Eugammon of Cyrene

Sherani District ضلع شیرانی شېراني ولسوالۍ‎ شݔرانی دمگ‎ Sheerani
District of Balochistan
Sulaiman Mountains from Sherani District
Map of Balochistan with Sherani District highlighted
Country	Pakistan
Province	Balochistan
Division	Zhob
Established	3 January 2006
Headquarters	Sherani (town)
Government
• Type	District Administration
• Deputy Commissioner	N/A
• District Police Officer	N/A
• District Health Officer	N/A
Area
• District of Balochistan	4,310 km2 (1,660 sq mi)
Population  (2023)[1]
• District of Balochistan	191,687
• Density	44/km2 (120/sq mi)
• Urban	0
• Rural	191,687
Literacy [2]
• Literacy rate	Total: (23.86%) Male: (31.53%) Female: (15.02%)
Time zone	UTC+5 (PST)
Total voters	31,837.(Harifal, 8728; Sherani, 23,109)
Number of Tehsils	1
Website	www.balochistan.gov.pk

Sherani or Shirani (Urdu: ضلع شیرانی) is a rural district in the Zhob division of the Balochistan province in Pakistan.^[3][4] The district lies within the Sulaiman mountain range, and its highest point is the Takht-e-Sulaiman at 3,487 metres (11,440 ft).

According to the 2023 census, it had a population of 191,687.^[5] Notable villages in the district include (Derga), Karama, Zarkai Landawar, Shinghar, Tsappar Kili, and Manikhawa (Mani Kwa).

Before 2006, Sherani was a subdivision (sub-district) of Zhob district.^[6] The new district was created on 3 January 2006.^[7]

Tehsil	Area (km²)[8]	Pop. (2023)	Density (ppl/km²) (2023)	Literacy rate (2023)[9]	Union Councils
Sherani Tehsil	4,310	191,687	44.47	23.86%	...

The Sherani tribe maintained significant autonomy and resisted external domination until the British Empire consolidated authority over the region. In the winter of 1890, the Khiderzai Expedition formally brought Sherani under British rule.^[10]

The Bargha lands or highlands were historically occupied by the Hazaras, who later migrated to Rozgan (Urazgan) in the northern area.^[11] According to hypotheses grounded in traditional knowledge and supported by the Gazetteer, it is suggested that in the 17th century, the Bargha lands were abandoned due to fears of the Wazirs, while the Sheranis were involved in continuous and prolonged conflicts with the Baitanis.

During the early period, the Bargha land was known for its common incidents of banditry and violence. According to legend, the Sheranis' leader encountered a Syed boy who had migrated from Pishin and possessed a saintly demeanor. Seeking his supernatural assistance, the Sheranis achieved victory over the Baitanis with his miraculous help. As a result, a group of Sherani tribe members, led by the Syed boy, occupied the abandoned lands of Bargha. Subsequently, the Syed boy married a Shirani woman and became regarded as "the nucleus and progenitor of the Harifal tribe."^{[citation needed]}

As a mark of respect, all Shiranis commonly refer to the Harifals as "Neeka," which translates to "grandfather," a term denoting a status commanding more reverence than even that of a father. When Mountstuart Elphinstone (1779–1859),^[12] a Scottish statesman and historian associated with the British government of India, visited the region in the early 19th century, he noted that the Shiranis were led by a "Neeka" who received an annual tax of one lamb and one calf from those who owned such animals.^[13] The Neeka functioned as both a judge and a commander-in-chief, with his authority believed to be derived from the conviction that he was "Under the immediate guidance and protection of providence."

