Road to Fort Munro, Dera Ghazi Khan
Dera Ghazi Khan, abbreviated as D. G. Khan (Saraiki, Urdu: ڈیرہ غازی خان or traditionally as دیرہ غازی خان) is a city located in Dera Ghazi Khan District, Punjab, Pakistan. It is a Mid-Country City located at the junction of four provinces.It is the only district in Pakistan which has beautiful and unique landscape like Indus River, Green Fields,Pachad Desert and Koh-suliman Mountains. Dera Ghazi Khan is one of the most populous cities in Southern Punjab and one of the planned cities in Pakistan. The city also gives its name to the Dera Ghazi Khan Division, which consists of the Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh and Layyah districts.
Tomb of
Ghazi Khan, one of the few remaining examples of the original architecture
The word Dera is a Saraiki language word meaning abode or settlement. It is also used in Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi and many other languages. Dera Ghazi Khan thus means the settlement or city of Ghazi Khan. In Saraiki, it is traditionally pronounced with dāl (د) rather than ḍāl (ڈ) (see Urdu alphabet for details). Many cities in South Asia have Dera as a pre-fix such as Dera Ismail Khan and Dera Allah Yar. People of Dera Ghazi Khan as well as Dera Ismail Khan are also known as Derawal or sometimes as Dervi while the latter is used as Pen name or Takhallus.
The city was founded in 1476 on the western bank of the Indus River and named after Nawab Ghazi Khan Mirani, son of Nawab Haji Khan Mirani, a Balochi chieftain, who had declared independence from the Langah Dynasty's Sultans of Multan. Together with two other Deras, Dera Ismail Khan and Dera Fateh Khan, it gave its name to Derajat.
Derajat eventually came into the possession of the British Raj after the Sikh War in 1849 and was divided into two districts: Dera Ghazi Khan and Dera Ismail Khan.[2] General Court Land was appointed as first Deputy Commissioner of this District. Presently there are three revenue sub-division or tehsils of Dera Ghazi Khan District i.e. Dera Ghazi Khan Tehsil, Taunsa Sharif, and a tribal belt/political area spread along with western side of the district. Following flash floods in 1908 which partially destroyed the original city, in 1910, the present-day city was established around 10 miles (16 km) away from the old town near Drahma.
The new town was planned in a grid plan, consisting of 66 city blocks with wide roads. Each alternative street join the main street of block to form chowks or town squares for social gatherings, and each block has two such chowks (northern and southern). The town suffered decrease in population due to the move- in 1909, there were 23,731 inhabitants, whereas in 1911 there were 18,446. In the year 1913, the Municipal Committee came in to existence. At that time, the area of the town was very small. Physical growth continued and now the area was about 4 square miles (10 km2). During British periods, canals were dig in the region. Dera Ghazi khan is in punjab province.
As a result of the Partition of British India in 1947, Hindus from Dera Ghazi Khan region migrated to India and those who settled in Delhi found Derawal Nagar along with the migrants from Dera Ismail Khan.[3] Similarly, Muslims from different parts of India migrated to Pakistan and settled in different cities of Pakistan including Dera Ghazi Khan. This further increased the cultural diversity of Dera Ghazi Khan. The major growth of the town has taken place since 1947. The town has largely spread to the north and south; it could not expand to the west due to the danger of flooding torrents such as affected the town in 1955. However, growth has also taken place in the eastern side. Almost all of the new developments in north and east of the planned town are haphazardly built. The development in the town from 1947 to 1958 remained slow, due to lack of transportation and communication facilities. Only a boat bridge on the river Indus in winter season and steamer service for summer season linked Dera Ghazi Khan with the rest of the Punjab. The Taunsa Barrage on the river Indus was completed in 1953 and the pace of development has since gained momentum. Keeping in view the rapidly increasing population, district D. G. Khan was further divided in two districts in 1982 i.e. Dera Ghazi Khan District and Rajanpur District. During the last 5 years, 72 industrial units were established. The Ghazi Textile mills are an attempt to establish a heavy industrial complex in order to raise the economic base of the town.
Landscape of Dera Ghazi Khan
Dera Ghazi Khan is located at 30'03" N and 70'38" E. The overall climate of the city is dry with little rainfall. The winter is relatively cold and the climate is hot during the remaining part of the year, but it is very hot in summer. The temperature during summer is usually about 115 °F (46 °C), while during winter season the temperature is as low as 40 °F (4 °C). The prevailing wind direction is North-South. Due to the barren mountains of Koh-Suleman (Sulaiman Mountains) and the sandy soil of the area, windstorms are very common in the summer. During summer, the temperatures are generally amongst the highest in Pakistan. Fort Munro, located on the edge of Punjab Province, has relatively cooler weather. In winter, scattered snowfall is also reported in this area.
Along with its many other fauna and flora it has Jerdon's Babbler. It has also one unconfirmed occurrence of Markhor, the national animal of Pakistan. This specie is called Sulaiman Markhor and is found at high altitudes.
