Sherani District

Sherani District Sheerani
District
Harifal[citation needed]
Map of Balochistan with Sherani District highlighted
Country	Pakistan
Province	Balochistan
Capital	Stano.Ragha
Established	3 January 2006
Area
• Total	2,800 km2 (1,100 sq mi)
Population (Harifal=26111&Sherani=57660.)
• Total	33,771.
Time zone	PST (UTC+5)
Total voters	31837.(HARIFAL=8728 & Sherani 23109)
Number of Tehsils	01
Website	www.balochistan.gov.pk

Sherani is a district in the Balochistan province of Pakistan.^[1][2] The population was 83,771 (census 1998)^[3] Sherani Subdistrict is entirely rural, but there are four villages of note: Ahmadi Dirga (Ahmedi Derga), Shinghar, Tsappar Kili and Manikhawa (Mani Kwa). The subdistrict lies within the Sulaiman mountain range, and the highest point is Takht-e-Sulaiman.

Geography, topography and physical features

The district is bounded by South Waziristan on the north, Dera Ismail Khan District (DIK) on the east, Musakhel District on the southeast, Zhob District on the south and west, and by Paktika Province of Afghanistan on the northwest. Dahna pass links this district with DIK. Actual length of the gorge is 4 miles. Enclosing limestone cliffs rise perpendicularly some 15000 feet. Gorge gradually narrows from 20 yards to a few feet. Britishers made road through pass thus connecting Zhob with Dera Ismail Khan. It took one long decade from 1895 to 1905 complete the road. The area of district is 2800 km².

In the north-east of Balochistan plateau, Zhob and sherani basin forms a lobe surrounded on all side by mountains. Qais Abdul Rashid(575 A.D.---661 A.D.)^[4] 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 accent "Q" has no pronunciation.

In 1883,with the consent of the chiefs of the sherani tribe (the occupants of the range),the mountain was ascended by a survey party under Major Holdich,R.E.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,11,300feet above the sea-level;at the south end of the eastern rim is the Takht, properly so called,3441 meters(11,060 feet) above sea-level.^[5]

General elevation of the district is about 1500 to 3000 meter. Shinghar's height is 9273 feet. Torghar is the continuation of southern hills of Suleiman range, the highest peak is Charkundai (7517 feet) above from sea level. Dhana Sir, the head of Dhana,(elevation 3900 feet)is on a rough stony plateau, with the bed of the Chuhar Khel Dhana. Between the Chuhar Khel and Khiddarzai Dhanas is a very narrow and steep passe called Khaoaranai Narai. The Hatsu Bund(elevation 5750 feet)divides the Urja-sara plain from the Spasta plain.
In June 1891, the first Political Agent Zhob, Captain I.MacIver,(22 January 1890 to 14 March 1898) and sir Henry visited the area of Takht-e-Sulaiman and recorded their account dated 8 August 1894 and published in the "Geographical Journal" for that year:Takht-e-Sulaiman shrine is situated on a ledge below the crest on the southernmost bluff of Kaisa-ghar mountain. Both sister peaks(Shinghar and Kiasaghar) form highest range of Suleiman range.

Many legends attach to it, like one legend says Noah's Ark alighted here after the Deluge; while other connect it with King Solomon, whose throne alighted on this peak, which has ever since borne the name of Takht-i-Suleman. Lofty ranges west of the Takht-i-Suleiman contain strata of liassic (lower Jurassic) and middle Jurassic.(about 146 to 208 million years ago).^[6]

Rainfall is about 10 inches. Clouds causing rain in the district come from Bay of Bengal;the largest bay in the world.Climate is hot and dry in summer. January is the coldest month with mean maximum & minimum temperature of about 11.5°C and 1.9°C respectively. July is the hottest month, with mean maximum and minimum temperature of about 36.7-21.8°C respectively.^[7] District being in monsoon range receive heavy rainfall in summer from July to September. The District Head quarter is under construction at "Stano Raaghah".

Administrative history

Zhob is the parent district of Sherani District. Prior to 2006, Sherani was a subdivision (subdistrict) of Zhob.^[8] Sherani District was created on 3 January 2006, following the bifurcation of Zhob District.^{[citation needed]}

History

Earlier history of the District is enshrouded in obscurity like that of rest of Balochistan. In the beginning of seventh century a Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsiang who visited India made first mention of Zhob, describing it the abode of Afghans. In 1398 Pir Muhammad grandson and appointed successor of Timur Lung(Tamerlane) led an expedition against Afghans of the Suleiman mountains. Both Nadir Shah (1736---47 AD)and Ahmed Shah Abdali(1747—73 A.D. )extended their power through Balochistan, thenceforth to Zhob and Sherani, so this area remained under the more or less nominal suzerainty of the Durranis and Barakzai.

Sherani was a quasi independent and quite refractory tribe until brought under British control in winter 1890^[9] following Khiderzai expedition.

Traditional history of Bargha

Bargha land(Highland)were formerly held by Hazaras, who deserted the country and migrated to Rozgan(Urazgan)in the north.^[10] The academic hypothesis and postulation discourse based on cumulative traditional knowledge, substantiated by Gazetteer says that about four hundred years ago Bargha lands were laying waste for fear of Wazirs, and sheranis were in constant & protracted consanguine war with Baitanis.

In those very early days Bargha land had gained notoriety as a gangster/dacoits infested locality. Pillage and murder were endemic in the area. The leader of the Sheranis met a Syed boy of saintly countenance who had migrated from Pishin and sought his supernatural help. The Shiranis, with his miraculous help were victorious over the Baitanis. Leading men of the Shiranis sent a batch of their tribe under his leadership and occupied the deserted lands of Bargha. This boy later married a Shirani woman and became the nucleus and progenitor of the Harifal tribe.^{[citation needed]}

Following occupation of Bargha land, leading men of shirani besought him to run his horse from dawn to dusk, and the land came under the feet of his horse shall be his allocation of booty. He ran his horse but before dusk, the horse being overstretched ran down and died; while he was performing his Asr prayer (Arabic: صلاة العص) The land is now occupied by the Harifal tribe. Harif Nika's main attraction for Sheranis was precisely the aura of mystical spirituality that built up around him.

All Shiranis irrespective of their geography, out of courtesy call Harifal "Neeka" meaning grandpa. A position of reverence even above father. When Mountstuart Elphinstone(1779–1859)^[11] a Scottish statesman and historian, associated with the British government of India)visited this region in the early 19th century, he recorded that Shiranis were led by a "Neeka" who was supported by an annual tax of one lamb and one calf on all those who raised those animals. Neeka served as a judge and a commander in-chief and had derived his authority from the belief...that he is under the immediate guidance and protection of Providence."

