The society of Zhob district is male dominated, firmly rooted in tribalism. However, affiliation to tribal chiefs is nominal. The role of the chief (Khan) of a tribe is limited. Decisions are taken at the tribal level with the consent of a group of elders rather than the chief alone. A decision made by the group of elders of a tribe is binding.

 The society is predominantly a patriarchal one. The power of decision making is solely in the hands of men. The decisions made by men are binding upon women. A woman is regarded as the honour of family and tribe. When a woman goes against the decision of her male family members, she brings shame on the family.

 Conclusion and major Development Issues

Most people live in a close joint family system. Customs of co-operation exist in the district on Islamic, tribal, and personal basis. A man's loyalty to a tribe is appreciated and required. An educated tribesman living outside the district still depends on tribal support. The number of marriages outside the tribe is small. Marriage is regarded as part of the promotion of family and tribal ties. A Pastho saying about marriage is that "There is no life without a wife, and no wife without family (close relatives), and no family without tribe."

 The people are religiously very strict. One can see people making stops for prayers on highways and roads. The attendance in mosques in remote areas is very high. The "Mullah" is very important in the performance of rituals.

 A large number of arms are possessed by the people. The number of unlicensed arms in the district is high. Arms are kept for self-defence, tribal enmities and as a symbol of strength. There are a number of tribal conflicts. Tribal conflicts are a handicap in the promotion of agriculture, horticulture and general development in the district. The role of the district administration in the settlement of tribal disputes is appreciated and necessary to prevent it from escalation.

 Back to Zhob