There are iron, gypsum, marble, limestone, cement, precious stones, uranium, coal and petroleum and gas reserves in the district. The Koh-e-Sulaiman (Sulaiman Mountains) constitutes a major part of this area, and is full of natural deposits.
Dera Ghazi Khan Tehsil is the district headquarter of is Dera Ghazi Khan District as the district divided into two tehsils (subdivisions): Dera Ghazi Khan and Taunsa Sharif. The city of Dera Ghazi Khan is itself administratively subdivided into seven Union Councils.[4]
Although majority of the population is poor but they have been ruled by the rich landlords and chiefs of Baloch tribes which played significant role in the national and provincial politics. some of these feudals include former President of Pakistan Farooq Leghari, Governors of Punjab Zulfiqar Ali Khosa and Latif Khosa, Chief Minister of Punjab Dost Muhammad Khosa, present Chief Secretary, Punjab Nasir Mehmood Khosa, Former Inspector General Police Punjab Tariq Khosa, and present Supreme Court Judge Asif Khosa. They use the title Sardar with their names their authoritativeness and oppressiveness in the region is controversial due to Human rights violations against their bonded labour and general public. The city is one of the old districts in the Subcontinent and most of its politicians have been in power but Dera Ghazi Khan could not develop as other cities in Punjab. Presently, Dera Ghazi Khan is considered amongst the thirty most poorest districts in Pakistan. The Lund, Khosa, Leghari, Qaisrani, and Buzdar tribes are politically active.
Dera Ghazi Khan has a literacy rate of 70 percent, which is relatively high as compared to the national level. Due to non-availability of adequate higher education facilities locally, most of the students move to colleges and universities located in other cities of Punjab. In the past few years, there has been rapid growth in terms of institutions for higher and technical education. Dera Ghazi Khan has produced well-known scientists, educationalists and scholars in different domains. The city is famous for its doctors and engineers usually working in the big cities of Pakistan due to lack of opportunities in this small city until recently.
The City has a variety of Schools both by the Public Sector and Private Sector, with the Government High School No. 1 being the most prominent and old School of the city for boys. Along with the adjoining primary school No 1, it was originally constructed pre-partition. Government City High School and Government Comprehensive School are also prominent schools for boys. Similarly, There are several schools for girls. All of these schools are affiliated with Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Dera Ghazi Khan. These schools now holds several academic as well as extra-curricular awards. A large proportion of the students from these schools go on to serve in prominent positions all over the world. Three high (matriculation) school for girls and 4 for boys provide enough facilities to educate the young. The city also includes branches of private nationwide school chains, such as the Divisional Public School, Bloomfield Hall School (BHS), Pakistan Atomic Energy School, The City School (TCS), The Educators, AIMS and the Army Public School Dera Ghazi Khan Cantt. The Danish School has been established in D. G. Khan by the Govt. of Punjab. Many newly established of international and national standards are also established like The Education Zone (TEZ). Army Public Schools & Colleges System (or APSACS) is an educational institution with branches located in the four provinces of Pakistan. Army Public School has a branch in Dera Ghazi Khan Cantt. area near Airport. Army Public Schools and Colleges (APSACS) are semi-private institutions, affiliated with the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Islamabad.
There are following colleges in Dera Ghazi Khan:[5]
General
- PAEC Inter Science College, Dera ghazi Khan
- Govt. Postgraduate College, Dera Ghazi Khan
- Govt. College for Women, Model Town
- Govt. College for Women
- Govt. Collge, Behind Shalimar Hotel, Dera Ghazi Khan
- Govt. College for Women, Choti (Dera Ghazi Khan)
- Indus International Institute: It is affiliated with Federal Urdu University of Science and Technology has been established by private sector.[6] For the needs of remote area students, the institute has its own buses to facilitate the transport availability for the students. Indus has a library and Computer Lab as well.
Commerce
- Govt. College of Commerce
- Citi College of Commerce
Education
University of Education, Dera Ghazi Khan campus
- The College of Education: It was established in 1989 under the affiliation of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. The college became a constituent institution of the University of Education in 2002 and is in its new building adjacent to the Shah Faisal (Bihari) Colony. The campus has a hostel for boys and ahostel for girls. The campus offers teacher education programs like B.Ed Secondary, M.Ed, M.A. Education and B.A. B.Ed. Several private sector colleges also exist in the city.
