Zhob

Zhob formerly known as Appozai, is a city and district headquarters of the Zhob District in the Balochistan province of Pakistan.[2] Zhob is located on the banks of the Zhob river. It lies 337 kilometres away from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan.

The city was originally named Appozai after a nearby village. During the British colonial era, it was named Fort Sandeman after the British Indian Army officer Robert Groves Sandeman. It obtained its current name in 1976 when the then Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto changed its name.

Places to visit in Zhob

Salyaza: One of the most visited picnic spots of the Zhob district, Pakistan. The stream is surrounded by the orchards of apples, grapes, almonds and apricots and extensive fields of maize and wheat. The Pashtoon tribes living here are Mandokhail and village named Takai.

Paryan-o-Ghundi: Visiting places in this area are Oboo Shakh, Tarjana Narai, Shaly Narai, Uzgii Ghbarga, Sur Ghundai. This area is also rich with Zaitoon (Olive) forests.

Tor Ghar Ali Khan zai تورغر علی خان زئی is situated 16 km away in the south of Zhob district. Tor Ghar is also called K2 of Zhob District.
History

A Chinese pilgrim, Xuanzang, who visited the region in 629 AD mentioned Pashtuns living in Zhob.[citation needed] The prime historical importance of Zhob is having been a cradle of the Pashtuns.[citation needed] Early in the 13th century the country came within the sphere of the Mongol raids organised by Genghis Khan. In 1398 AD, an expedition against the Pashtuns of the area was led by Pir Muhammad, the grandson of Amir Timur. Although no authentic information exists about any foreign occupation, many forts, mounds and karizes 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 the Barakzais until it came under British protection.

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 Jogizai 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 British were first brought into contact with them.

Until the Zhob Valley Expedition of 1884, the area was practically unknown to Europeans. In 1889, the Zhob Valley and Gomal Pass were taken under the control of the British Government.[4] In December 1889, the town of Zhob, then known as Apozai, was occupied by the British and named Fort Sandeman after Sir Robert Sandeman.

The district of Zhob was formed in 1890 with Fort Sandeman as the capital. The population was 3552 according to the 1901 census of India.[5] The military garrison included a native cavalry and a native infantry regiment. It was also the headquarters of the Zhob Levy Corps. In 1894, a supply of water from the Saliaza valley was established, allowing irrigation and planting of fruits and trees and providing drinking water. It cost a little over a lakh of rupees.

During the colonial era, the political agent resided in a building known as "the Castle" that lay to the north of the town and 150 feet (46 m) above the surface of the plain. The military lines, bazaar, dispensaries, and schools lay below. During this time, the railway system was built. The nearest railway station in Baluchistan is Harnai, 168 miles (270 km) distant. Bhakkar, the railway station for Dera Ismail Khan, is 122 miles (196 km) distant. The population numbered 3,552 in 1901.

A local fund was created in 1890. The income during 1903-4 was 18,000 rupees and the expenditure 17,000 rupees. One-third of the net receipts from octroi were paid over to the military authorities. There is a small sanitarium, about 8,500 feet (2,600 m) above sea-level, about 30 miles (48 km) away at Shinghar on the Sulaiman range, to which resort is made in the summer months.

There is a Pakistan Army cantonment in Zhob too. Semi-nomadic people from various provinces or Afghanistan migrate to Zhob amid the weather of the city. Tribes known for migration include Yusafzai, Tarakai, Mehsud, Wazir etc.

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