Mountstuart Elphinstone on page # 382 of his book :"An Account of the kingdom of Caubul and its dependencies in Persia, Tatary......" writes: "Neeka commands in their wars, and before any expedition, all the troops pass under his turban, which is stretched out for the purpose by the Neeka and a Moollah. This they think secures them from wounds and death; and they tell stories of persons who have lost their lives from neglecting or disdaining this ceremony".

Recognized Khan of both Largha and Bargha shirani (Khan Mir Ajab Khan)still lives in Largha. Till recently he & his family's leading members used to make periodic visit to Harifal's country to pay homage and seek blessings.
According to census 1998,the recorded population is 83,771.out of which Harifal population is 26111 and Sherani counts to 57660.There are seven union councils, i.e. Kapip, Manikwa, Dhanasir, Mughalkot, Ahmedi Derga, Shinghar Harifal (south) and Shinghar Harifal (North).

Total numbers of vote^[12] rs in district is 31837 with 17535 male voters and 14302 female voters. Among which Harifal stands at 8728 with 4797 as Male voters and 3931 as female voters. While Sherani stands at 23109 with 12738 as male voters and 10371 as female voters.

British occupation

The "Khiderzai Expedition" gave full suzerainty to British government over Sherani District. Natives remember the year 1890 as Da Gargorai Kal, the year of uprising.

In 1889, Viceroy, Lord Lansdowne, visited Dera Ismail Khan and realized the importance of occupying Zhob (Sherani included) and charged Robert Groves Sandeman with this important duty. So the services of Mr.Bruce, then District Officer of DIK, and Political charge of the Wazir and Sherani tribes, were placed at his disposal. On 19 December Sir Robert sandeman started from Loralai. He was accompanied by a large party of Baloch and Brahui chiefs, including Nawab Shahbaz Khan Bugti; grandfather of shaheed Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti and great great grandfather of present Bugti chief, Nawab Mir Aali Bugti, and Brahamdagh Bugti.

On 27 December 1889, a grand darbar was held at Apozai, at which the assumption of the protectorate of the Zhob valley by the British Government was duly proclaimed. Captain MacIvor became the first Political Agent of the new Agency, which was made to comprise not only the Zhob valley, but also the Bori and Barkhan valley. Invitations were issued to the headmen of the Sherani, Harifal, Wazir, and other tribes interested to attend a friendly conference regarding the opening of the Gomel Pass. All attended except Khiderzai section of Sherani settled in Largha.

The chief matter against Khiderzai was the non-surrender of four refugees with them who were accused of murder, and the refusal of Murtaza Khan to come in. The Khiddarzais were in hot water; both from the Punjab and Balochistan. A deputation of the leading maliks of the tribe had waited upon the Deputy- Commissioner of Dera Ismail Khan at Shekh Budin June 1989, but had been dismissed because of their being unable to guarantee the surrender of these criminals. A formal ultimatum was drawn up and dispatched to Murtaza Khan and the other Khiddarzai chiefs, calling upon them to surrender themselves without delay. To this a reply was received asking for a month to consider the matter.

Sir Robert Sandeman had convinced himself that Murtaza khan had become an anomaly. Diplomacy was neglected in favor of military posturing, and condition that strained their relations went unattended. He instructed General White that the only course left open now was to bring force of arms to bear upon these tribesmen. An immediate advance was accordingly resolved upon. For this expedition the Zhob Force was divided into two columns, one being under Sir George White [(1835–1912) later British field marshal,& recipient of the Victoria Cross] and the other under Colonel Nicolson, a total of 165 1 of all ranks.

The general plan was that the Headquarters column should march by Wala, over the Muramuzh range, to Namur Kalan, the headquarters of the Khiddarzais, and Nicolson's column by way of the Dhana to Mogul Kot, while at the same time Colonel Ross's force was to proceed to, and occupy, Drazand, the largest village of the Largha Sheranis.

The start from Apozai took place on October 31.By November 13 all the principal points in Sherani were occupied. Later 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 sub-mission of the tribe was formally received, and rewards conferred upon the deserving.^[13]

Contrary to this version the people who put up resistance and earned name afterwards amongst the Sherani and Harifal tribe are worth mentioning. Tribalism is a social feeling. It is a feeling of a corporate sentiment, of oneness which makes those who are charged with it; feel that they are kith & kin. Ancestor worship is therefore all the more legitimate.

(1)Masho khan Sherani. A legendary figure:himself a man of martial wisdom he had harnessed the martial spirit of his tribe by forming a semi-military organization. He was a fighter of note and is said to have led an attacked on British forces near Silyazai. His death had made him a folk hero, and still remembered in many Pashto ballads. He was from the Haizai sub-tribe of Sherani. He is survived by a renowned Kahol called Masho kahool. They are conscious and proud of the gallantry feats of their great grant father.

(2)Murtaza Khan Sherani. He was the tribal chieftain of Khiderzai sub-tribe,when they put up resistance to British forces. His family is settled in Largha (lowland) of Sherani country, now comes in jurisdiction of Khyber Pukhtoon khwah Province . After gallant fight, he was arrested, and taken away in custody. Once taken away from his ancestral village, then he never turned up, not then, not ever. He is survived by many grandsons. Prominent amongst them is Malik Aslam Khan settled in Dera Ismail Khan.

(3)Sindhai Sherani. Again a folk hero linked with Masho. He was Shamozai Hassankhail Sherani & survived by a son, Malik Azeem Khan; who had been later killed by his own nephews in intra family feud.

(4)Berkhurdar. He had a fort with corner towers on it on the west side of spasta valley and a village behind it. This was his stronghold and known as Birkhurdar's Fort. It was a sign of terror and they (Britisher) used to call him "a famous old marauder" He is survived by a huge family known as 'Ashak Kahool', and still living in same place.

(5)Rani gul, known for opening fire in January 1988 upon a reconnoitering party, and had a band of Khiderzai under him.

(6)Adam Khan Malezai Harifal, a close confident of Masho Khan, arrested after the death of Masho Khan, languished in Jail for quite a long time. He was the resident of Tarai. He is survived by a stammer grandson named Khanan in village Tarai. The Malezai among the Harifal are noted for their bravery and hospitality and are rightly proud of some of their ancestors like Adam Khan Malezai, who had left a mark on the history of the tribe.

(7)Fazal Dirzai Harifal. He was a stout fighter and know for his spartan qualities. He was the resident of Pehlan village situated in the footstep of famous SheenGhar. British government had put money for either his arrest or death. He was toughest amongst all. British forces failed to do either to him and ultimately he migrated to Afghanistan for good.

(8)Shikari Choharkhail.and (9)Lundak Dirzai sherani and (10)Alamgul Hassankhail were other Sheranis known for resistance. Lundak was resident of Tarjana, who was later arrested and put behind the bar.

