The society of Jaffarabad district is predominantly patriarchal. Affiliation to a tribal chief amongst the leading tribes of Khosa and Jamali is not binding. In other words, the Sardari system is generally negligible in the district. Tribal affiliation for tribesmen may exist, but is less binding in case of tribal warfare and vendetta. It exists rather on family level. The society is male dominated with little choice given to women in the decision making of family and tribal affairs. The joint family system is common.

 People live in close homogeneity, particularly in rural areas. The mode of living is primarily rural. The majority lives below the poverty line. The major source of income is from tenantship, small landownership, livestock raising, petty labour and for some from low scale government work.

Mostly wheat is used for making bread, while potatoes and onions are consumed as main vegetables.Wheat is the staple food.

 Dress, commonly worn by women and men is shalwar and kameez, which is light to cope with excessive heat. Women’s dresses have very little embroidery on them.

 As mentioned, the society is predominantly a patriarchal society. Decision making is in the hands of the men. Decisions made by the men are binding for women. There are no special organisations to cater for the social needs and problems of the common men. Particularly addressing women’s problems has been the appointment of Lady Health Visitors under the Prime Minister Scheme. These visitors are working for the well-being of women by providing counseling. There are NGOs for primary education, such as SCOPE (Society for the Organisation and Community Promotion of Education) with its base in Dera Allah Yar, that can be helpful to promote female welfare and education/literacy, which - in turn - can further social organisation.

The society is rather open. The ratio of mobility in the district is high without any threat of vendetta. Tribes living in the district are not engaged in bloody tribal feuds among themselves. There are wealthy landowners in Usta Mohammad and Jhatpat sub-divisions, but their role is not very binding on tribesmen. The role of sardars is limited.

 The traditional customs of co-operation have changed over the years . The "biradari" (brotherhood/family system) under which a family, relative or neighbour may be supported financially, politically, and morally on occasions of marriages, child-birth, death and calamity, still exists. A number of associations for youth on tribal basis are operating in the district.

 The people are not strict religious. Fasting is not very common during Ramadan. The percentage of adults having performed "Haj" (pilgrimage to Mecca) is small.

 Jaffarabad is the only district in the province without "B status" or Levy controlled jurisdiction. There is no regular jail in the district. There is a growing need for a penitentiary with factory / manual work facilities.

Back to Jaffarabad