The start from Apozai took place on 31 October. By 13 November, all the principal points in Sherani were occupied. At Karama, a grand inquest was held into the conduct of the tribe and fines imposed, and the proceedings were terminated by a darbar, at which the submission of the tribe was formally received and rewards conferred upon the deserving.^[14]

On 3 July 2022, a bus traveling from Rawalpindi to Quetta carrying 33 people fell into a ravine, killing at least 20 people and injuring 11 others near Sherani District of Balochistan, Pakistan.^[15][16] It was the second major accident in a month. Earlier, on 8 June, a minivan crashed in Killa Saifullah District, killing 22 people. Rescue sources said that the bodies and injured were moved to Zhob and MughalKot.^[17]

In the northeast of the Balochistan plateau, Zhob and Sherani Basin form an oval surrounded by mountains. Qais Abdul Rashid (575-661 A.D.),^[18] who is believed to be one of the progenitors of the Pushtoons, lived in the Suleiman Mountains. Natives call the place where he is buried "Da Kase Ghar" (the mountain of Qais). In Pushto, "K" is used for "Q".

In 1883, with the consent of the chiefs of the Sherani tribe (the inhabitants of the range), a survey party under Major Holdich, R.E., ascended the mountain, accompanied by a military escort. They found the summit of the ridge to consist of a long valley between two high rims, covered with the Chilgoza, or Edible, Pine (Pinus gerardiana). At the north end of the western rim is the highest peak, known as Kaisa Ghar, 11,300 feet above sea level; at the south end of the eastern rim is the Takht, properly so called, 3,441 meters (11,060 feet) above sea level.^[19]

Many legends attach to this place; one legend says Noah's Ark alighted here after the Deluge, while others connect it with King Solomon, whose throne alighted on this peak, which has ever since borne the name of Takht-i-Suleiman. Lofty ranges west of the Takht-i-Suleiman contain strata of the Liassic (lower Jurassic) and middle Jurassic (about 208 to 146 million years ago).^[20]

Shin Ghar^[20] is a subsidiary of the main Suleiman range and separated from it by the Lahar Valley. It extends from Kurchpina on the north and the Sulyazai valley on the south. The height of the main peak is 9,273 feet. It is about 50 km from Zhob City and almost due west of the Takht-i-Sulaiman. The top is fairly level and affords a pleasant site which was used as a sanatorium during summer months in the British era, and has been taken over by FC.

Adjoining the mountain's top is the shrine of a famous Sufi saint, Babakr Nika Harifal. Devotees visit the shrine regularly for answers to their prayers. The saint was prone to religious ecstasy and mystical trances. He was a man of miracles; it is believed that many trees followed him when he migrated from his native place. PMDC has reported many coal deposits in Shinghar; prospects are high if they are mined.^[21] The western slopes of the range drain into the Zhob river, and the eastern into the Khaisara stream. This watershed demarcates the boundary line between the Harifal and Sherani tribes.

In autumn 1897, a slight shock of earthquake was felt in Sherani District in which several houses in Ghurlama, Kacchi, Burkhurdar, and Pasta fell down. No human or livestock loss is on record.^[22]

Historical population

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1961	10,354	—
1972	25,384	+8.49%
1981	78,625	+13.39%
1998	81,684	+0.22%
2017	152,952	+3.36%
2023	191,687	+3.83%
Sources:[23]

According to the 1998 census, the recorded population of the district was 83,771, with 26,111 residing in Harifal and 57,660 in Sherani. The district is divided into seven union councils: Kapip, Manikwa, Dhanasir, Mughalkot, Ahmedi Derga, Shinghar Harifal South, and Shinghar Harifal North.

The total number of voters in the district was 31,837, consisting of 17,535 male voters and 14,302 female voters.^[24] Within Harifal, there were 8,728 voters, including 4,797 male voters and 3,931 female voters. In Sherani, there were 23,109 voters, with 12,738 male voters and 10,371 female voters.

As of the 2023 census, Sherani district has 36,100 households and a population of 191,687. The district has a sex ratio of 122.02 males to 100 females and a literacy rate of 23.86%: 31.53% for males and 15.02% for females. 75,400 (39.34% of the surveyed population) are under 10 years of age. The entire population lives in rural areas.^[25] 636 (0.33% of the surveyed population) are religious minorities, nearly all Christians.^[26] Pashto is the predominant language, spoken by 99.87% of the surveyed population.^[1]