Demographics

The main language of the district is Pashto.^{[citation needed]} Inhabitants of the district generally live in stone built houses with flat mud roofs, while nomads live in improvised tenements. Unemployment (people who look for work & laid off) is 46.99%. Growth rate is 2.6%. Infant Mortality rate is 73 infants/1000 live birth. Geographically the Shiranis are divided into two groups---those residing to the east of the Suleiman range being known as the Largha Shiranis, falls under the administrative control of DIK, while those residing to the west of that range are called the Bargha Shirans, comes under the jurisdiction of Sherani District. This division was effected by British raj following the Khiderzai Expedition in 1890. Physical configuration of the country makes the separation so complete that the two tribal divisions act independently of each other.

Composition and infrastructure

Typical tribal society prevail in the district, with its own demographic dynamics. Like elsewhere in Afghan society customs are strictly observed according to tribal code of honor, as J.P.Ferrier puts it; the lex talionis is rigorously observed amongst the Afghans, and the murderer is put to death by the nearest relation of his victim. It sometimes happens that the person on whom this duty devolves is a child, when the punishment remains in abeyance till he is strong enough to hold the dagger which is placed in his hands with which he performs the office of executioner. He possesses the right to grant the murderer his life, but there is no instance of this ever having been exercised, except for a compensation, which the criminal is obliged to make in a sum of money or in land; sometimes he gives one of his daughters in marriage to the son or the brother of the murdered man, without the father being obliged to give her any dowry.^[14]

Regarding development, it can be well imagined from the fact that there is not a single inch of metalled road in the entire Harifal area. Sherani District is entirely rural. The whole district is "B" area except Manikhwah;^[15] hence controlled by Deputy Commissioner through Levies force. Only one police station exists in Manikhwa having jurisdiction in 05 km. radius. Sherani District holds a unique place in terms of missed opportunities, infrastructure and roads not taken. There is neither a single township (or for that matter a bazaar) nor a single Jama mosque for jummah prayer. So no jummah prayer is offered in the entire district anywhere. The whole district is economically oriented to Zhob city. There is not a single branch of any bank.

No district hospital exists in the whole district. There are three RHCs,^[16] located one each at Manikhwa, & Mir Ali khail. while third one is under construction at Killi Ibrahimkhail Harifal. Similarly there are five BHUs; located at following places.(1)Kapip (2) Killi Gul Muhammad (3)Kuraiwasta (4)Karamma (5)Surlakai. All five BHUs are in Sherani area none in Harifal country. Sherani like Awaran, Kalat,and Turbat has growth rates of less than 1 percent, which is unusual for Pakistan.^[17] The district is malaria saturated, and infested with scorpions and snakes. In 2009, 132 cases of tuberculosis were detected in the district and in 2008, 75 cases of tuberculosis were treated though TODS therapy.^[18] Contraceptive prevalence rate in district is: by any modern method; 4.7, by traditional method; 1 and by any method is 5.7.^[19]

There are eight civil dispensaries, one in the Harifal area and seven in the Sherani area. Three are run by PPHI; Their location is, Ibrahinkhail Harifal, Dag- Lawara, & Asthshai, while five are still being operated by D.H.O. they are located at, Mir Ali khail, Adil Abad, Nor warsak, skharyae kazha and Surlakai. Only four doctors, four pharmacists, and two L.H.V. are the total health staff for the entire district. There is no female doctor, no dentist, no nurse, and no midwife, in the whole of the district. There are 9,210 electricity connections in district.^[20] Total length of roads is 205 km. out of which, 85 km NHA and 120 km is farm to market road. The road density in Balochistan is 0.15 km per square kilometer, which is less than half the national average and the lowest among Pakistan’s four provinces, partly reflecting the sparse population located in a few areas.^[21] There is no public toilet, no park and no playground.

Sherani District is the home of two indigenous tribes, the Sherani and the Harifal. This district credited to be the cradle of the Afghan race.^{[citation needed]} People are more religiously inclined, so Mullah is potent political force, and epitome of authority, notwithstanding its intrinsic political crevices. Life is still regulated from Mosque. Out of seventy-two squabbling sects; Deobandi Sunni Sect (orthodox Hanafi school of Islamic Jurisprudence) is all over predominant with Tablighi jamaat as their preacher. This religious organization is of inert conviction, a non-political wing of Deobandi school of thought, and counterfoil of ulema. Hardly a household is missing having not consumed some amount of time with this Jamat. They stress more on virtues of rituals and outwardly appearance to make like prophet. Majority are not literate enough, so unable to sift Arab culture from the true essence of the message of the Prophet.

Here religion is not seen as impersonal system of belief and practices, rather a matter of personal faith. Religious exploitation is organically linked with people and land. Religion is considered as a self-correcting principle preventing dispersion, and the cornerstone of socio-political equilibrium.

Notwithstanding feuds being endemic in shirani; even in the days gone by: murder for mere lust of blood is very rare. While crime rate in Harifal tribe is at the extreme lowest ebb.

Tribes and their habitats

Tribes have largely been configured around ethnicity and geography. In tribal society clan loyalty matters more than anything else. Here blood speaks its own language. Local clan solidarity have always exercised a decisive influence on electoral process. Pushtoon tribal system with its egalitarian ethos allows more scope for an individual enterprise than the hierarchical Baloch tribal system.

The Baloch and Brahui tribes are organized on an oligarchic basis with a great respect for their chiefs. Political organization of both Pathan & Baloch is tribal:but the Pathan is essentially a radical and obey no one but the Jirga or democratic council;while the Baloch remain loyal to their Chief. In Balochistan the people live under the feudal system. It is the foundation & basis of the polity and on that system the administration itself is based. Jirga affords the machinery by which the people's own system is used in the administration. Tribal code lay down certain rules. Tribesmen are lawless & rough people and do not understand technicalities & formalities but value the substance of justice more than its form.

Tribesmen try to conserve what they had inherited and show aversion to change in older order of things. They are very possessive, and have fierce attachment to their particularistic traditions. For instance they still use outdated utensils, like "gudva" which is a copper can with a spout, and "Badnae" ( lota) for potable water. So far Jug and glass has not replaced it. similarly in context of dress; women still wear gaiters(Paichy) white by unmarried girls and red or green by married woman. Similarly Kholay (Cuff) Grayvan (Chest crochet) Trata (Belt Crochet) are being part & parcel of their Pushtani frock. Pushtu as a cultural system codified into rules for behaviours, has no way for the women to determine her own honour except in modesty & service to her patron.

The overseas employment has improved their standard of living without prejudice to intrinsically inbred unwritten tribal code, norms and tenacious adherence thereof. Development for them does not mean a wholesale rejection of traditions. Wholesale transplant of innovations on to a tribal society could n't overcome the ferocious power of traditions;what is essential is to graft these innovations after first making the environment congenial & receptive

The district has only two tribes, the Shirani and the Harifal, a coalescence of two diverse ethnic elements. The Sherani tribe has three main branches, Hasan Khel, Oba Khel, and Choharkhail. Hasan Khel is further divided into, kapip, Karmanzai, Muhammad Zai, Haizai, Ranaizai, etc. Muhammad Zai is the biggest clan in terms of population. Certain stereotype notions, reflecting their inbred tribal trait have gained currency with some sub tribes or even main tribe. e.g. A Sherani word can generally be relied upon.^[22] Haizai are considered as brain of Sherani. All outstanding personalities come from this clan. For instance Ex-MNA, and Chairman Islamic Ideological council, Senator Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani, a renowned intellectual Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, Lal Gul Sherani, Dr Fazal-ud-din, DHO.Sherani, Professor Ameer Muhammad, Haji Hassan ex- District Nazim, are all Haizai.

