Khuzdar District is situated in the central region of Balochistan, Pakistan. Historically, it was part of Jhalawan, a highland division of the Kalat State. Khuzdar served as the headquarters of Jhalawan until 1955, when the One Unit Policy abolished all provincial boundaries in West Pakistan.

Ancient History

The ancient history of Khuzdar is largely obscure, with limited corroborated details prior to the arrival of the Arabs in the 7th century AD. During the Rai Dynasty of Sindh, which ruled over an extensive region including parts of present-day Balochistan, this area was known as Turan with its capital at Khuzdar.

Alexander the Great and Early References

British geographer Sir T. Holdich suggested that part of Alexander the Great’s army passed through the Mula Pass and traversed Choarene, which has been identified as Khuzdar. The region is still referred to as Kohiar by some locals, an ancient name for the area. The next significant mention of Khuzdar came with the Rai Dynasty of Sindh, which extended its influence as far as Kandahar (in modern Afghanistan), Seistan (Persia), and the Suleiman and Kaikanan hills of Balochistan. Kaikanan, located near Kalat, is associated with present-day Nal in Khuzdar.

Arab Conquest and Rule

In 664 AD, during the caliphate of Muawiya, the Arabs conquered Khuzdar from the Rai Dynasty. The Arab army, led by Al-Manzar, established Khuzdar as their capital. The region’s strategic location and moderate climate made it favorable for settlement and development. An Arab historian, Al Biladhuri, described Khuzdar as a beautiful and distinguished place.

Medieval Period

In 997 AD, Sultan Nasir-ud-Din Sebuktigin, the founder of the Ghaznavid Empire, invaded and briefly conquered Khuzdar. However, Khuzdar was restored to its previous rulers through a treaty requiring annual tribute. Despite attempts to resist, the rulers paid the tribute and gifts to maintain their dominion. In 1047-48, Khuzdar was again conquered by the Ghaznavids under Mahmood’s grandson, Maudud, after a rebellion.

Following the decline of the Ghaznavids, Khuzdar came under the control of the Ghorids and then Nasir-ud-din Kabacha, the Muslim Turk governor of Multan. By 1225 AD, Khuzdar was under the rule of Shamsuddin Altamash, who initially had Malik Bahram Shah as the governor before the area was taken over by the Mongols. Malik Bahram Shah’s tomb is located in Washuk.

Soomra and Samma Dynasties

During the 14th century, the Soomra and Samma dynasties controlled Sindh, including Khuzdar at their peak. The Jat tribes, who previously held power, were overthrown by the rising Brahvi (or Brahui) tribe, which eventually came to dominate the region under Mir Bijar Khan, a contemporary of Mir Chakar Khan Rind.

Mughal and Kalat Rule

Khuzdar was integrated into the Mughal Empire and governed by the Zehri tribe. By the mid-15th century, the Brahvis had consolidated power, and Khuzdar became part of the Kalat Princely State. Under Mughal rule, it served as the seat of the Kalat Government and the residence of the Khan’s representative.

British Period

Henry Pottinger visited Khuzdar in 1810 and described it as a valley surrounded by mountains and a low mud wall. He noted that Hindus from Multan and Shikarpur had gained significant trust and responsibility, including managing the town gate keys.

In 1869, there was a rebellion in Jhalawan/Khuzdar led by Noor ud-Din Mengal, which was suppressed. Another uprising from 1893 to 1895, led by Gauhar Khan of the Zehri tribe, was also quelled by the Kalat State troops in the battle of Garmap.

In 1903, the British Government established a political agent in Khuzdar to manage administrative affairs, a system that continued until the Partition of India.

Modern Administration

Khuzdar was designated as a separate district on March 1, 1974, after previously being part of Kalat district.

1. Archaeological Significance

   Khuzdar District features many archaeological remains, including the gabarbands or embankments of ancient fire worshippers. Notable sites include Ahmad Band and one near Pir Munaghara in Sarona. Other significant archaeological finds include a vaulted burial chamber at Pandran, tombs, earthen vessels, stones with Kufic inscriptions, and the Palace Mound (Meri Bhar), believed to be the seat of the last Mongol governor, Malik Chap. Shahi Bagh remains a testament to the city’s historical significance.