- Govt. College for Elementary Teacher (M)
- Govt. College for Elementary Teacher (W)
Law[7]
- Indus Law College, Near General Bus Stand Road, Dera Ghazi Khan
- Multan Law College, Dera Ghazi Khan
- Pak Law College
Medical
D.G.Khan Medical College, Dera Ghazi Khan
- D.G.Khan Medical College: The government decided to establish a medical college in Dera Ghazi Khan in 2008 to improve the facilities in southern part of the province.[8] Ghazi Medical College has been established since 2010 in Dera Ghazi Khan. The foundation stone for Ghazi University and D.G.Khan Medical College was laid on December, 2011.[9] Medical classes have been started from 30 March 2012. Niaz Ahmed Baloch has been appointed as a principal of D.G.Khan Medical College. D.G.Khan Medical and Dental College has been developed as a state of the art medical institution imparting accredited and approved medical education and research. The D.H. Hospital and Research Institute, which will be a research oriented teaching hospital, will fulfill the requirement of training and research of medical students. The curriculum of D.G.Khan Medical and Dental College will be in line with the PM&DC regulations and international health standards in producing community and research oriented doctors who will be competent to deal with the common health problems of the people in a scientifically sound and cost effective manner, using the appropriate technology and holistic approach. Its graduates will be able to assume leadership in a health care team and will communicate effectively as a good clinician in accordance with the code of medical ethics.
Technology and Specialization
- UAF College of Agriculture, Dera Ghazi Khan: It is constituent college of University of Agriculture Faisalabad located near the airport imparts training in the degree of B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture. The college consists of teaching sections of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil and Forestry Range Management and Wildlife, Agricultural Entomology, Plant Pathology, Animal Production and Health, Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Social Sciences and Rural Development. It aims to develop as a university.
- Govt. Institute of Technology: It is situated at airport road, is one of the biggest institute in the region offering diploma and B. Tech classes in more than ten technologies in morning and evening shifts. Diploma courses in technologies are Civil, Mechanical,Electrical, Auto-mechanical, Petroleum, Chemical, Petrochemical, I.T. and Computer etc.
Ghazi University Building, Dera Ghazi Khan
The government has established a state of the art Ghazi University in Dera Ghazi Khan since 2011.The foundation stone for Ghazi University and Ghazi Medical College was laid on December, 2011.[10] The Govt. Postgraduate College, Bahauddin Zakariya University Sub-campus, FAU Agriculture College and Ghazi Medical College will work under this university. The Virtual University of Pakistan has established its campus here since 2004 which is providing both campus based and distance learning education primarily based on IT tools and technology. Another prominent educational organization is the Allama Iqbal Open University campus. The government has approved Akhuwat University of Engineering and Technology in Dera Ghazi Khan since 2012.[11] The university will be established on 351 kanals and will offer courses in Engineering, Veterinary Science, Computer Science, Information Science, Communication Science and Management Science.
Main article:
Sakhi Sarwar
Pachad (West) Desert, Dera Ghazi Khan
Hazrat Syed Ahmad, also known as Sultan Sakhi Sarwar, Lakh Data, Sakhi Sultan and Lalan Wali Sarkar, was the son of Hazrat Zain ul Abedin, who migrated from Baghdad and settled in Shahkot, near Multan in 13th century. He studied from Syed Muhammad Ishaq, known as Miran Badshah who came from Iran and settled in Lahore during the time of the Tughlaq dynasty and is buried in the courtyard of Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore. Syed Ahmed later went to Dhaunkal, Wazirabad for further education and is also reported to visit Baghdad. Sakhi Sarwar preached Islam in Sodhra, Wazirabad. From Dhounkal, Sakhi Sarwar came to Dera Ghazi Khan and settled in Nagaha, now named after him, Sakhi Sarwar. He was died at the age of 53. His shrine was built in Sulaiman Mountains, 35 kilometres (22 mi) from Dera Ghazi Khan city. It is located in a small village named Muqam. Later, Mughal king Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur amended his tomb. It is a unique building of Mughal architecture. Thousands of people from all over the Subcontinent come here on the Annual Celebrations of Birth of Sakhi Sarwar in March every year.
The tomb of Nawab Ghazi Khan Mirrani, locally called as handeera in Saraiki, was built in the beginning of 15th century. This seems like the tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam in Multan. It is located in the Mulla Quaid Shah Graveyard. Its main gate is from eastern side and two small doors are in side of north and south. In it there are 11 graves, which are of the family of Nawab Ghazi Khan Mirrani. Every side of the tomb is 13 feet (4.0 m) and 3 inches (76 mm) from inside and there are conical minarets from the outside. Its circular distance from the earth is 17 feet (5.2 m) and half. The half diameter of the conical minarets remains 34 inches (860 mm) on the highest of 19 feet (5.8 m). There are 28 ladders from northern side in the internal side. The graveyard was built up around the tomb of Nawab Ghazi Khan Mirrani. This is the oldest building in the city. The tomb condition is continuously deteriorating and many social activists are raising voice to preserve this heritage.[12]
(Darbar Qadiriyya) Hazrat Ali Ahmed Qadri (1898–1962) was born in 1898 in Kaithal, India.[13] His father died three years after birth. He was considered to be an in-born wali. He belonged to the Qadiriyya Sufi order from the lineage of 17th century saint Shah Kamal Qadri Kaithaly. After the partition of India, he migrated to Pakistan in 1949. Initially, he settled in Kot Qaboola (Arifwala Tehsil, Pakpattan District) and Multan and then finally moved to Dera Ghazi Khan. He was died in 1935 and his tomb is in Block 35.