A typical tribal society prevails in the district, with its own demographic dynamics. As elsewhere in Pashtun society, customs are strictly observed according to the tribal code of honor; as J.P. Ferrier puts it, the lex talionis is rigorously observed amongst the Pashtuns, and the murderer is put to death by the nearest relative of his victim. It sometimes happens that the person on whom this duty devolves is a child, when the punishment remains in abeyance until he is strong enough to hold the dagger placed in his hands with which he performs the office of executioner. He possesses the right to grant the murderer his life, but there is no instance of this right ever having been exercised except for a compensation, which the criminal is obliged to make in money or in land; sometimes he gives one of his daughters in marriage to the son or the brother of the murdered man, without the father being obliged to give her any dowry.^[27]

The level of development can be well imagined from the fact that there is not a single inch of metal road in the entire Harifal area. The Sherani District is entirely rural. The whole district is a "B" area except Manikhwah,^[28] and so is controlled by a Deputy Commissioner through Levies force. Only one police station exists in Manikhwa, having jurisdiction over a 5 km. radius. Sherani District holds a unique place in terms of missed opportunities, infrastructure and roads not taken. There is not a single township (or for that matter a bazaar) or a single Jumu'ah mosque for Jummah prayer, so no Jummah prayer is offered anywhere in the district. The whole district is economically oriented to Zhob city, but it contains not a single branch of any bank.

No district hospital exists in the whole district. There are three regional health clinics,^[29] one each at Manikhwa and Mir Ali Khail, while a third is under construction at Killi Ibrahimkhail Harifal. Similarly there are five BHUs,^{[clarification needed]} located in Kapip, Killi Gul Muhammad, Kuraiwasta, Karamma and Surlakai. All five BHUs are in the Sherani area, none in Harifal country. Sherani, like Awaran, Kalat and Turbat, has a growth rate of less than 1 percent, which is unusual for Pakistan.^[30] The district is saturated with malaria and infested with [scorpions] and snakes. In 2009, 132 cases of tuberculosis were detected in the district, and in 2008, 75 cases of tuberculosis were treated though TODS therapy.^[31] The rate of contraception in the district is: by any modern method, 4.7%, by traditional method, 1%, for a total of 5.7% by any method.^[32]

There are eight civil dispensaries, one in the Harifal area and seven in the Sherani area. Three are run by PPHI^{[clarification needed]} located in Ibrahinkhail Harifal, Dag-Lawara and Asthshai, while five are still being operated by D.H.O.,^{[clarification needed]} located in Mir Ali Khail, Adil Abad, Nor Warsak, Skharyae Kazha and Surlakai. Only four doctors, four pharmacists, and two L.H.V.^{[clarification needed]} form the total health staff for the entire district. There is no female doctor, no dentist, no nurse, and no midwife in the whole of the district. There are 9,210 electricity connections in the district.^[33] The total length of its roads is 205 km, of which 85 km is NHA^{[clarification needed]} and 120 km is farm to market roads. The road density in Balochistan is 0.15 km per square kilometer, which is less than half the national average and the lowest among Pakistan's four provinces, partly reflecting the sparse population located in a few areas.^[34] There is no public toilet, no park and no playground.

The Harifal genealogically are of Syed descent,^[35] but over a period of time, through social assimilation, have been so much subsumed in Sherani that they are indistinguishable from them to an outsider and are presumed to be collaterals of Sherani. The tribe as a whole is held in high esteem by all Sheranis for their high descent. Tribal norms bound them in a pledge of reciprocal assistance and to common participation of weal and woe. This gave birth to a homogeneous tribal set-up. This homogeneity accelerated the process of assimilation to the extent that Sherani (not Marani)^[36] has almost become a common denominator in terms of geographical nomenclature. If either tribe were attacked by a third they both would stand together. On the social side they are organically linked in a curious love and hate relationship.

