District Sibi (Hotspot of Pakistan)
Introduction
Geographical Location
Background & History
Agriculture & Industry
Historical Places & Tourism
Sibi Mela
Cuisines
Conclusion
My Point of View
Presentation Main Points Introduction Geographical Location Background & History Agriculture & Industry Historical Places & Tourism Sibi Mela Cuisines Conclusion My Point of View
Introduction Sibi is located at the bank of the River Bolan in the Balochistan province, Pakistan. The district is well-known for its natural geographic beauty and mountain ranges such as Bambore, Dungan, and Zen. The area is renowned for its climate and is widely referred to as the hot spot where temperatures may exceed 52.6 °C (126.7 °F) in summers . The town is connected via the Bolan Pass to Quetta. The city is notable for its annual cultural exhibition, the Sibi Mela , which is the country’s second-largest festival and has been held regularly since 1885 . Sibi , like other districts in Balochistan, is getting special focus for the upcoming economic opportunities as a result of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Geographical Location on Map Geographical L ocation : Sibi is located in the Balochistan Province of Pakistan which is present in South Asia. G eographical C oordinates : 29° 33' 0" North, 67° 53' 0" East . Sibi District is bounded by Mountainous Districts of Ziarat in North, Loralai in North-East, Kohlu in East, Bolan in South and South-West and includes a little border with Mastung district in North-west through Dasht tehsil of Mastung . Sibi is adjacent to the River Nari that flows from the north adjacently to the East of the city. Delimited by the villages of Luni, GuluShahar, Kurak , Marghazani , Safi, Dehpal and Bakhra . Sibi also have a small airport set within the locality in North-West of the city.
The origin of the district's name is attributed to Rani Sewi , a Hindu lady of the Sewa Dynasty who ruled Balochistan before the 7th century . Origin
Background & History Sewa Dynasty Sewa Dynasty ruled this region before the 7th century. During their reign, this town was called Savi , named after a Hindu princess of the Sewa Dynasty. Until the end of the 15th century, the district had been part of the Ghaznavid Empire governed by a chief called Nasiruddin Kubacha . Arghun Dynasty It was taken from the Samma Dynasty of the Sultan of Sindh by Shah Beg of the Arghun Dynasty about 1500 and thus came under Kandahar’s rule. However, the region was controlled by Multan during the time of Mughal rule. British Rule The British signed the treaty with Khan of Kalat in late 19th century were under the Sibi, Shalkot and Chagai territory leased out to British India . The District of Sibi was established in 1903 during British Rule its area was larger than the current district . The British later set out plans for railroads. The town became a significant junction on the Sindh Peshin railway under British rule, where the Harnai line and the Quetta loop line cross. Sibi is frequently for a stopover during the journey from Sukkur to Quetta as a stopover. In ancient times, this city has been used as a passage by the Afghans and Iranians to enter the subcontinent. This city is also used to go to Afghanistan under British rule. In 1903, the town became a district, that is why Sibi is the oldest district of Balochistan. The majority of the people in this region belong to Baloch, Jamot, and Pashtun tribes.
Climate: The climate is dominantly sweltering, dry, and clear. The summers are hot and typically last 3.4 months, where the temperature can reach 52°C on average. Winters are short and cool and usually last 2.9 months with a high average daily temperature of less than 26°C Population & Language: In the 1998 census, the Sibi subdivision had a population of 103,700. The major languages spoken were Balochi (44%), Sindhi (20%), Pashto (11%) and Saraiki (8.2%). Sports: People of this region enjoy traditional and modern sports such as Cricket, Chauk, Horse R acing and Wrestling . Travel: The region is connected with the rest of the country through a wide network of roads , railways , and air routes. Several bus services for Sibi are operating from all over Pakistan. A historic railway junction station (established in 1880) is located in the town. Travelers can also reach the city by air. Sibi domestic airport (SBQ) is located in the city. 6.1km
Agriculture & Industry ECONOMY Traditional economic and commercial activities are dominant in the region. The impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is likely to enhance Sibi’s contribution to Pakistan’s economic growth. Recently, a road is constructed by CPEC which connects Sibi to Kohlu in Balochistan. INDUSTRY Because of its peculiar geographical beauty, the tourism industry is most prominent. Employment opportunities & development of industrial zones are expected to flourish due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC ). AGRICULTURE Agriculture is the main occupation and means of subsistence of rural people. Livestock is also a source of finance. The terrain is conducive for the cultivation of crops such as wheat, rice, maize, jowar, bajra , and barley.