Places like Fort Munro and Zinda Pir makes D.G.Khan a perfect destination for soothing body and soul. Cool and pleasant weather of Fort Munro and other hand thermal spring water of Zinda Pir gives recovery from sickness and illness.It is a place of well being and a perfect destination for soothing body and soul. Away from dusty and hot climate of south Punjab it is blessed with clean and cool weather.Lot of people comes here for there refreshment and recovery from sickness.To stay in Fort Munro in hot summer or to take bath in salty and minerals water (Chashma ) of Zinda Pir gives cure to life.
D.G.KHAN is a mid-country city which is located on the junction of four provinces.
D.G.KHAN is a best city for tourism and fun.For Fishing River Indus like Ghazi Ghat and Head Tounsa,for Desert Safari and Jeep rally Desert Pachad near airport is nice place and for Mountain Trekking and Adventure Fort Munro and Sakhi Sarwer and to take bath of thermal and mineral water of Pir Zinda (Koh Suliman) are the best places. With a beautiful and unique landscape D.G.KHAN is a only city in Pakistan which has Indus River, Green Fields, Pachad Desert and Koh Suleman Mouintains. That's why it called "DERA PHULAN DA SEHRA".
Main article: Taunsa Barrage
Taunsa Barrage is also the location of one of the notable structures on the Indus River called Taunsa Barrage, located several kilometres north of dera ghazi khan city.It is a best visiting place and lot of families make trip to this tourist spot. It was designated a Ramsar site on March 22, 1996. The Taunsa Barrage was completed in 1958, and it has been identified as the barrage with the highest priority for rehabilitation. It requires urgent measures to avoid severe economic and social impacts on the lives of millions of poor farmers through interruption of irrigation on two million acres (8,000 km²) and drinking water in the rural areas of southern Punjab, benefiting several million farmers. In 2003, the World Bank approved a $123 million loan to Pakistan to rehabilitate the Taunsa Barrage on the River Indus whose structure had been damaged owing to soil erosions and old-age. The project was designed to ensure irrigation of the cultivated lands in the area of the Muzaffargarh[2] and Dera Ghazi Khan Tehsil[3] canals, and through the Taunsa-Panjnad Link Canal that supplements the water supply to Panjnad headworks canals.
Fort Munro, locally called as Nimroo, is a hill station in Dera Ghazi Khan which lies on the Quetta Road at 80 km from Dera Ghazi Khan city in the Sulaiman Mountains Range. Away from dusty and hot climate of Multan and D.G.Khan it is blessed with clean and cool weather.Its altitude is 1800 meters (6,470 feet) above sea level and attracts many people for short stays during the summer. Many school trips and families use to go for recreation. Families from south punjab cities, such as Multan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Jampur Layyah, Taunsa, Kot addu, Lodhran, Bahawalpur and Kot Mithan make trips to this beautiful hill station during summer. In summer when the temperature reaches 48 °C (118 °F) in south Punjab, the temperature remains at 20 °C (68 °F).
It is located near D. G. Khan Cement Factory some 40 km away from city. It is believed that a Sufi saint lived and preached here in Suri nala (Rod Koh). Its nearest village is Sahar. There is small mazar of Pir Zinda Sahib. Many people come here during pir zinda mela. Beside this mazar is its speciality, which is hot water chashma. Warm and salty water constantly comes from the ground, due to pressure. There are lot of mineral and Sulfur rich warm water ponds and springs (chashmas). People normally take bath from these ponds, in the belief that they cure disease. These warm waters have minimum temperature of 35 °C (95 °F) and are rich in salts and minerals. These are called thermal and medical baths. Many people come here for their refreshment and the hope of recovery from different diseases and sickness. The road conditions around this place are very poor.
The Sulaiman Mountains (Pashto: د سليمان غر; Balochi/Urdu/Persian: کوه سليمان Koh-e Sulaimān), or the Kesai Mountains (Pashto: د كسي غرونه), are a major geological feature of southeastern Afghanistan (Zabul, most of Loya Paktia and northeastern Kandahar province), South Waziristan, and most of northern Balochistan and Punjab ( dera ghazi khan ) province of Pakistan. The Sulaiman Mountains form the eastern edge of the Iranian plateau where the Indus River separates it from the Indian Subcontinent. Bordering the Sulaiman Range to the north are the arid highlands of the Hindu Kush, where more than 50 percent of the lands lie above 2,000 meters.
