Ziarat

Summary

Ziarat (Urdu and Pashto: زیارت) is a city in the Ziarat District within the Balochistan province of Pakistan. It lies 130 kilometres (81 mi) way from Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan.[1] Previously, it was part of the Sibi District. It was announced as a separated district on 1st of July, 1986. The Quaid-e-Azam Residency is located in this valley, where Quaid-e-Azam (the founder of Pakistan) spent a few of his last days.[citation needed]

Ziarat
زیارت
Ziarat is located in Balochistan, Pakistan
Ziarat
Ziarat
Ziarat is located in Pakistan
Ziarat
Ziarat
Coordinates: 30°22′52″N 67°43′37″E / 30.3810°N 67.7270°E / 30.3810; 67.7270
Country Pakistan
ProvinceBalochistan, Pakistan Balochistan
DistrictZiarat
Area
 • Total1,489 km2 (575 sq mi)
Elevation
2,543 m (8,343 ft)
Population
 (2017)
 • Total160,422
 • Density11.028/km2 (28.56/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+5 (PST)
Calling code0833

History edit

On 29th of October, 2008, at around 4 am, Ziarat and surrounding areas were struck by an earthquake doublet. The first tremor, 6.2 magnitude, lasted a couple of seconds, and was followed by a magnitude-6.4 tremor that lasted almost 30 seconds, destroying many mud houses and several government buildings.[citation needed] Neighbouring villages were also badly affected by the earthquake. More than 200 people were killed, and over 50,000 were left homeless. Landslides cut off many roads, making the area less accessible to emergency responders. Pakistani military helicopters were used to reach mountainous and remote locations.[2][3]

Geography edit

Ziarat is surrounded by the lush green Ziarat Juniper Forest, known locally as Sanober, home to the largest area of Juniper forest (Juniperus seravschanica) in Pakistan, covering about 110,000 hectares. The juniper trees of Ziarat are one of the oldest trees of their kind with some of these trees being 4000 years old. It is believed that the forest is the second largest of its kind in the world.[4][5] The indigenous tribes are primarily Kakar, Babar and Tareen (including Raisani).

Climate edit

Ziarat has a continental climate (Koppen: Dsa) and remains quite cool in summer compared to other cities in Pakistan.[citation needed]

References edit

  1. ^ "Ziarat - A Holiday Resort". emergingpakistan.gov.pk. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
  2. ^ Raven, Nell. (2008-10-29) Pakistan quake kills 160. Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved on 2012-01-25.
  3. ^ 300 feared dead in Pakistan quake – BBC. BBC News (2008-10-31). Retrieved on 2012-01-25.
  4. ^ "Ziarat Juniper Forest". UNESCO. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
  5. ^ "Man and Biosphere initiative for Juniper forests of Balochistan". UNESCO. Retrieved 26 December 2016.