According to the 1998 census, there were 186 rural villages in Sherani district, though 16 of these were unpopulated.^[37]

Population of rural villages in Sherani district, according to the 1998 census.[37]
Number	Village Name	Population in 1998	Households in 1998
1	Abu Sar	479	75
2	Aghberga Ragha	405	37
3	Ahmdi Dirgha	900	175
4	Astashai	1265	209
5	Atatazai	611	98
6	China	87	17
7	Ghundi Adam Khan	93	22
8	Ghund Ser	82	23
9	Ghundi Kohna	463	58
10	Gurgur Chinah	184	30
11	Karim Kachh	50	6
12	Kori Wasta Qurieshi	874	136
13	Kori Wasta Yasinzai	795	95
14	Kothah	371	45
15	Kuram Abu Thal	0	0
16	Nawab Kot	216	39
17	Niazi Kot	535	83
18	Sanni Zai	186	36
19	Sher Ghali	1268	134
20	Shinah Kazhah	388	46
21	Surlakai	1103	134
22	Turjana	395	61
23	Wala Shol	597	120
24	Aghburgai	435	50
25	Killi Gul Muhammad	545	75
26	Killi Khan Alam	3338	347
27	Killi Pir Muhammad	475	59
28	Mandao	655	84
29	Mushken Bund	118	17
30	Raghsar Manglazi	0	0
31	Sharo	673	67
32	Spin Shah	331	49
33	Surabah	0	0
34	Tangi Perowezan	785	104
35	Aghburga Wah	191	19
36	Algazzai	102	12
37	Anghushtai	235	38
38	Besh Lawara	1098	139
39	Chashmaragh	125	13
40	Daglawara	547	87
41	Dahana Sar Post	154	25
42	Dori	26	4
43	Ghagra	368	64
44	Gharing	421	74
45	Gharyasa Tarozai	185	38
46	Ghazi	0	0
47	Ghozai	0	0
48	Ghurwandi Zarghovilla	85	11
49	Ghuryasa	85	15
50	Ghuryasi	296	39
51	Hasar	492	62
52	Hasarkai Lowara	137	17
53	Kazah	121	15
54	Khawaja Wahi	295	41
55	Lawara	494	67
56	Macharogai	188	25
57	Mukhwai	108	21
58	Pasta,Taki karmanzai	89	20
59	Promah	142	21
60	Ragha Sar	354	52
61	Sara Kohnah	66	13
62	Sari Lawara	340	32
63	Sera Raiz	170	34
64	Shauha	456	71
65	Soroi Kani	441	66
66	Sozai	36	5
67	Spin Lawara	84	13
68	Tor Bandanar	261	25
69	Torkani	22	6
70	Wila Shoi	52	3
71	Zar Gawah	166	26
72	Zerpan	0	0
73	Anzar Khezai	1029	131
74	Aspasta Aghburga	2524	380
75	Ghurlama	860	132
76	Ibrahim Zai/Sozai	206	33
77	Ibrahimzai	280	41
78	Kachhe	358	35
79	Kahol Tirkai Lihkwan	279	62
80	Kamal Zai	568	77
81	Khanki Jallat	0	0
82	Khankai karmanzai	328	42
83	Karama karmanzai	941	87
84	Lehar Chopper Khail	1331	118
85	Lehar Karmanzai	872	101
86	Manikhwa	796	106
87	Mobi Tjwar Khar	185	16
88	Mosai Aziz Khan	944	59