In Balochistan, the most famous peaks of the Sulaiman Mountains are Takht-e-Sulaiman (3,487 meters), Taunsa Sharif, the Khilafat Hills (3,475 meters) in Ziarat, Kesai Ghar (3,444 meters) near Zhob and Zarghun Ghar (3,578 meters) near Quetta. Rivers that flow from the Sulaiman mountain system include the Dori River and the Gomal River. Takht-e-Sulaiman at 3,483 metres (11,427 ft), Koh-i-Takatu at 3,472 metres (11,391 ft), the Kesai Ghar at 3,444 metres (11,299 ft) and Giandari are some of the mountain peaks in the Sulaiman range. The mountain range runs north in Loya Paktia and meets the Spin Ghar range northeast of Gardez in Paktia province. To the east, the mountain range enters Punjab in Dera Ghazi Khan district and Dera Ismail Khan(Khyber Pakhtoon Khawa), and approaches the Indus River near Mithankot in Rajanpur district of Punjab. The eastern slopes drop very quickly to the Indus River, but towards west, the mountain range drops more gradually to the Sistan Basin. Vegetation is scarce in the southern slopes. In the central part, wild olives are abundant, and especially in river valleys, there is a high diversity of flora, including ephedra, pistachios and orchards of apples and cherries, as well as wild almonds and junipers. Ziarat District is a tourist destination, famous for its large juniper forests. Further to the northwest near the Koh-i-Baba mountain range, the higher altitudes of the Sulaiman Mountains are in alpine meadow ecoregion, characterized by meadows and willows, as well as blue pines which cover the summits. The Sulaiman Range,[1] and the high plateau to the west of it, helps form a natural barrier against the humid winds that blow from the Indian Ocean, creating arid conditions across southern and central Afghanistan to the west and north. In contrast, the relatively flat and low-lying Indus delta is situated due east and south of the Sulaiman Mountains. This lush delta is prone to heavy flooding and is mostly uncultivated wilderness. In a Pashtun legend, one of the highest peaks of the Takht-i Sulaiman ("Throne of Solomon"), 3,382 metres (11,096 ft) high, is associated with Prophet Solomon. Ibn Battuta names it Koh-i Sulaiman.[2] It is related that Prophet Solomon climbed this mountain and looked out over the land of South Asia, which was then covered with darkness, but he turned back without descending into this new frontier, and left only the mountain which is named after him (from Ibn Battuta). According to the local folklore, Prophet Solomon, by exercising his miraculous power, had confined the mischievous Jinns inside it who had refused to obey his command. The evil-spirited Jinns are supposed to remain imprisoned almost all the year, but in Safar, the second month of the Lunar Islamic calendar, they are allowed to go free for a while. During this month, after darkness falls over the region, mothers restrict their children within their homes as a precaution against the evil effects of these Jinns.[3] According to another legend, Noah's Ark alighted in the Takht-i Sulaiman after the Deluge. Legend says that Qais Abdur Rashid is buried on top of the Kesai Ghar ("Mount of Qais"), located in Zhob District, Balochistan. Some people visit the place and make animal sacrifices, usually a sheep or a goat, at the tomb of Qais as to help feed the poor. A trip to the mountain is undertaken mostly in summer, since from late November until March the snowfall makes it difficult to climb. Nearly all major Pashtun tribes are said to be the progeny of his sons and daughters.[4] Al-Biruni, who himself lived a large part of his life in Ghazni located just northwest of the Sulaiman mountain range, writes of the mountain range in his memoirs as being the western frontier mountains of South Asia and the homeland of the people known as the Afghans or Pashtuns. REAL FACT...... TRIBAL AREA D.G. KHAN HAVING ALOT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR EXMPLE URANIUM, GAS, OIL, COAL COPPER BUT THERE IS NO FACILITIES OF LIFE FOR THE PEOPLE LIIVING IN THE TRIBAL AREA. EITHER THE HUMAN BEINGS AND ANIMAL DRINK WATER AT THE SAME PLACE.—
Major Rod Kohi areas traversed by hill torrents constitute nearly 65 percent of the total area of Pakistan and encompass entire Balochistan i.e. (Makran coastal Basin and Kharan closed Desert Basin). The other major hill torrent areas include D.G.Khan and D.I.Khan, FATA and AJK. In Sindh province, the systems are spread in Dadu district (Kirthar range). There are around 17,130,000 acres (69,300 km2) as the potential area under hill torrent / Rod-Kohi / Sailaba fanning excluding riverine areas. Indigenous Spate Irrigation/ hill torrent-irrigation systems traditionally called Rod-Kohi. Rod means water channel and Kohi pertains to mountains. In these areas major constraint is the use of flood flow which is highly variable in quantity and distribution, both in time and space. Annual rainfall is low, uncertain and patchy. Flow is laden with high silt in each flood. It is unfortunate that in spite of scarcity of water, major part of flood flows is lost due to mismanagement. Spate irrigation often takes place in environments that are arid and remote. Poverty in these areas is a major issue. There are very few options for generating income and improvement of livelihood. Abject poverty in the areas affected by the Rod-Kohi water calls for a rational and scientific management of flood flows.
