Pishin, Pakistan

Pishin (Pashto: پښين‎) is a city that is the capital of the Pishin District of Balochistan province, Pakistan.[1] Pishin connects Quetta, the provincial capital to Afghanistan. It is considered part of the Pashtun belt of Balochistan, and it is the largest district of Pashtun tribes in the region.

Pshin
Town
Pshin
Pshin
Coordinates: 30°35′05″N 66°59′41″E
CountryPakistan
Elevation
1,555 m (5,102 ft)
Highest elevation
1,700 m (5,500 ft)
Lowest elevation
1,400 m (4,500 ft)
Population
 (1998)
 • Estimate 
(1998)
20,479
Time zoneUTC+5 (PST)

History

Pishin was founded by the British Empire in 1883.[2] It played a role in the Anglo-Afghan Wars. Local tribes from the area assisted in fighting the British by attacking British military convoys en-route to Afghanistan. During World War II, the British built two air bases in the district; one near the town of Pishin and the other in Saranan.

Administration

The district of Pishin is administratively subdivided into four tehsils:[1]

Geography

Pishin is located in the northwest of Balochistan,[3] in the east of the province near the border with Afghanistan. Tremors from the 2008 Ziarat earthquake were felt in the town.

Climate

In the summer, temperatures can reach 40 °C (104 °F). In the winter, temperatures can decrease to below freezing.

Agriculture

The region is known in Balochistan for fruit production. It supplies a variety of fruits such as apples.

Demographics

Pishin's main ethnic groups are Pashtuns who belong to the Tareen, Syed, Kakar, and Achakzai tribes. Other tribes include Durrani, Sanzerkhail Barakzai, Khiral, and Ghilzai. In the city the majority of the population belongs to Tareen tribe, followed by Syed and then Kakar. Several Christian families also live there.

Tribes

Pishin District is home to several tribes but following main tribes form the major population of the district:[4]

Transport

Transport is mostly by car or bus. The town connects with Quetta, Khanozai, Barshore, and Saranan. In 1883, a major railway and road were constructed to connect towns in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Notable People

References
  1. Tehsils & Unions in the District of Pishin – Government of Pakistan
  2. "Pshin". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 02 Apr. 2015.
  3. "Location of Pshin – Falling Rain Genomics". Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  4. http://visitorsheaven.com/Pshin.php

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