Inhabitants of Jhall Magsi district are mainly divided into two groups, the Baloch and the Jamoots. They are all Muslims. In addition there is a small Hindu population. All Muslims have a similar way of living, irrespective of their ethnic background. They have the same type of houses. Their women enjoy similar liberty. The source of income of both ethnic groups is also the same. They earn their livelihood from agriculture, livestock and related activities. Their dress is also the same to a large extent. During winter they wear a turban (Patkoo), short trousers and shoes and a coat over their shirt. Summer dress is different. In the summer they usually wear a cap, called Topi in local terminology. In summer they wear shirts made of very thin cloth. Instead of trousers, in the summer the majority of the population wears a piece of cloth called Laak in local language.

The way of living of the Hindu population is different. Usually they live in the towns. Their houses have no open ground. Their source of income is commerce and trade. Hindus have a monopoly on trade and commerce and try to safeguard it from the interference of the Muslims. However, nowadays a few Muslims are entering in this field. The majority of the Hindu population is vegetarian, they eat small oily round bread called Phulka. Hindu dress has dramatically changed since independence and nowadays there is hardly any difference between Hindu and Muslim dress.

The Balochs and the Jamoots each have their own social organisation. Traditional social organisation of Baloch comprises four levels: Nawab or Tumandar, Wadira, Muqdam and Mutbar. The social organisation of the Magsi tribe is slightly different. According to their social organisation the Nawab or Sardar is at the top followed by the Gurdar and Mutbar. In the past, all the above mentioned levels played their own particular roles. However, with the passage of time one notes a change. According to this change only two levels, that of the Nawab and Mutbar, still play their role. The role of the Nawab has increased due to a variety of factors. Similarly, the role of the Mutbar in the process of decision making has increased as well. He is considered to be the elder man of the village. Therefore, his opinion in every field of social, political or economic life and in any other matter, is respected and obeyed. The Baloch select the various levels of social organisation on the basis of kinship. Often, the elder son becomes the new Rais or Mutbar after the death of his father. Political organisation in the tribe is not visible. The role of the women in collective matters is rare and poor. However, they play an important indirect role in the decision making process on family level.

The social organisation of the other major ethnic group, the Jamoot, used to be divided into four levels as well. At the top was the Arbab, followed by the Malik, Rais and Mutbar. Time has also affected the social organisation of the Jamoot. Now only two levels, Rais and Mutbar still play a role, especially in the field of agriculture and cultivation. The Jamoot, like the Baloch, select the Rais or Mutbar on the basis of kinship. The position of women in the decision making process on the community level is the same as described for the Baloch ethnic group.

The district Jhall Magsi is going through the process of modernisation in the social sector. New trends are visible in different fields of socialisation. Traditional social organisation is disappearing or undergoing change. This change on the social side is due to education, economic prosperity, social movement due to the road links etc. Kinds of labour are changing as the use of machines is replacing traditional labour patterns. The role of women in the process of decision making is increasing. Children are getting education. The literacy rate is increasing. The influence of the traditionally influential people is declining.

This changing situation is creating problems of its own. Society stands at a cross road, therefore, it needs useful planning and proper direction. For instance, primary education is no longer enough. In addition there should be technical education in accordance with the needs in the area. Similarly, the family set-up may face the threat of disintegration and needs proper direction. Furthermore, peace is required for economic prosperity and the development of the district, which is not possible without disarming the armed inhabitants. Again, this is not possible without a comprehensive legal system and an effective force to execute it.

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