Washuk District
| Washuk District | |
|---|---|
| District | |
| Washuk District | |
 | |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Province | Balochistan |
| Capital | Washuk |
| Established | 2007 |
| Government | |
| • Deputy Commissioner | Qadir Bux Pirkani |
| • Commissioner | Dr.Muhammad Akbar Harifal |
| Area | |
| • Total | 29,510 km2 (11,390 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 118,171 |
| • Density | 4.0/km2 (10/sq mi) |
| Time zone | PST (UTC+5) |
| Number of Tehsils | 3 |
Washuk District (Balochi: ضلع ) is a district in Balochistan province of Pakistan. It is best known internationally as the location of Shamsi Airfield. Washuk town, the district headquarters, is located at the center of the district. Mashkel is at the western corner and Basima at the eastern corner. Kharan, Chagai, Kalat, Khuzdar, Awaran and Panjgur are adjoining districts.
Administration
Washuk District was once part of Kharan District in Balochistan province. It was declared a separate district in 2007, but its governance issues are largely managed by Kharan’s district administration.[1]
Washuk District is further subdivided into 3 tehsils or subdistricts, 10 union councils and 216 mauzas (villages).[2]
Geography
Washuk District is spread over 29,510 km2, of which 71,520 hectares is arable. The rest consists mostly of barren desert and mountains of the Central Makran Range.[2]
Demography
As of 2011, Washuk District had a total population of 118,171 (62,114 males and 56,059 females), with a population density of only 4.0 per km2. The population is mainly rural, and the average household size is 5.4 persons. The literacy rate is low at 14.8% (23.1% for males, 5.6% for females).[2] There are no cities or large towns in Washuk District.
Topography and agriculture
Washuk mainly consists of sandy, mountainous, and granular plain area. Agriculture is the major source of livelihood, and wheat is the principal crop. Dates are the most common fruit in Mashkhel and in Washuk, and melons, watermelons, apples, pomegranates, cherries, grapes, peaches, plums, and pears are also produced. Pulses and oil seeds are cultivated in a limited area.
Climate
The climate of this district varies across subdistricts. During the summer, days are hot but nights are very pleasant and cool. The winter is dry and moderately cold.
Hamuns
Hamun e-Mashkel, the largest seasonal desert lake in Pakistan, is located in this district. Hamun e-Mashkel is approximately 85 km long and 35 km wide. When dry, the lake bed consists of sun-cracked clay, oxidized pebbles, salty marshes, and crescent-shaped moving sand dunes.
References
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Coordinates: 27°51′N 65°10′E / 27.850°N 65.167°E