-of-school population by sex and rural/urban, CENSUS-2023, BALOCHISTAN" (PDF).
  3. ^ "Welcome to Balochistan". Government of Balochistan. Archived from the original on 6 April 2009.
  4. ^ "Districts". Government of Balochistan. Archived from the original on 1 June 2013.
  5. ^ "Area, Population by Sex, Sex Ratio, Population Density, Urban Population, Household Size and Annual Growth Rate, Census-2023, Balochistan" (PDF). Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
  6. ^ "Map of Subdistricts of Zhor District". Archived from the original on 10 February 2009.
  7. ^ "Sherani's woes". DAWN.COM. 22 April 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  8. ^ "TABLE 1 : AREA, POPULATION BY SEX, SEX RATIO, POPULATION DENSITY, URBAN POPULATION, HOUSEHOLD SIZE AND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE, CENSUS-2023, BALOCHISTAN" (PDF).
  9. ^ "LITERACY RATE, ENROLMENT AND OUT OF SCHOOL POPULATION BY SEX AND RURAL/URBAN, CENSUS-2023, BALOCHISTAN" (PDF).
  10. ^ Balochistan through the ages
  11. ^ Elphinstone, Mountstuart (1815). An Account of the Kingdom of Caubul, and Its Dependencies in Persia, Tartary, and India: Comprising a View of the Afghaun Nation, and a History of the Dooraunee Monarchy. Longman. p. 384 – via Internet Archive. Hurreepaul.
  12. ^ Elphinstone, Mountstuart (1839). An Account of the Kingdom of Caubul, and Its Dependencies in Persia, Tartary, and India; Comprising a View of the Affghan Nation, and a History of the Douranee Monarchy.
  13. ^ Colonel Sir Robert Sandeman: his life and work on our Indian ...
  14. ^ "Bus falls into ravine in southwest Pakistan killing 19".
  15. ^ "At least 19 people killed as bus plunges into ravine in Balochistan". 3 July 2022.
  16. ^ "Bus crash kills 20 in southwest Pakistan". Reuters. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
  17. ^ Makhzan-i-Afghani by Nemathullah
  18. ^ A Biography of Sir Robert Samdeman by Thomas Henry Thornton C.S.I., D.C.L., page 220
  19. ^ Gazetteer
  20. ^ Gazetteer vol I p82
  21. ^ "Population by administrative units 1951-1998" (PDF). Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
  22. ^ ECP
  23. ^ "7th Population and Housing Census - Detailed Results: Table 1" (PDF). Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
  24. ^ "7th Population and Housing Census - Detailed Results: Table 9" (PDF). www.pbscensus.gov.pk. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
  25. ^ a b "Sherani District Development Profile 2011" (PDF), Planning & Development Department, Government of Balochistan in Collaboration with UNICEF, pp. Annexure G, 18 July 2011, archived from the original (PDF) on 13 September 2014
  26. ^ "Balochistan: Pakistan's internal war". Green Left Weekly. 6 September 2016.
  27. ^ Liam, hoof (22 April 2021). "THE Sherani district was separated from Zhob back in 2006. It is home to two tribes – Harifal and Sherani. It has only one tehsil and 14 union councils for administrative purposes. The infrastructure is in a shambles owing to official neglect". Dawn News. p. 1. Retrieved 22 April 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  28. ^ NCHD Sherani.
  29. ^ Akbar, Muhammad. "Sherani District". ECE. UNESCO. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
  30. ^ The Tigers of Balochistan by Sylvia Matheson p65,66
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