Certain families, called blacksmiths and weavers (working tapestry job), in both Harifal and Sherani do exist, who are treated neither better nor worse than any poor relation.

A proverb about Harifal says "It is like cooked meat which could gets cool but never gets raw." Peoples of Sherani District have long historical background. They had put up resistance to the British occupation. Masho Khan Sherani, a folk hero; was the refractive leader of these Sherani warriors. The British forces had attempted to have him arrested but failed to do. He was killed during fighting against British army in the famous area of Zhob District called "Silyazi". After the murder of Masho Khan his many companions were arrested including his confidant Adam Khan Harifal.

During the era of Amir Amanullah Khan many Harifal families migrated to Afghanistan against British Raj and are still settled there in Loghar, Makwar, and Kabul. Prominent amongst them were Nazak, Harifal, Abdulraheem Harifal, Gooloon Harifal and Majeed Harifal. Sheranis were notoriously irrepressible.

A gang of Sheranis along with some Wazirs had killed one British political agent freshly posted at Fort Sandeman [Zhob], Mr. Herbert Gob Finis Ob, near Hasu-Band (watershed) on 30 November 1923. The poor fellow had just assumed charge only 29 days before his death, i.e. on 1 November 1923. He was buried in Zhob. His grave is near Zhob Aerodrome. His grave had marble made slab with inscription engraved thereupon. About a decade back it was not in such a debilitated condition as it is now, especially after the settlement of new colony called Air port Mohalla.

Harifal chapter

Harifal tribe, is the second (numerically) indigenous tribe in the district and is divided into three main branches that is Hassan Khail, Naqeeb khail and Ibrahim Khail. Interestingly Ibrahimkhial has no further off- shoots. while Hassan khail is the largest clan, comprising Malli zai, Dirzai, Habibzai, Landawar, Umerzai, Nakunderzai, Babakarzai, etc.

And Naqeebkhail is further subdivided into Draykhanzai, Nikan, Watozai, Bababtaizai.Lalakzai. khiderzai, etc. Their progenitor "ARIF" ( Harif) "NEEKA" from whom the eponym Harifal is derived was a man with supernatural powers, able to work miracle. He was credited with the power to render an enemy's bullet harmless.

Word Harifal is etymologically corrupted word due to Pushto's particular accent, in diametrically phonological contrast to Arabic accent. Pushto is not a kindred language to Arabic. It has no equivalent of Arabic word "AIN" { ع } to be exactly articulated. Just like English has no equivalent for this Arabic word. So indigenous Pashto speaking people always convert Arabic glottal word "AIN" [ع ] into palatal fricative hay. {Soft Hay} The phonemes /q/, /f/ tend to be replaced by [k]&{P}, thus in view of such barriers/limitations; Arif is invariably pronounced as Harif or Harip. So invariably in Phonological context Arif-Aal, Haripal, Hurreepaul and Harifal, all these words are Homophone but simultaneously Heterograph & with last one more correct and commonly used in Urdu script.

Harifal genealogically is of Syed descent^[23] but over a period of time, through social assimilation; has been so much subsumed in sherani that they are indistinguishable from them to an outsider and are presumed as collateral of Sherani. The tribe as a whole is held in high esteem by all Sheranis for their high descent. Tribal norms kept them in a pledge of reciprocal assistance, and bound them to a common participation of weal and woe. This gave birth to a homogeneous tribal set up. This homogeneity accelerated the process of assimilation to the extent that Sherani (not Marani)^[24] has almost become a common denominator in terms of geographical nomenclature. If worst ever come to worse, and should any tribe be attacked by any third one, they both would stand together. On social side of equation, a curious love and hate relationship is organically linked in roots.

Harifal like other minor Syed tribes e.g. Khosti, [http://Taran, Taran,] [http://Garshin, Garshin,] Lodhin, Mishwani, Ustrani, peechi, [http://Shadezai, Shadezai,]Huramzai,Gangalzai; though direct descendant from the line of the prophet, but bear a distinct tribal name rather to be recognized by a generic name "Syed." Thus generic name was replaced by [http://surname. surname.] The generic name is mostly assumed by microscopic syed communities in tribal set up not by those having distinct population. Being syed; Harifal are conscious of their noble birth. They were exempted from taxes during British era.

Fanaticism cannot be assigned to them as a fault. as their religious obligations are perfunctory. They make the five times prayer every day, observe the fast of Ramazan, and everything is comprised in the most rigorous observance of external forms. They are religious more from habit than conviction. Their major preoccupation is with external conformity to Islam. They do not adhere to the militant brand of Islam.

Religion.like any other human activity, is often abused, but at its best it helps human being to cultivate a sense of the sacred inviolability of each individual, thus to mitigate the murderous violence to which our species is tragically prone.

Started from the nucleus,[ARIF] it gradually continued to grow. Over grown bulk of the tribe has been divided into clans, the clan into sections and sections into subsection, the vernacular equivalent of which is kahool. Harifal country geo strategically has served as a buffer zone between warring Sherani and border tribe, like Suliemankhail, wazir and Dottani.

Villages

A reasonable population of Sherani tribe lives in the neighbouring district Zhob. But major settlement is still in Sherani District. Harifal tribe is mostly populated on the western slopes of shinghar, though a considerable number is populated in Harifalabad, Islamyar and Ganj Mohalla, in Zhob district and also a scattered population in Duki Tehsil of Loralai district, Sanjavi tehsil of Ziarat district, Zarkanai Draban of DIK district, and Quetta.In Quetta the famous Imdad Hospital (formerly Imdad Cinema) and New Grand Hotel is owned by a Harifal Family. Haji Niaz Muhammad alias Niazo(Nano)an outstanding member of Chamber of commerce & Industry Balochistan, settled in Kasi Killa Quetta belongs to Harifal tribe.

Two union councils namely Shinghar Harifal south with 23 villages(13883 souls)and Shinghar Harifal north with 31 villages(12228 souls )are altogether occupied by Harifal tribe in addition to other scattered population. Major villages in Shinghar Harifal north are brahimkhail, Pasta, Kahza, Zawar-kar,Beezai,and Dawalgadh. While in south, draykhanzai,Shacha,samazai,Khaderzai,Manda-Harifal,Ragha-sir-Nikaan,and Howdakai, are major villages.