Rod-Kohi or hill torrent cultivation is a unique system of agriculture being practiced in all the four provinces. In NWFP, D.I.Khan tract represents the major part of the system fed by five large tributaries locally named as "Zams". In the Punjab, major part of the system falls in the districts of D.G.Khan, Rajanpur and Jampur. In Balochistan, this system falls in the districts of Barkhan, Musakhail, Loralai, Zhob, Bolan and Lasbella. In Sindh province; the system is spread in Dadu & Larkana district (Kirthar range). The largest area under the system of agriculture lies in Balochistan.
Spate Irrigation is traditionally used system for diverting hill torrents into cultivable command areas for growing seasonal crops. The farming system is characterized by extreme events of floods and droughts. It usually entails the construction of an earthen diversion weir across the torrent with large channel on one or both sides of the river to convey flood water across large distances. These earthen diversion structures and water conveyance system has traditionally been constructed by the beneficiaries / communities themselves, making use of traditional technology. Farmers construct field by making embankments from 3 to 6 feet (1.8 m) high to store the water depending upon the soil type, share in water and various other factors. Upon drying crops are sown which thrive on the moisture stored in the soil. There is no further irrigation except rains, if any occurs. The economic significance of Rod-Kohi Irrigation agriculture is centered around subsistence agriculture and live-stock raising which are the main sources of income. Another aspect of the Spate Irrigation System of Rod-Kohi areas is the occurrence of the perennial water (known as Kalapani), which is available throughout the year in the upper reaches. It contributes significantly to sustainable farming in the area and used for high value crops like fodder, fruits and vegetables. The development potential in Rod-Kohi Hill torrent areas is listed below.
- Jamia Masjid is the biggest Masjid of the city. It was constructed in year 1916. There is a large pool in the Masjid which is used for making ablution. It has a big hall whose length is 100 feet (30 m) and width is 45 feet (14 m), in which 3,000 people can say their prayer at one time. Its courtyard is also wide, and can fit 10,000 men in. The minarets of the Masjid are 85 feet (26 m) high, in which there are 100 ladders.
- Shah Bagh Mosque was the first Mosque in which people performed their first Jumma Namaz after the destruction of the old Dera Ghazi Khan when the people of Dera Ghazi Khan shifted in the new city. It is named after the Imam of the time. It is in Block No. 7.
- Maulvi Fazl-e-Haq Masjid is also one of the oldest and big mosques in the city.
- Eidgah near the Nizamabad is one of the oldest one while another Eidgah is near the Company Park.
Nawaz Sharif Park, Dera Ghazi Khan
- Nawaz Sharif Park is at Quetta road near Virtaul University Campus with a beautiful scenery and covering vast area. Its exact location is between the grid station and the cricket stadium. Its main gate is on Dera-Gadai road in front of the Model Town.
- D.C. Garden has an area of 81 canals and 3 marlas. Divisional Public School and Wild Life Park was also the part of D.C. Garden. Although it is an administrative and residential area, it has natural greenery. Dera Ghazi Khan administration has made the Dera Ghazi Khan officers' club inside the D.C. Garden, where the officers play games such as squash, badminton, and tennis. Government employees, advocates, politicians, journalists and local people are also members of this club.
- Company Bagh is called the second garden of the city. The East Indian Company made the company bagh in every district. This is known as company bagh. Its area is 162 canals and 12 Marlas. In 1948 a friends' club was made in this area. Company Bagh is used to play football, hockey, volleyball, badminton and table tennis, amongst other games
- Ghazi Park is a decent sized theme park, and is the largest theme park in the city. It is located at the North-West outskirts of Dera Ghazi Khan. Exhibitions are arranged through part of the year since 1999, which attract many more visitors than on other days when there are usually only a handful. The exhibitions are held between February and March.
- The Bank of Indus River is a peaceful picnic point for the people of Dera Ghazi Khan. From here the view of the river is beautiful. It is also known as the name of Ghazi Ghaat. Ghazi Ghaat welcomes the people coming to Dera Ghazi Khan from the eastern side. There is a boat renting service available at the river.
- Wild Life Park Dera Ghazi Khan has recently been re-developeding. It is a good place for recreation. It has many types of animals and birds. It is commonly called Dera Ghazi Khan Zoo. The Wild Life Park is government funded and free to visit.
- D.G.Khan and Kachi Canal is becoming a peaceful picnic point for the people of Dera Ghazi Khan. From here the view of both canals is beautiful. It is very near to city at and can access via airport road.It welcomes the people coming from Fort Munro, Sakhi Sarwer and Balochistan to Dera Ghazi Khan.
It is situated in the northern side of the Canal colony, residential colony in front of the Central Jail Dera Ghazi Khan. It has the walls on its four sides. This churchyard could not spread because of Christian minority in the local area. This was constructed in 1910.
Agriculture in Dera Ghazi Khan
Dera Ghazi Khan is located in rich agricultural land with cotton, wheat, sugarcane, rice, tobacco being the major crops grown. Dera Ghazi Khan is also well known for its dates. The district is now connected by railroad with other parts of the country including Multan, Lahore, Karachi and Quetta. The railway was built by the British before the partition of India.
