Sibi
is 163 kms from Quetta. It has great historical importance.
It derives its name from Sewa race. The name of Alexander and
the Muslim conquers like Muhammad Bin Qasim, Mehmood Ghaznavi
and Nasir-ud-Din Kabacha are associated with this place. Mir
Chaker Khan Rind, the legendary Baluch hero, built a massive
fort in the 15th century near Sibi, the remains of which are
found near the town.
During
the British rule a residency and Victoria Memorial Hall known
as Jigra Hall were built where annual Jigras were held until
Pakistan came into being. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ail Jinnah also
presided over the annual Darbar at Sibi as first Governor General
of Pakistan. The Jigra Hall is now converted into a museum.
It has a collection of pieces found at the archaeological sites
of Mehrgarh, Nasshero and Pirak.
The annual Sibi festival marks the famous horse and cattle Show
with other festivities held in the month of February.
MEHRGARH:
Neolithic
Mehrgarh is a 9000 years old site of settlement in Karachi district
at the foot of Bolan Pass near Sibi. Supported by Pakistan's
Department of Archaeology, French archaeologists are carrying
out extensive excavations, studies and research have lead to
pushing back these settlements to some 9000 years. Thus the
chronology of civilization in Pakistan established through the
study of Moenjodaro and Harappa has been pushed back by over
4000 years.
Research
shows that the people have lived in houses and were involved
in hunting, domestication of animals and farming cereals like
barley and wheat and later cotton too. This hunting-farming
society developed gradually and their pursuits were creative.
During the early period these people used stone and bone tools.
Subsequently they produces and wore ornaments of beads, sea
shells and semi-precious stones like Lapis lazuli. A museum
has been set up at Sibi where a wide range of rare finds from
the site of Mehrgarh are on display.
BALOCHISTAN
COAST- LINE:
The
Balochistan coast-line extends over 750 kms. For Hub near Karachi
to the Gwadar bye on Pakistan-Iran border. The whole area is
rich with long un spoilt golden sunny beaches and a variety
of sea fish. Because of the importance of this coast Pasni,
Jiwani and Gwadar, the three important coastal towns, have been
linked by air with Karachi and Quetta. Gaddani beach near Karachi,
is an industrial zone based on fisheries.
The
coastal tribes are also as colorful as that of central and upper
Balochistan. Their colorful customs, songs and dances are equally
fascinating.