Mir Ali Khel.Located eight kilometers in west of the capital"Stano Raaghah" Residents of village belong to the branch of Muhammad Zai sub caste and Hazai sub caste of Sherani. It is situated on the bank of the Zhob River. About 5 KM to the south of Mir Ali khail, Zhob river is joined by the SriToi river from the west. Passing to the north of Mughal kot Fort (about 14 miles from Mir Ali Khail) Zhob river finally falls into the Gomel near Kajuri Kach(end point of Zhob river)Zhob river,(a sluggish turbid river)travels a journey of 240 miles, starting right from Kan Mehtherzai up to Kajori kach. Gomal river from Kundar Domandi to Kajuri-Kach is the boundary between Baluchistan and Waziristan, as well as between the respective provinces.

Mir Ali Khel is the birthplace(1938) of Senator, and Chairman Islamic Ideological Council Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani. He has previously been elected as an MNA from 1988–1990, 1990–1993 and 1997-1999.^[25] He was also elected as member of National Assembly in 2002 elections from NA-264, Zhob-cum-Killa-Saifullah

Mani Khwah

Manikhwa^[26] is the Tehsil headquarter and relatively developed area in the district. It is situated approximately 25 kilometers from the Zhob district, along Zhob D.I. Khan road. Mani Khwah (elevation 5600 feet)is situated at the head of the Spasta Valley, lying almost covered with wild olive trees which fringe upon the valley and cover the hill sides. One can have a view of the Takht-i-Sulei- man to the north-east, as well as the Kaiser Ghar. Both made an impressive picture with their grim and grey precipices rising high above the plantations of " chilghoza " on their sides below .Shin Ghar and the Spasta plain could also be seen. There is one police station, a high school, RHC, FC post, veterinary Hospital, College, High school and the only telephone exchange of the district.

In the west of Mani-khwa is Kapip village with (elevation 5140 ft). It is about 15 km away from Zhob, and located on the left bank of the Siliaza nullah. On the hillsides a good number of wild olive trees are to be seen. The residents of Manikhwa and Kapip are Choharkhail and Kapip respectively. Sardar Ayub Choharkhail and Mir Adam Kapip belong to this area.

Lahar Kali. Area belongs to Karmanzai sub caste of Sherani. It is situated 35 (thirty-five) kilometers from Zhob district. Many residents of the village work in the United Arab Emirates, and some people of the village drive mini coaches on Zhob-D.I. Khan route, there are a few other villages of Karmanzai subcaste of Sherani, including: Purai Kali, Khankai, Ghurlama, and Pasta. Late Haji Zarif Khan Aseebzai was the prominent personality from Khankai.

Kazha Malizei Harifal

Kazha Malizai is the village in the entire Harifal country having the highest literacy rate. One of the biggest village in Harifal country, having population of 1371 souls. It has one primary school for girls & one for boys. Their summer dwellings are in Psha, a best site for future sanitarium (Health resort).
This area has provided several Executive Officers to the government of Balochistan.^[27] Prominent amongst them are Dr. Muhammad Akbar Harifal BCS, Provincial Secretary to Government of Balochistan, Dr. Muhammad Anwar Harifal, Muhammad Asghar Harifal, BCS Provincial Secretary to Government of Balochistan, Taj Muhammad Harifal.BCS Deputy Commissioner, Shah Muhammad Provincial Bureau Chief APP. Muhammad Akram Tehsildar. Yasir Ahmed M&EO in PMU Labour and Man Power Department Quetta Balochistan, Baaj Gul Harifal an Educationist. But no doubt, it is a town-bred class with aboriginal link of Kazha Malezai. Dr. Muhammad Akbar (T.st) was awarded Tamgha Shujat^[28] by President Rafiq Tarar on 23 March 1999,in recognition of his meritorious,& dedicated services with selfless devotion for recovering an abducted child Shajiulhaq s/o Dr, Mobinulhaq in Naurak sulaiman khail Gulistan Killa Abdullah District in 1996. During recovery operation, which he led in capacity of SDM Gulistan on 22 October 1996: he sustained a bullet injury in his thigh resulting in a compound fracture of his right Femur bone for which he underwent four major surgical operations with bone grafting at Jokhio Hospotal Karachi. He was also awarded Gold Medal as best administrator in 1997, in recognition of his exemplary courage and devotion beyond the call of duty, by the then Provincial Minister S&GAD. Mr. Bismillah khan Kakar. Then Commissioner Quetta Division Mr. Shahbaz khan Mandokhail also awarded him a T.T. Pistol officially for rendering meritorious Services in Civil Administration & recovery of abducted young boy Mr.Shaji-ul-Haq at the cost of his life risk. Dr. Muhammad Akbar Harifal held various key positions in Government of Balochistan, like Assistant Commissioner, SDM, Deputy Commissioner, Commissioner. District Coordination Officer, District Administrative officer, Joint Chief Economist, and Provincial Secretary. Muhammad Asghar Harifal BCS officer also held various key positions in Government of Balochistan, like Assistant Commissioner, SDM, District Co ordination Officer, Zhob, D.C.O. Musakhail, D.A.O.& D.C.O. Kohlu Deputy Commissioner, Punjgoor, Additional Secretary, Social welfare, presently Deputy Commissioner Killa Abdulla.
Kazha is situated in the east of Ibrahimkhail Harifal. Malizai is the biggest sub tribe in Hassan khail Harifal. Beside Kazha their two other villages are Tarai and Qumai (1219 souls). Malik Muhammad Umer is the Malik of Kazha Malizai. Amongst other notable was Late Haji Naseeb Khan, who died on 16 March 2011. Late Haji Naseeb Khan was father of well known social figure Juma Muhammad Harifal and Raza Muhammad Harifal a civil servant in Judiciary.

Ibrahim khail Harifal

Ibrahimkhail^[29] is the famous and well populated village in the entire Harifal country, having more than 200 households, occupies a position of Capital of Harifal country. There is perennial water spring called Cheena which irrigates the land nearby Lalak wam. The present Sardar Qasam Khan Harifal belongs to this village. The members of Ibrahimkhal Harifal are credited with powers to cast out devils and their charms are much sought after.

Maulana Shams -ud-din Harifal Shaheed ^[30] who happened to be the first Deputy Speaker of Balochistan Assembly during era of Z .A. Bhutto: was also from this village. He was elected from PB10 Zhob in 1972,later assassinated on 14 March 1974.Molvi Ahmed Shah Harifal, Paish imam Military mosque Zhob also belongs to this village. Almost all home work for declaring "Harifal" as an independent Tehsil is completed with Ibrahimkhail as its Tehsil headquarter. In vicinity of Ibrahimkhail are situated various villages like Pahlan, Dwalgad, Kaza Landawar, killi Malik Arsala Harifal, Killi Malik Balak, which are nothing more than irregular collection of stone's houses as elsewhere in Balochisatn in terms of development. Killi zawar kar, Sacha,Samazai, Manda Harifal, and Howdaki are some other major villages of Harifal tribe. Molvi Jamal ud din, Dabzai Harifal was a prominent political figure of JUI, who was murdered in the prime of his youth. Molvi Naik Muhammad and Jalil Harifal are two other notable from Dwalgud and Landawar respectively.
.