    

Topography of Khuzdar District

Khuzdar is situated at the tip of a narrow valley, with an elevation of 1,237 meters (4,058 feet). The district extends about 318 kilometers from north to south and 175 kilometers from east to west, sloping gradually southward.

Mountain Ranges and Hills

Khuzdar district is predominantly mountainous, characterized by numerous ridges and valleys of varying widths. The terrain consists of folded sandstone and shale. Key mountain ranges include:

• Harboi Range and Central Brahvi Range: Located in the northern part, running from north to south.
• Moola (Mula) Hills: An extension of the Harboi Range, situated to the east of Jhalawan.
• Khudo, Chapar, and Pab Ranges: Found in the southern part, running from northwest to southeast, extending into Lasbela district.
• Kirthar Range: Marks the eastern boundary, extending north-south.
• Garr Hills: Define the western boundary.

Significant mountains in the district’s center include Dobanzil (2,239 meters), Hushtir (2,212.8 meters), Shashan (2,290 meters), and Dra Khel (2,469.5 meters). The general elevation of the district ranges from 1,800 to 3,000 meters above sea level, while Khuzdar city is at 1,237 meters.

Valleys

Important valleys in the district are Surab, Gidar, Baghwana, Zehri, Khuzdar, Firozabad, Wadh, Nal, Saruna, Jau, and the Mashkai River valley.

Rivers, Streams, and Lakes

Major Rivers

• Mula River: Emerges from the Harboi Hills, flowing south then east into the Kachhi Plains.
• Sukleji and Malghawa Rivers: Also rise in the Harboi Hills, flowing south to merge with other streams.
• Porali River: Starts in the Jhalawan Hills near Wadh and flows into Lasbela district.
• Bangari River: Originates in the Garr Hills and moves south to join the Nal River before entering Awaran district.

Other notable seasonal rivers and streams include Kohan, Saruna, Labil, Dara, Hator, Mosina, Kolachi, and Bini. The mountainous terrain generates numerous seasonal streams during the rainy season, such as Shandi Jhal, Khisun Band Jhal, Sang Nal Jhal, Kappak Jhal, Charri Jhal, Parpuki Jhal, and Chil Jhal.

There are no freshwater lakes or ponds in the district.

Forests

Khuzdar district falls within the Dry Sub-Tropical and Temperate Semi-Evergreen Scrub Forest zone. Natural vegetation is predominantly rangelands, which are crucial for ecological stability and economic development.

Major Tree Species

• Hapurse (Turkistan juniper, Juniperus excelsa polycarpos)
• Olive (Zaitoon, Olea cuspidata)
• Wild Pistachio (Gawan, Pistacia khinjjak)
• Phulai (Accacia modesta)
• Kabar (Vann, Salvadora oleoides)
• Kandi (Indian mesquite or Jand, Prosopis spicigera)
• Pissi (Beri, Zizyphus jujuba)
• Jangli Ber (Zizyphus nummularia)
• Kikar (Accacia nolatica)
• Benth (Acacia jacquemontii)

Forest Areas

The district’s forest areas include:

• Khera Dori (8,094 hectares)
• Chorani (19,433 hectares)
• Kachau (21,660 hectares)
• Shahaan (29,555 hectares)
• Chhapar Kohan (194,616 hectares)

Soils

Khuzdar district features various soil types:

• Matt: The richest clay soil, suitable for agriculture. Found in parts of Baghbana, Tutak, Nal, Kalo, Karkh, Korask, and Jan.
• Karkat: Harder soil, requiring more water than matt. Suitable for spring crops.
• Rikpoad: Light sandy soil in Wadh, good for wheat, barley, jowar, melons, onions, and vegetables.
• Sorah: Salt land, the lowest quality, found in large areas such as Hisar, Nondrav Valley, and between Mir-na-Shaher and Bajoi in Baghwana.

Climate

Khuzdar experiences warm summers and cold winters, with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. June is the hottest month with temperatures averaging 38°C (maximum) and 25°C (minimum). January is the coldest, with temperatures averaging 17°C (maximum) and 3°C (minimum). Winds in winter blow from the north (known as goorich), while in summer, they come from the south and southeast (known as numbi). The district receives an average annual rainfall of about 244 mm, primarily during winter.

Seismic Activity

Khuzdar district falls under Seismic Zone 2B, indicating a risk of minor to moderate earthquake damage.