The prominent employers in Dera Ghazi Khan are the D. G. Khan Cement Company Limited, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, the Al-Ghazi Tractors and Rahim Bux textile Mills. It is considered that these companies, along with various other flour mills, companies in the cotton, chemical and textile industries, as well as rice, sugar, and ghee mills, form the backbone of the Pakistan's economy. However, private sector investment is increasing rapidly and a large number of private banks and national corporations are offering their services in the city. The city also has an oil refinery owned by OGDC located in the Sulaiman mountain, near Taunsa. In addition to this there are also many oil rigs owned by the Dewan Group located in the tribal areas.
The property and real estate businesses have very much progressed in the past few years. New housing schemes near Sakhi Sarwar road, Jampur road and Multan road have been established with all modern facilities.
There are many hotels in the city like the Shalimar Hotel, Pakeza Hotel, Ajwa Hotel, Indus Hotel, D.G. Hotel, Mola Bux Hotel, Airport Hotel, Alsarwar Hotel, Madina Hotel etc. Moula Bux Hotel is the oldest hotel in the city and it was established in 1935 and now they made Pakeeza Hotel and Kashif Bakers etc.
The following shopping Markets/Centres are situated in the city:
- Pathar Bazaar is considered as the oldest bazaar in the city.
- The Grain market of Dera Ghazi Khan is renowned in the south Punjab. Mostly, farmers and traders of the region are affiliated with the grain market. Cotton, rice and wheat are the major crops of the area.
- Rani bazar is a business center situated in city Dera Ghazi Khan. All kinds of jewellery and beautiful dresses for ladies are available in this market. Mostly ladies purchase their items from this market.
- The cloth market is a business centre of the city and situated in Saddar Bazar near Committee Gollai.
- The garments market is a business centre of the city located in Block-10 behind Govt. City High School and situated in Rani Bazar near Committee Gollai.
- The electronic market falls within the middle of the city, near the Gollai Committee.
- The medicine market is situated near the Civil Hospital Dera Ghazi Khan. All kinds of medicine are available from the market. Traders supply a variety of medicines for consumption by the populace.
- The vegetable and fruit market is situated within the area near the Faridi bazar. A huge quantity of apple, apricots (khubani), plums(aalubukhara) and other vegetables are brought in this market from Baluchistan and from there are supplied to the other districts the of Punjab province.
- The mobile market is a big market in the heart of Dera Ghazi Khan. Every type of mobile phone and mobile-related shops are in this area.
- The Mowaish Mandi is held in Shah Saddar-Din.
- The spices industry Diamondstar Salt & spices is the famous name in spice industry in Dera Ghazi Khan.
Dera Ghazi Khan international Airport
Dera Ghazi Khan International Airport is situated over 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the city of Dera Ghazi Khan.[citation needed] It has a single, double sided, runway. It was built in 1996. The airport provides flights to Multan, Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and because of high demand is operating flights to and from Dubai since 2008 making it an international airport. The traffic to and from most airports is usually low, although flights to Karachi, especially, get a large number of passengers. Although it is international airport, a night landing facility is still not provided. There are many Travel agents in Dera Ghazi Khan, Providing the travel trade services to the people of surroundings like Travel Mark, IATA Agents & Overseas Employment Promoters.
The city is well connected with whole country by road. Indus Highway, which connects the country from Karachi to Peshawar, and National Highway from Gowader to Lahore passed through Dera Ghazi Khan. The M-5 Motorway is a planned 4 lane motorway that will link Multan with Dera Ghazi Khan. It will be constructed after the completion of the M-4 Motorway.And the M-6 is a planned 4 lane motorway that will link Dera Ghazi Khan with Ratodero. It will be constructed after the completion of the M-5 Motorway Daewoo Express Bus Service, Faisal Movers and other bus services operate from the city to the entire country.
Railway Station, D.G. Khan
Dera Ghazi Khan is connected with the country through Chiltan Express and Khushal Express trains.
The population according to the 1901 census of India (then a British colony) was 471,149 - the great majority being Baloch Muslims. The frontier tribes on the Dera Ghazi Khan border include the Lashari, Jarwar, Qaisrani, Bozdar, Khosa, Leghari, Khetran, Nutkani(Notkani) Gurchani,Mazari, Jaskani, Marri, Mastoi, Mirani, Bugti, Malghani is part of Nutkani or Notkani and Bamozai Known as Akhund/Akhwand tribes, whose ancestors came in from Afghanistan around 200 years ago and settled in the old Dera Ghazi Khan.
Historical populations of Dera Ghazi Khan city[13]
| National Census Year |
Population |
| 1972 |
720,343 |
| 1981 |
1020,007 |
| 1998 |
190,5420 |
Divisional Headquarters Hospital, Dera Ghazi Khan
In D.G. Khan, there is a civil hospital called the Divisional Headquarters Hospital (DHQ), along with many private hospitals and labs. The number of beds is being doubled from 250 to 500 in DHQ. Along with the DHQ there are several private hospitals working for the welfare of the people of Dera Ghazi Khan. The overall conditions of public health are miserable in the city. more over the Dera Ghazi Khan is a very beautiful city.