KIlli Baizhaie Harifal. Situated on the edge of Harifal country, it is populated by Habibzai Harifal. Habibzai is the sub branch of Ahmand. Ahmand is the second largest branch of Hassankhail Harifal, only numerically inferior to Malezai. Ahmand includes Bakarzai, Habibzai, Mangalzai-Landai, and Dwalgad. Haji Abdul Hakim Harifal is the prominent personality of this village, who has recently been settled in Islamabad. He is a well known contractor of CDA. Islamabad. Staunch nationalist political worker, Initially affiliated with PKMAP, afterward parted away from active politics.

Killi Draykhanzai. This is the fatherland of Saleem khan Kahool, the most popular & mighty Kahool in the entire tribe. Late Shahbaz khan alias Shabai, a legendary rich & generous man was from this village.Mr. Amanullah khan Harifal alias Lallo is the notable and prominent political figure, affiliated with ANP,a leader in the making. He also contested election in 2008 for Provincial Assembly from PB18 on ticket of ANP and bagged 1175 votes.^[31]

Ragha Sir Nikan. This village is inhabited by the Nikan clan, a branch of the Naqeebkhail Harifal. Ex- district Zakat Chairman Zhob(including sherani) Mr. Zahir shah Harifal comes from this village. Zahir shah Harifal is a prominent political figure affiliated with JUI.He is a member of Central general council of JUI.A man of imperturbable disposition being groomed in company of Maulana Sherani for future responsibilities. Suleman Shah Harifal, serving as Reporting Officer in the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan is an other prominent personality among the inhabitants of this village. Late Fazal Harifal was a leading tribal man in Naqeebkhail Harifal.

Stano Raaghah.^[32] is the district headquarter. This area belongs to Muhammad Zai sub caste of Sherani tribe. Its location is near Zhob River.Construction of district complexes is in progress. Unfortunately none of the plan of government for development elsewhere has ever gone beyond blue print.The development starved district needs launching crash programs in every sector.

Spusta.^[33] is a wavy plain covered with wild olives. It is high, cold, and barren, and is inhabited in summer by the Murhails, a pastoral tribe, who move in winter into Damaun. They live entirely in tents, and have the manners of the other shepherd tribes.

Chachobi is one of the biggest village of the district. It is approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 mile) away from the capital of the district, "Stano Raghah". Residents of the village belong to Aseebzai, Zareenkhel, Bari khai Muhammad Zai sub caste of Sherani. Village is fortunate enough for having a middle school.

Tarkhabayan, it is an important village of district were is only Aseebzai Tribe is inhibited, the population of village is approximately 25 thousand only and strength of village is 28 miles,

Shna Ponga. Residents of the village belong to the Hazai clan.A large number of the people of the village migrated to Zhob district due to internecine tribal feud. The legacy of this internecine feud could not be expunged from their tribal history. There is one primary school in the village. Renowned intellectual Late Sain Kamal Khan Sherani was from this village, but since long ; had shifted to " Silyazi"

Ahmadi Darga & Karama are two other villages of Oba Khel sub caste of Sherani tribe. Historically speaking Karama is the place where, Britishers after Khiderzai expedition, held grand inquest into the conduct of the tribe, and suitable fines were imposed, and the proceeding were terminated by a darbar,at which the submission of the tribe was formally received, and rewards conferred upon the deserving. Late Malik Din Muhammad s/o Momin was an outstanding personality of Obakhail clan. Shuja Muhammad Sherani (Rtd SSP)a renowned and lionhearted, senior Police officer is another prominent Obakhail son of soil.Dr.Muhammad saleem sherani is the first and so far the last person in district sherani who did Ph.D from united state of America in Range management, now a retired Secretary forest, Govt of Balochistan. He also comes from Obakhail sub-tribe.Advocate Imran Shah Sherani working as an advocate high court and Federal shriat court Islamabad. He contested election, last time in 2008; for Provincial Seat PB 18 Zhob cum Sherani, affiliated with JUI.He comes from Obakhail sub tribe.

Lawara.is a small village of Oba Khel sub cast. It is situated eight kilometers east of Mani Khwa, along the Zhob D.I.Khan road .Muhammad Abbas Khan Shaheed was from this village. He was the first student of International Islamic University Islamabad from Balochistan. He died in a road accident.

Mraghbal (also known as Mehrapi) is the village of Manakzai clan. Residents of the village are mostly businessmen. There are no schools but one religious seminary ( Madrsa). Five kilometres to the south of Mraghbal is situated Tor-Ragha, having one primary school, and populated by Bari Khail.

Mughal Kot is situated two kilometers from the capital of the district. It is located at the border of Sherani District and adjoining FATA [south Waziristan]FC post since British era stands there. In term of war on terror this area has assumed a geostrategic importance.

Sheen Ghar

Shin Ghar^[34] is subsidiary of main Suleiman range and separated from it by the Lahar Valley. It extends from Kurchpina on the north & the Sulyazai valley on the south. Main peak range is 9273 feet. It is about 50 KM away from Zhob City and almost due west of the Takht-i-Sulaiman.The top is fairly level and affords a pleasant site which was used as the Sanatorium during summer months in British era, recently taken over by FC.

The hill is well wooded with edible pine. The wood of edible pine trees being very easily inflammable catch fire due to the friction of flint stone and are burnt down.

Adjoining to top of it is the shrine of famous Sufi saint, Hazrat Babakr Nika Harifal. Devotees visit the shrine regularly for answering their prayer. He was prone to religious ecstasy & mystical trance. He was a man of miracle:the theory or belief runs that many trees had made after him, when he migrated from his native place.PMDC have reported many coal deposit in shinghar. Prospects are high if harnessed.^[35] Western slopes of the range drain into the Zhob river, and the eastern into the Khaisara stream. This watershed demarcates boundary line between Harifal and Sherani tribes respectively.

Main nullah in Lahar valley is Chachobi nullah traversing via Kwarea wasta. Lahar stream takes its source near Hatsu watershed and carrying the drainage of the southernmost hills of the Kaisa ghar & Shinghar, then runs northwards between those ranges, a permanent supply of water occurring at Karghali. After irrigating lands at Kurai wasta, Ahmedi Darga, Niazi kot and Kachhi, it continues its course to north and taking a sharp turn to the east through lgad pass in the Suleiman range, drains a large supply of its water into Gomel River near DIK in KPK.