89	Pasta karmanzai	709	115
90	Ragha Mina	757	75
91	Rusta Wusta Wast(Spal)	168	26
92	Siratoi Mena	282	43
93	Tairi Karmanzai	342	51
94	Uzhdan	391	42
95	Walmai karmanzai	513	82
96	Warghari	1205	123
97	Zara Killa	2344	348
98	Zarina Monah	160	33
99	Ziandi Miloo	797	51
100	Bhambrat	173	23
101	Chajobi	2069	222
102	Chaudai	90	12
103	Chur Kandi	174	43
104	Daghalo Kazha	110	12
105	Domandi	97	11
106	Duglor Zor	0	0
107	Gahai	190	22
108	Hota	106	8
109	Ingashai Pan	528	27
110	Kachh Mina	46	4
111	Kajal Khail	238	23
112	Karamachah	158	22
113	Karezai	131	24
114	Kazha	583	74
115	Khawazha	179	22
116	Khozai	60	15
117	Laghre Kazha	315	48
118	Lakai	0	0
119	Landai	191	18
120	Lio Band	183	18
121	Loghai Mena	0	0
122	Loi Raghah	642	69
123	Manah	109	13
124	Mankai	48	8
125	Mehrapai	328	50
126	Mir Ali Khail	452	63
127	Mughal Kot	705	76
128	Mughal Kot Malitia	0	0
129	Munga	14	4
130	Oshe Wasta	357	25
131	Ragha Karigran	910	83
132	Sarokai	525	74
133	Ser Qund	233	28
134	Serraggha	483	66
135	Sharun	355	54
136	Shen Narai	86	13
137	Shen Urmezai	200	31
138	Shenah Kohnah	610	36
139	Shenaki Kohnah	540	108
140	Shinah Pounga -I	878	98
141	Shinah Pounga-Ii	0	0
142	Shinalandai	1020	115
143	Tarkha Bayan	1010	89
144	Terkey Bayan	0	0
145	Tor Ghandi	1086	177
146	Tor Ragha	327	41
147	Tor Saman Zoi	406	71
148	Tora Murgha	304	57
149	Tungi Kohnah	556	49
150	Turwa Phail	0	0
151	Zara Kazha	359	28
152	Zebai Sar	314	38
153	Abrahim Khail	917	152
154	Arund Bund Munglzai	289	62
155	Babkow Zai	466	77
156	Behlol	2020	205
157	Daryakhan Zai	1361	139
158	Dwala Garh	688	142
159	Haudakai	522	60
160	Hurm Zai	588	63
161	Kachh Mulanica	442	83
162	Kazha Malizai	1058	100
163	Kot Mallezai	480	82
164	Lalukzai	275	32
165	Landai	161	26
166	Lor Khadazai	408	85
167	Malik Jankaz Khudazai	641	118
168	Pahlan	193	30
169	Phezai	357	54
170	Pustah	0	0
171	Ragha Surankan	566	67
172	Shah Umarzai	137	20
173	Sharn/Pai Mohammad	139	28
174	Shin Kowai	244	29
175	Shina Landai	1473	154
176	Shingar Hassanzai	308	32
177	Showangai	93	15
178	Shubkai Menzai	375	66
179	Shucha	0	0
180	Soor Ghar	74	6
181	Spinah	286	41
182	Sumezai	829	103
183	Tora Murgha	140	19
184	Trai Malazai	404	55
185	Zama	242	33
186	Zor Khar	776	119

