Population Ziarat

Nomad kids

In 1981, when the last census was conducted, the population of the area now comprising Ziarat district was 32,196. The projected figure for 1995 is 52,616. This projection is made by the National Institute of Population Studies (NIPS). Selected demographic data of the district are given below (Table 2.1).

According to the officials of the District Council, Ziarat, the district’s population in 1996 was around 116,000 which is more than twice the NIPS estimate of the district’s 1995 population. The District Councils estimate is based on data provided by the Union Councils. Authenticity of the population data provided by the Union Councils could not be verified. The NIPS estimate is, however, believed to be on the low side.

POPULATION BY SEX AND RURAL/URBAN DISTRIBUTION

1998 CENSUS - BALOCHISTAN

Population Growth Pattern

Because of the doubt raised above on the population data given in table 2.1, an objective appraisal of the district's population growth pattern is not possible. The natural growth rate in Ziarat is believed to be higher than in Sibi district and almost equal to Balochistan as a whole.

Population Composition

In the 1981 census of population, 16,228 males and 15,868 females were enumerated in the district. Thus females accounted for 49.60% of the total population. The male/female ratio was 1.02 i.e; 102 males per 100 females. Thus, unlike neighbouring Sibi district and the province as a whole the M/F ratio in this district is almost even.

Household Size

A household, as defined in the population census, comprises persons living together and eating from the same kitchen and using the same budget, but not necessarily related to each other. In 1981, in Ziarat District a household in this sense had on average 10.5 members, according to the census conducted in that year. Although the district’s population is estimated to have increased by 63 percent during 1981-95, the average household size in 1995 would not necessarily be higher in the same proportion Because of some decline in the incidence of joint family, a large number of dwelling units have been constructed in the district during 1981 - 95. Numerous old houses have been expanded. This has facilitated the trend towards a more nuclear family oriented system.

In 1990, the average size of households was 11.9 for the district as a whole, according to the Census of Agriculture (1990). The corresponding figure for different categories of households are: farm households 12.8, livestock owner’s households 8.1, and non-agricultural households 6.7. The 1990 Census of Agriculture date seems to support the contention in the preceding para regarding growth of household size. As suggested by the Agriculture Census data, and as gathered from interviews with informed persons, the existing average household size would be around twelve persons.

Dependent Population

A clear cut definition of 'dependent population’ is not available. An idea of its size can, however, be formed on the basis of data on marital status, male/female ratio, population below 15 and above – 60 years of age, and civilian labour force. It is estimated that around 25% of the districts population is married; the male/female ratio is 1.02 according to 1981 census; the population aged below 15 and above 60 years is 46%; and the civilian labour force is 30% of the total population. Civilian labour force can be taken as a good indicator in this respect. By this indicator the dependent population is estimated to be 70% of the total population.

Rural-Urban Dimensions

Ziarat town is the only urban centre in the district. It has considerably expanded during 1981-95, but the expansion has not been of an order that would substantially lift the level of urbanization. Several large villages in the lower reaches of the district have, however, acquired semi-urban characteristics in terms of housing, access to electricity, growth of the off-farm sector, and development of other social and economic infrastructure. This transformation has not been documented fully and properly yet. It, however, appears to be a valid suggestion that the trend towards urbanisation has emerged and is getting stronger with time.

Spatial distribution

The district population lives in 115 villages. The average population of a village is 460 and the range is 185 to 4,600. Most of the villages have a population exceeding 250.

Ethnic Composition

Ziarat district is almost an all Pathan district. The main tribes and sub tribes are:

Main Tribes Sub Tribes

Kakar: - Sarangzai

- Panezai

- Yasinzai

- Dumer

- Sanzerbhee

Ghilzai: - Dohtani

Bruhi: - Raisani

Syed: - Taran

- Aheduni

The Kakars constitute the majority, accounting for about 85 percent of the district population. Bruhis follow with ten percent, while the minor ethnic groups account for the remaining five percent of the population.

Baloch on a camel

Nature and Extent of Migration

The district experiences considerable seasonal migration. Permanent immigration is none or negligible while little or no emigration is reported.

Out migration starts with the onset of winter in October/November and by the month of December nearly seventy percent of the population of Ziarat valley, Zindra, Kawas, etc, leaves for Sibi district. From the localities which receive heavy snow, almost the entire population migrates out. Many of the migrants from Ziarat own houses in Sibi district where they go to in winter. The majority of seasonal out migrants, however, lives in rented houses. They return to Ziarat in March/April.

Little or no permanent immigration is reported in the district. However, during spring and summer (April – September) thousands of tourists come to Ziarat for a short stay. The tourists come from as far as Karachi. The days of heaviest rush are holidays when hundreds of persons come to Ziarat for a day trip.

Nomads also come in a large number to various parts of the district during April – September to take up work in farms/orchards, and for casual labour. They live in tents.

It is not known whether any emigration has taken place from this district. No official report is available on this subject, nor do the officials of the union council and informed people in the district, know of any case of emigration.

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