In autumn 1897 a slight shock of earthquake was felt in Sherani District in which several houses in Ghurlama, Kacchi, Burkhurdar and Pasta fell down. No human or live stock loss is on record.^[36]

Education

An out of proportion propensity towards religious Seminary is quite conspicuous in Sherani District. Extremism incubates in religious seminaries. Imparting education to female is a sort of social enigma. The Mullah has no wish to relinquish his hold over the law and education which would guide and shape the lives of inhabitants in the district. Its primary target is the rural and semi-urban middle class.

Balochistan has an educational system, coupled with a traditional approach to the role of women. Like all other institutions, education institutions over here are ailing institutions. Faculty at these institutions are disillusioned, professionally inactive, with countryside orientation; though now not poorly paid, as it had been once. Teachers are unqualified as well as untrained with countryside outlook;school corporal punishment is the part & parcel of their curricular activities right from elementary to secondary level, under unwritten common law doctrine of in loco parentis, whereby a school has the same rights over a minor as its parent.

Contents of syllabus have essentially peripheral subjects, which are rigid rehash of the state's official version with stereotype of the rest of the world thrown in for good. Students in these schools still use wooden-slates(Takhti)which they plaster with yellow chalk and write with reed pen.

Although no society is immune from religious exploitation, but the abysmal low literacy rate, exposes their raw sentiments, to religious purveyors who wholeheartedly play upon them. So low literacy rate makes the political exploitation organically linked to the land and its people. Balochistan is the lowest literate province of Pakistan,the literacy rate of Balochistan is 37% (20% for women) compared to 54% of the national literacy rate. The lack of secular education is more noticeable in Balochistan than in any other province, with 50% of children compelled to attend the religious schools. This is not surprising given that 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.^[37] These factors collectively give way to seminaries and thus religion invariably lay its heavy hand on the social life of the district. Extremism incubates in these religious seminaries. And cleaning Pakistan of this malaise is no mean enterprise.

There is only one intermediate college with 19 teachers and 70 students, and four high schools, with 67 teachers in the entire district, which can't cater for thousands of boys aspiring to get admission. All four high schools and college is located in Marani area none in Harifal.Similarly only eight middle standard boys schools with 263 enrolled students and 102 teachers exist in the whole district.^[38]
Boys Middle Schools are located in following villages;Chachobi,Karhama,Killi Alam Khan, Kori Wasta, Madrisa Khuk Kai,K Shaman Zai, Sore Lakai. District is deprived even of a single girls Middle or High school.In the entire district there are 15 Primary girls school, out of these 15 schools two are located in Harifal area; that is Ibrahimkhail and Kazha Malizai.

Location of girls primary schools are in following villages; Aghburgai, Ahmedi Dargha, Hassu Band, Ibrahim Khail, Istashi, Kazha Abdul Manan, KHanki Zari, Kapeep, Killi Hayat Khan, K.Hakim Khan Shirani, Sangar, Lowarah,Sharan Sarmaki, Spin Shah, Zandi Malozai.

Number of total boys primary schools is 131,out of which 23 falls in the share of Harifal and 108 are located in sherani area. Their location is as follow; Punkai, Pir Muhammad Kapeep, Qilla Saad Ullah, Qilla Din Muhammad, Raagha Mina Dadak, Ragha Sar, Sakhar Sar, Sar Naraie, Sarah Arbooz, Killi Shacha, Agheeahz, Shaheen Panakai, Shairaw, Shankai Kona, Shin Lundai, Shina Kazha, Shina Poonga, Killi Shina Siaza, Sipna Shah, Spara Aghbargai, Spin Wawarhh, Spina Landai, Sur Lundi, Sari Toie, Tabelo Harifal, Tabila Warha., Taria Noor Khan, Tarjana Khano, Tore Ghundi, Tore Bundmungalzai, Tour Ragha Sar, Tala Kurham Ramzan, Tungi Kona, Upper Chachobi, Upper Mandah, Killi Firoz, Zalar Khan, Zarha Qilla, Zarina Chuhai, Zarkai Landawar, Zeendi Waam, Zhara Aghbargai, Zore Karh.

Similarly there are twelve Mosque Schools, located in following villages. Arth Amir Khan, Baizhaie, Hoodkai Raghsar, Killi Naik Muhammad Kuraam, Looie Ragha Julander, Lowra Khidar Zai, Munda Harifal Malik Qalandar, Sakh Rai Kazha. Shin Ore Muzh, Shur Ghali, Abdullah Khan, Msq Silyaz. School, Tarai, Tore Ghundi, and Zar Bana.

Though no authentic figures of female literacy rate are available, but even rudimentary guesstimating makes the female literacy rate not more than 3%.while that of male as reported by NCHD is round about 18%.Presently 76 Schools are working with one teacher and one room without any shelter.^[39] There are five registered Seminaries, and five private Schools. National Commission for Human Development NCHD is running five feeder Schools. Teachers even in these private schools work in a quack fashion and use very crude method of teaching like bastinado type canning on hands. 83% of Schools are without electricity,45% are without boundary wall,50% are without toilet, and 35% are without drinking water.

Income resources

Bulk of youth force of Harifal tribe, like that of Sherani(mainly unskilled labor)travel across the Arabian sea to seek at least a menial job in oil rich United Arab Emirate or Kingdom. This Diaspora is attributed wholly to the economic impoverishment of the Harifal land and in pursuit of employment and better living conditions due to oil-boom in these states. Overseas remittances is the main economic artery, which has much improved their standard of life. In fact, they have got more money than manner, and more sensuality than sense. Live stock & tilling some fertile land pieces is next to it. Economy is sustained by agriculture and pasturage, but scarcity of water restrict wide scale farming. While low literacy rate prevent them from entering into government services. These all multiple factors cumulatively keep them in vicious cycle of poverty. Majority of population belong to lower socio-economic strata.

In British era Majority of Harifal and Bargha Sherani used to go to Siahband, Herat and Maimana in Afghanistan for collecting asafetida .^[40] Asafoetida is a plant of the parsley family, a fetid resinous gum is obtained from roots of this herbaceous plant.It is used in herbal medicine and Indian cooking, also used as bactericidal for preparing "Landi" Many Harifal and Sherani families are still settled in Loghar, Makwar, Ghazni and Kabul in Afghanistan.They had to travel journey from April to October, the journey was occupying two months.

They used to sell it(Asafoetida) in Dera Ismail Khan, and go as far as Bombay in the south and Kanpur (largest city in U.P.Province) in the north of India.Shahbaz khan Harifal alias Shabai s/o Saleem Khan Harifal was the richest trader in those early days in this business.