Mir Ali Khel is the birthplace (1938) of Senator Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani, also Chairman of the Islamic Ideological Council. He was previously elected as an MNA in 1988–1990, 1990–1993 and 1997–1999.^[38] He was also elected as a member of the National Assembly in 2002 from NA-264, Zhob-cum-Killa-Saifullah.

Mani Khwah. Manikhwa^[39] is the Tehsil headquarters and most relatively developed area in the district. It is situated approximately 25 kilometers from the Zhob district, along Zhob D.I. Khan road. Mani Khwah (elevation 5600 feet) is at the head of the Spasta Valley, almost covered by wild olive trees which fringe upon the valley and cover the hillsides. The Takht-i-Suleiman can be seen to the northeast, as well as the Kaiser Ghar. Both make an impressive picture with their grim and grey precipices rising high above the plantations of "chilghoza" on their sides below. Shin Ghar and the Spasta plain can also be seen. There is one police station, a high school, RHC, FC post, veterinary hospital, college, and the only telephone exchange in the district.

This area has provided several executive officers to the government of Balochistan.^[40] Prominent amongst them are Dr. Muhammad Akbar Harifal BCS, Provincial Secretary to the Government of Balochistan, Dr. Muhammad Anwar Harifal, Muhammad Asghar Harifal, BCS Provincial Secretary to the Government of Balochistan, Taj Muhammad Harifal, BCS Deputy Commissioner, Shah Muhammad, Provincial Bureau Chief APP, Muhammad Akram Tehsildar, Yasir Ahmed, M&EO in PMU Labour and Man Power Department, Quetta, Balochistan, and Baaj Gul Harifal, an educationist. They belong to a town-bred class with aboriginal links to Kazha Malezai. Dr. Muhammad Akbar (T.st) was awarded the Tamgha Shujat^[41] by President Rafiq Tarar on 23 March 1999 in recognition of his meritorious and dedicated services with selfless devotion in recovering an abducted child, Shaji-ul-Haq, son of Dr. Mobin-ul-Haq, in Naurak Sulaiman Khail Gulistan Killa Abdullah District in 1996. During this operation, which he led in his capacity of SDM Gulistan on 22 October 1996, he sustained a bullet in his thigh, resulting in a compound fracture of his right femur, for which he underwent four major surgical operations with bone grafting at Jokhio Hospital, Karachi. He was also awarded a Gold Medal as best administrator in 1997, in recognition of his exemplary courage and devotion beyond the call of duty, by the then Provincial Minister S&GAD, Mr. Bismillah Khan Kakar. Mr. Shahbaz Khan Mandokhail, then Commissioner Quetta Division, also awarded him a T.T. Pistol for the same actions. Dr. Muhammad Akbar Harifal held various key positions in the Government of Balochistan, including Assistant Commissioner, SDM, Deputy Commissioner, Commissioner, District Coordination Officer, District Administrative Officer, Joint Chief Economist, and Provincial Secretary for Home and Tribal Affairs, Livestock and Dairy Development and Law and Parliamentary Affairs. Muhammad Asghar Harifal BCS also held various key positions in the Government of Balochistan: Assistant Commissioner, SDM, District Coordination Officer, Zhob, D.C.O. Musakhail, D.A.O. & D.C.O. Kohlu Deputy Commissioner, Punjgoor,Deputy Commissioner Killa Abdulla, Additional Secretary,Secretary Social Welfare,Secretary Food and is Secretary Culture, Tourism and Archives.

Ibrahim Khail Harifal. Ibrahimkhail^[42] is the most famous and well populated village in the entire Harifal country, having more than 200 households, and is the capital of the Harifal country. There is a perennial spring called Cheena which irrigates the land nearby Lalak wam. The present Sardar Qasam Khan Harifal belongs to this village. The members of Ibrahimkhail Harifal are credited with powers to cast out devils, and their charms are much sought after.

Maulana Shams-ud-din Harifal Shaheed,^[43] who happened to be the first Deputy Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly during the era of Z.A. Bhutto, was also from this village. He was elected from PB10 Zhob in 1972, and assassinated on 14 March 1974. Molvi Ahmed Shah Harifal, Paish imam military mosque Zhob, also belongs to this village. Almost all documentation for declaring Harifal an independent Tehsil is completed, with Ibrahimkhail as its Tehsil headquarters. In the vicinity of Ibrahimkhail are various villages, including Pahlan, Dwalgad, Kaza Landawar, Killi Malik Arsala Harifal, and Killi Malik Balak, which are nothing more than irregular collections of stone houses, such as are seen elsewhere in Balochistan. Killi Zawar Kar, Sacha, Samazai, Manda Harifal, and Howdaki are some other major villages of the Harifal tribe. Molvi Jamal ud Din, Dabzai Harifal, was a prominent political figure of JUI who was murdered in the prime of his youth. Molvi Naik Muhammad and Jalil Harifal are two other notables, from Dwalgud and Landawar respectively.

Killi Draykhanzai. This is the fatherland of Saleem Khan Kahool, the most popular and powerful Kahool in the entire tribe. The late Shahbaz Khan alias Shabai, a legendarily rich and generous man, was from this village. Mr. Amanullah Khan Harifal alias Lallo is a notable and prominent political figure, affiliated with ANP, a leader in the making. He also contested the election in 2008 for Provincial Assembly from PB18 on the ticket of the ANP and won 1175 votes.^[44]

Stano Raaghah^[45] is the district headquarters. This area belongs to the Muhammad Zai sub-caste of the Sherani tribe. It is near the Zhob River. Construction of district complexes is in progress. Unfortunately none of the planned development elsewhere has ever gone beyond blue prints. The development-starved district needs crash programs in every sector.