Islam came into this region during eighth century when Muhammad bin Qasim (695–715), the Ummayad general entered Sindh and Punjab. More than 99% people are Muslims.
Saraiki is the main spoken language in Dera Ghazi Khan. The dialect spoken here is called Derawali. In rural and hilly areas, Balochi is also spoken. Urdu, the national language of Pakistan, is well-spoken and well-understood in the entire district. The Baloch Tribal Hilly Area: Ahmedani, Qaisrani, Buzdar, Lund, Khosagh, leghari, Gorchani, Drishak and Mazari, tribes speak the Balochi language.
In the city there is Charpai, locally known as khatt and Hamacha culture. Charpai and Hamacha means a big wooden cart, which are kepts at chowks and baithaks. You can find these Hamachas in every chowks, baithaks and wisakh. Normally peoples sit on charpai and hamacha in the evening and on holidays. There they discuss their daily personal, social and political issues in friendly environment. The biggest charpai of the world is also in Dera Ghazi Khan according to Guinness World Records.
- Sangh Mela, is a Vaisakhi fair during March and April, is celebrated in Sakhi Sarwar by people coming from Jhang and Faisalabad since centuries. This festival is celebrated by Hindus and Muslims especially at the time of wheat harvesting and at some places it is called as Basant. Throughout history, a large number of followers coming from different religions became the followers of Sakhi Sarwar. Max Arthur Macauliffe, a colonial office appointed in Punjab, observed in 1875 that not only Muslims but Hindus also visited the shrines during the [urs]. In the 1911 census of India, 79,085 Sikhs reported to be the follower of Sakhi Sarwar.[14]
- Pir Adil Mela is also very famous which is celebrated at the shrine of Hazrat Pir Adil in a village named after him. Sometimes, the Jalsa or National Horse and Cattle Show is merged with this mela.
- Jhand is the ceremony of first haircut of the child as part of a Rite of passage ceremonies which is very common in the rural areas of Dera Ghazi Khan as well. This ceremony usually takes place in the desi month of Chaitr at some shrine like Pir Adil or Fateh Shah.
Dera Ghazi Khan is also famous for its poets in Saraiki, Urdu and Balochi languages. The tradition of Mushaira is still very common in the city and villages. Famous Urdu poet Mohsin Naqvi and Farhat Shahzad were born in Dera Ghazi Khan. Many Saraiki and Balochi language poetry is also published in the local magazines and newspapers. Shakir Shuja-abadi is called Allama Iqbal of saraiki.
- Sohanjhnrran (Saraiki: سوہانجڑاں) or the flowers of Moringa oleifera is very peculiar food of Saraiki culture including Dera Ghazi Khan.
- Sohan Halwa is traditional sweet made by boiling a mixture of water, sugar, milk and cornflour until it becomes solid. Umar ka sohan halwa, Muhhamadi ka sohan halwa and Ustad Rahim Bux halwai are very famous.
Dera Ghazi Khan has a cricket stadium which is still under construction. It also has a hockey stadium but without AstroTurf. Other popular games are shooting volley ball, kabaddi and desi wrestling. Imran Abbas is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium fast bowler who has played for the Pakistani cricket team. Najeeb Amar, famous Hong Kong cricketer, was born in Dera Ghazi Khan in 1971.
Following traditional games are also very famous:
- Geeti Danna (گیٹی ڈنا) or Gilli-danda is one of the famous traditional sports especially in boys in rural areas.
- Baandar Killa
- Pittu Garam
- Stapu
- Kabaddi
- Ludo
- Akh Macholi
- Yassu Panju
- Chirri Urri, Kawa Urra
- Pugan Pugai
- Luk Chhap or Chuppan Chupai
- Bantay, also called as Chidday or Goliyan
The city has produced various famous artists like Tauqeer Nasir, which are known nationally and internationally. The National Arts Council, D. G. Khan is also established to promote the arts and theatre in the city.
Daily Jang is also published from Dera Ghazi Khan[15] along with many local newspapers in Urdu, Saraiki and Balochi languages.
-
Village Life at Khalid Abad, Dera Ghazi Khan
-
-
Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan
-
An ornament in Dera Ghazi Khan city
-
Medical College chowk, Dera Ghazi Khan
-
-
-
- "How Pakistan Made Nuclear Fuel" by Munir Ahmad Khan, former chairperson of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission: Islamabad The Nation 7 February 1998, page 7 [Pakistan: Article on How Pakistan Made Nuclear Fuel: FBIS-NES-98-042 : 11 February 1998].
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Coordinates: 30°03′N 70°38′E / 30.05°N 70.633°E / 30.05; 70.633
Dera Ghazi Khan District (Punjab) 