Flora and fauna

For flora of Sherani, one may find hundreds of species of some pretty exotic plants. The principal trees are(Ghaz in Pashto, Gazg in Balochi) tamarisk in English, also called Salt Cedar, pistachios, juniper(Obashta in Pashto),wild olive also mentioned in Quran as well as in old Testament,its Pashto name is Show-one,in Urdu & Arabic it is named as Zeethoon, pine nut, wild ash and wild almond.Also found amongst such flora are a wide range of shrubs like; spalmai(Pashto) Calotropis gigantea, Buska(Pashto)(Lepidium draba) Khamazorai(Pashto) (Withania coagulans); Maraghunai in Pashto,Bitter-apple in English, has the Latin name of Citrullus colocynthis,Pushai (Rheum emod), Shinshobae(Mentha sylvestris), makhai(Caragana),spawnday in Pashto and Harmal in English, its Latin name is (Peganum harmala),wild fig,(barberry),wild (cherry),and herbs like;Ephedra intermadia,(Pashto name is OMAN)are also found.

In addition to this Pinus gerardiana,which is called in Urdu Chilghoza pine, چلغوزا پائن).Its Urdu name is derived from the Persian name (چهل و غوزه) which means 40 nuts in one cone. It grows at an elevations from 1800 m to 3350 meters;are commonly found.

Aak in Urdu, Sodom’s Apple or Swallow-wort in English, Karagh in Balochi, Spelmai in Pashto; has the Latin name Calotropis procera, grow prolifically in Shinghar which is deadly poison if eaten, as Alexander the great(20/21 July 356 – 10/11 June 323 BC) discovered when his starving horses and cattle ate them on their long march back from the Indus through the Mekran.^[41] Even the juice rubbed on to a horse's hide will kill it. Yet a deer can eat the leaves without any ill-effect. Then it can go for months without needing other food or water even as long as two years If one gets its juice in eyes it causes instant blindness. Suicides have used it and it is an arbortifacient. It contains the toxic glycosides uscharin, Calotropis and calotoxin. Uscharin is an effective killer of land snails if they become pestilential. Skin from the root is used in decoctions for skin problems. It was a sacred plant in Vedic times as the leaves were used in sun-worshipping ceremonies.

Lofty mountains in the district are also the abode of indigenous but endangered species of wild goat called the Suleiman Markhor (Capra falconeri jerdoni) and wild sheep called Afghan Urial (Ovis orientalis cycloceros)Due to over hunting many species have migrated to other safe meadows.Wolves, Jackals, Rabbit, Wild cats,and Deer can be found in Sherani.

Of game birds, chikor, and sissy are found at high altitude, while sand grouse, (khirgutae) quail, partridge, Houbara bustard(Taloor or Charai) are met with, in the plains. Other are warblers,hikras, pigeon,golden eagle, sparrows, hawks, falcons, dove and bearded vultures.

Local cuisines

Wheat is the staple food-grain and is made into both leavened (Khamira) and unleavened(Patira) bread. Kak is also not uncommon in many areas especially in Harifal areas; which is made by wrapping dough round a hot stone and putting it in burning embers. Both Harifal and Sherani tribesmen, being inhabitant of cold area; have voracious appetite like all other Pushtoon. Freshly slaughtered sheep in Summer season in far flung area is usually cooked in boiled saline water without any condiments.

Bread made of maize,locally called" Dabbali" is found in many areas, especially Khiderzai Harifal. Amongst fruit locally available

Shinae (Pistchio Khanjak) is most common, which is eaten both dry and fresh. Shinae are also ground to make a halwa called shinkhary. It is very delicious and eaten with bread. Similarly another fruit is shinanae(olea cuspidata) Skimmed milk (shnombi) is the favourite beverage in summer season. Being an isotonic beverage, it is far better than hypertonic coca cola and other so called cold beverages.^[42] Due to its specific chemical composition it also induces sleep.

Dried cheese, koorat, is a kind of pudding made of boiled Indian corn, bruised between two stones, or simply bread, on which they pour rancid grease, mixed with whey and salt added.

Ogra is another common dish prevalent in this hilly area. It is porridge made of crushed wheat, jowar and boiled in skimmed milk. Ogra is not uncommon even today in all areas of the district, during summer and spring.

The most popular and delicious meat cuisine of the district is landae or parsanda. Sheep are especially fattened for the purpose. After slaughtering, wool is pulled off of the sheep. Afterward viscera being removed the carcase is singed on flames, then washed with boiling water. Bones of the back and legs being taken away; fleshy carcase is then slashed and treated with salt and preferably seasoned with asafoetida also; to protect it from putrefaction, rolled up, and kept for a night to get rid of the moisture in the meat; then hung on poles in a bid to give exposure to air and get it dry through oxidation. The carcase is protected from damp weather at all cost, otherwise it catches fungus and gets decomposed. When ready, meat is cut into pieces of about 1 sq ft (0.093 m2) each. These pieces are then hanged by a rope exposing it to extreme cold (this process is carried out only from mid November to mid December). It is ready for use in about span of a month. It is fit for use till early March. However its delicacy is taste worthy from December to Mid February. During these months across the district cold is sharp-edged,flesh-biting and even the bright sun during day time is without strength.

"Kaddi Kabab" is another delicious cuisine. Moreover, rosh, srakaray, sajji, are some other popular dishes of the area. Kaddi kabab is usually served in picnics.

Shrines

Famous shrines in the District include that of Mullah Zaman Nika Harifal at Nikan graveyard, the Babakar Nika Harifal shrine in Ghowanza, Mullah Umer Nika Harifal at Killi, and Abdul Haq and Mir Nika at Karmanzai.^[43] Shrine of Mullah Rehman Nika Harifal, who happened to be the nephew of the famous saint Babakr Nika, is in Beezi. Trustee of this last Shrine is Habibzai Harifal of Beezi.

Zaman Nika stands out, as his scholarship in theology enabled him to gain the title "Mulla" and whose spirit was such that he took the honorific Neeka (Grandpa). All local traditions had it, that he is chief patron saint in whole district. There is story here that he does not permit making roof over his grave, so it is simply an enclosure of mud wall. Both Sherani and Harifal have attached venerable spiritual credentials to their patron saint. His Shrine is credited of bringing rain, curing disease & of exorcising evil spirit. Saints are invoked to cure diseases, and avert calamities ". The potency of the popular myths that have been grown up around Zaman Nika has not been diluted by the skepticism of Deobandi maulanas.

Shrines are especially efficacious for issueless women. However separating myth from history is a difficult enterprise, especially myths of primordial ages which are often endorsed by rulers and priests and closely linked to religion or spirituality. Shrines are generally consist of little more than a heap of stones or a rough mud or stone enclosure.

References

v t e Districts of Balochistan, Pakistan Provincial capital Quetta Districts Awaran Barkhan Bolan Chagai Dera Bugti Gwadar Harnai Jafarabad Jhal Magsi Kalat Kech Kharan Khuzdar Kohlu Lasbela Loralai Mastung Musakhel Nasirabad Nushki Panjgur Pishin Qilla Abdullah Qilla Saifullah Quetta Sherani Sibi Washuk Zhob Ziarat

31°56′02″N 69°47′48″E / 31.933753°N 69.796761°E / 31.933753; 69.796761