Historical Places & Tourism Sibi is a place to visit for its archeological artifacts, mesmerizing mountains, and landscape. Tourists worldwide visit here to watch and enjoy the Sibi Mela, an annual cultural show, has been held every February since the sixteenth century . The Horse & Cattle show is a wonderful opportunity for tourists to see the people, culture, folk dance, music, and herds to learn the history of Balochistan . According to metrological guidelines, September and October are the best months to visit this region. Following are some of its worth visiting sites : Bolan Pass Brick Making Sites Fort Mir Chakar Khan Luni Mound Mehrgarh Nari Gourge Dam Safi Pirak Mound Shahban Waterfalls Sohbat Sarai Victoria Hall
The Bolan Pass is a mountain pass through the Toba Kakar range of Balochistan province in western Pakistan, 120 km from the Afghanistan border. It is made up of a number of narrow gorges and stretches . It connects Sibi with Quetta both by road and railway . Strategically located, traders and nomadic tribes have also used it as a gateway to and from South Asia. The Bolan Pass is an important pass on the Baluch frontier, connecting Jacobabad and Sibi with Quetta, which has always occupied an important place in the history of British campaigns in Afghanistan. Bolan Pass
In 1878, after an earlier assault on the town in 1841, the British captured Sibi and renamed it Sandemanabad, for Robert Sandeman. The most imposing of the extant buildings from the British era is the 1903 Queen Victoria Memorial Hall, now named Jirga Hall. It is so named because it was the assembly chamber for the British and the leading tribal notables during the annual Jirga (council of tribal elders) held during the Sibi Mela. Victoria Memorial Hall
Mir Chakar Fort is situated in Sibi. This fort is about by 5 Hundred Years Old . It was constructed by Mir Chakar Khan Rind in 15th century . Mir Chakar Khan Rind also known as Chakar-i-Azam was a well known Sardar of Baloch tribe. He is remembered as a Baloch Hero who defeated Lashari Tribe after war which lasted thirty years. After that victory, he went to lead a war against King Sher Shah Suri of Afghanistan and he was died in 1565 . Mir Chakar Fort is now one of the famous historical tourist destinations in Sibi . The fort has lost its dignity due to lack of attention and proper preservation but it still reminds us of our rich heritage . The fort needs Government attention to protect it from further destruction . Mir Chakar Fort
Sibi Mela Sibi Mela is a very fashionable event that happens each February and is observed since sixteenth century throughout. This is an annual cultural show held in Sibi, in the Balochistan Province of Pakistan. The first Sibi Mela was held first held in January 1885 a market for Livestock trade with passage of time developed into a cultural festival with animal markets. First Festival: The 1887 fair began on 19 January and continued until 25 January. Brigadier General Luck C. B. commanding in Sindh was President of the Judging Committee and Mr. Helen General Superintendent Horse Breeding Operations in India was one of members. The total number of horses brought to the show was estimated to be 1,400 of which about 1,022 competed for prizes. Visit of Muhammad Ali Jinnah: The Sibi Mela annually held in the city after the creation of Pakistan and Muhammad Ali Jinnah visited Sibi and attended the annual gathering of Sibi Mela 1948 and addressed the tribal Leaders .
Many livestock breeders gather every spring at Sibi town for sale and purchase, competition, and display of various breeds of camels, cattle, and goats. The Mela has a great significance for the people of this region in Balochistan. Of the twelve months in a year, it is said that sibians spend six months to prepare for the meal and the remaining six months to remember it. Events : Camel Racing Tent Pegging Exhibitions of Handicrafts Tribal Dresses and Folk dances Departmental Exhibitions Musical Show Sports festivals The programs included in Sibi Mela 2019 was Horse parade of Cadet college students, Army band march past, Flower show, Parade of different breed of animals including Sibi bhagnari cattle Breed, Folk dance , tent packing, motor cycle jump, distribution of Prizes among the Bhagnari Cattle B reeders. Programs at Sibi Mela
Cuisines Sibi is famous for its pickles, samosa chat, unique Smokey flavored charcoal tea . Smoky Flavored Charcoal Tea is unique in its taste and also has health benefits as it help to clear toxins from the body. Pickles of this region are delicious in taste.
Conclusion Sibi is well-known for its natural geographic beauty & renowned for its climate and is widely referred to as the hot spot of Pakistan. Sibi is getting special focus for the upcoming economic opportunities as a result of the CPEC. It is a place to visit for its archeological artifacts, mesmerizing mountains, and landscape. Tourists worldwide visit here to watch and enjoy the Sibi Mela which is a cultural festival with animal markets annually held in this district.
My Point of View I have learned a lot about Sibi C ulture and its festival while working on this project. In my point of view, Sibi has many historical places including Bolan Pass, Mir Chakar Fort and Victorial M emorial Hall but these places needs Government attention to order to save them from past glory and losing cultural heritage as tourism brings many benefits to country. The impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is likely to enhance Sibi’s contribution to Pakistan’s economic growth
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