Spusta^[46] is a wavy plain covered with wild olives. It is high, cold, and barren, and is inhabited in summer by the Murhails, a pastoral tribe, who move in winter into Damaun. They live entirely in tents, and have the manners of the other shepherd tribes.

Although no society is immune from religious exploitation, the abysmally low literacy rate exposes their raw minds to religious purveyors who play upon their ignorance. Balochistan is the least literate province of Pakistan, with a literacy rate of 37% (20% for women), compared to 54% nationally. The lack of secular education is more noticeable in Balochistan than in any other province, with 50% of children compelled to attend the religious schools. This is not surprising, given that the national budget for the MRA (Ministry of Religious Affairs) is around 1.2 billion rupees, whilst the secular education ministry is allocated 200 million.^[47] These factors encourage seminaries, and thus religion invariably lay its heavy hand on the social life of the district. Extremism incubates in these religious seminaries, and cleaning Pakistan of this malaise is no mean enterprise.

There is only one intermediate college in the entire district, with 19 teachers and 70 students, and four high schools with 67 teachers, insufficient for the thousands of boys aspiring to admission. All four high schools and the college are located in the sherani area, none in Harifal. Similarly, only eight middle-standard boys' schools with 263 enrolled students and 102 teachers exist in the whole district.^[48]

Though no authentic figures of female literacy rate are available, even rudimentary guesses make the female literacy rate not more than 3%, while the male rate as reported by the NCHD is about 18%. 76 schools are working with one teacher and one room without any shelter.^[49] There are five registered Seminaries and five private Schools. The NCHD is running five feeder Schools. Teachers in these private schools work in a quack fashion and use very crude methods of teaching, including bastinado-type caning on the hands. 83% of schools are without electricity, 45% are without a boundary wall, 50% are without a toilet, and 35% are without drinking water.

In the British era the majority of Harifal and Bargha Sherani used to go to Siahband, Herat and Maimana in Afghanistan to collect asafetida .^[50] Asafoetida is a plant of the parsley family; a fetid resinous gum is obtained from its roots, used in herbal medicine and Indian cooking, and also as a bactericide in preparing "landi". Many Harifal and Sherani families are still settled in Loghar, Makwar, Ghazni and Kabul in Afghanistan. They used to travel there from April to October, the journey occupying two months. They used to sell the asafoetida in Dera Ismail Khan, and go as far as Bombay in the south and Kanpur in the north of India. Shahbaz Khan Harifal alias Shabai, son of Saleem Khan Harifal, was the richest trader in those early days in this business.

Aak in Urdu, Sodom's Apple or swallow-wort in English, karagh in Balochi, spelmai in Pashto (Calotropis procera), grows prolifically in Shinghar. It is deadly poison if eaten, as Alexander the Great discovered when his starving horses and cattle ate them on their long march back from the Indus through the Mekran.^[51] Even the juice rubbed onto a horse's hide will kill it, yet a deer can eat the leaves without any ill effects. Then it can go for months without needing other food or water, even as long as two years. Its juice in human eyes causes instant blindness. Suicides have used it, and it is an arbortifacient. It contains the toxic glycosides uscharin, calotropis and calotoxin. Uscharin is an effective pesticide for land snails. Skin from the root is used in decoctions for skin problems. It was a sacred plant in Vedic times, as the leaves were used in sun-worshipping ceremonies.

Bread made of maize, locally called dabbali, is found in many areas, especially Khiderzai Harifal. Amongst fruit locally available, shinae (Pistchio Khanjak) is most common, which is eaten both dry and fresh. Shinae are also ground to make a halwa called shinkhary. It is very delicious and eaten with bread. Another fruit is shinanae (Olea cuspidata). Skimmed milk (shnombi) is the favourite beverage in the summer season. Being an isotonic beverage, it is far better than hypertonic Coca-Cola and other cold beverages.^[52] Due to its specific chemical composition it also induces sleep.

• Sheerani District at www.balochistan.gov.pk

31°56′02″N 69°47′48″E / 31.933753°N 69.796761°E / 31.933753; 69.796761