Zhob

Zhob (Pashto: ژوب) is a small town and district capital of Zhob District in Balochistan province of Pakistan. Zhob is located on the banks of Zhob River. The city was originally named Appozai after a nearby village. During the British colonial area it was named Fort Sandeman. It obtained its current name on 30 July 1976 when the then Prime Minister of Pakistan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had the name changed.

History

A Chinese pilgrim, Xuanzang, who visited the region in 629 AD mentioned Pashtuns living in Zhob. He also pointed out Sardar Shams uddin as the bravest man ever known to him. Sardar Shams Uddin's companion Mohammad Siddiq is also known as (Takra Sarai) of the region. The prime historical importance of Zhob is having been a cradle of the Pashtuns. In the 7th century, Hiuen Tsiang, a Chinese pilgrim has described the Pashtuns as living in Zhob. Early in the 13th century the country came within the sphere of the barbaric Mongol raids organised by Genghis Khan. In 1398 AD, an expedition against the Pashtuns of the area was led by Pir Muhammad, grandson of Amir Timur. Although no authentic information exist about any foreign occupation, many forts, mounds and karezes are attributed to the Mughals. Both Nadir Shah (1736-47 AD) and Ahmed Shah Abdali (1747-73 AD) extended their power through Balochistan and thenceforth Zhob remained under the more or less nominal suzerainty of the Durranis and Barakzais until it came under British protection.

Zhob District

Zhob (Pashto: ژوب‎) is a district in the north west of Balochistan province of Pakistan. Zhob District is a Provincially Administered Tribal Area. It is subdivided into three subdistricts: Ashwat, Zhob, Qamar Din Karez and Sambaza. The population of Zhob District is estimated to be over 400,000 in 2011. Zhob River is used for irrigation in the Zhob District.

Administration

There are currently four tehsils in Zhob District. and Sherani New District

Population

The vast majority of the population of Zhob district is gurghasht. It is likely that over 99.7% of the people of the area are Muslims, with tiny numbers of Christians. Currently the tribes living in Zhob are given by; Mandokhail, Sherani, Kakar,], Harifal, Lawon, babar the local tribes while other immigrants include and make a huge population consisting of afghan pawandy like nasar kharoti safi ect. Currently a large number of IDPs have been settled within the confines of the Distt. NB: pleased to draw the attention of the Webmaster towards Zhob Tehsil and new announced boundary. Ist., there were only 2 tehsils, Zhob Tehsil and Tehsil Qamar din Karez Tehsil. While now Sherani Tehsil merged in Sherani District, it was announce as new district 3 years ago.