Mastung

Mastung is a town situated in the Balochistan province, Pakistan, and it is the Mustang district’s administrative capital. It is 45.81 km from the provincial capital, Quetta. Until 1991, the Kalat district administered the town because it was located in Sarawan, a division of Kalat.

It was designated as a new district on February 18, 1992. The name is a combination of two words of the Baloch dialect Brahvi, Mas (mountain) and Tung (hole). The region is surrounded by magnificent mountains and hole like tunnels in them to pass through. The town is situated at the bottom of the Lack Pass.

When anyone from Quetta crosses the Lack Pass, he passes through a hole-like tunnel before entering Mustang city. Mustang was also named after Khan of Kalat Mir Khudadad Khan Ahmadzai  (1857 – 1893) as Khudabad, but it never became popular. The town is well known for its national parks and apple orchards. This article has every detail about the town, including Mastung History.

Mastung History

Ruled by Muslims

Mustang is an ancient city. Its documented history dates back to the 7th century. Historians describe that even before Mahmood Ghaznavi (977 AD), this region was ruled by Muslim rulers. It is also narrated in history that before the 7th century Sultan Feroz Dhoh of Delhi was the last Muslim ruler.

This region was later captured and ruled by Hindu Rajas of Kalat, Sehwas from Rai-dynasty of Sindh. In the middle of the 15th century (1530 – 1545), Sehwas lost control, and this region was then ruled by Kamran Khan and made part of the Kandahar Sarkar.

Safavid Dynasty

From 1555 to 1595, the Safavid dynasty ruled Kandahar and its dependencies. Later the Mughal Empire took control of this region. In 1839, the British army attacked and took control of Kalat. Mehrab Khan was the Khan of Kalat (1817 – 1839).

In 1854, an agreement was made between the Khan and the British. Some concessions were obtained by the British, including permission to build railway and telegraph lines across Kalat territory. The treaty lasted until the partition of the sub-continent.

Geography

Mastung Coordinates on the political map is 29.99° N (latitude) and 83.84° E (longitude). The area is 5896 km² in length, 407 m (1335.3 ft.) above sea level. 

Mastung Climate 

Due to its geographical location, the climate of the town is comparatively pleasant and observes all weather. During Summer (4.1 months), temperatures may vary from 21.11°C (70°F) to 34.44°C (94°F).

Winters (3 months) are cold when temperatures may drop to -6.11°C (21°F) and rise to 37.22°C (99°F), but typically stays between -2.22°C (28°F) and 34.44 °C (94°F). Average rainfall generally is 28mm (1.1in.)

Population

It is the dwelling place of 266461 individuals with a population density of 45/km2, according to the 2017 census.

Mastung Culture

The town is a culturally multi-ethnic society. In addition to the local heritage of various Baloch tribes, the cultural influence of Afghanistan and Iran is observed in the region. Each ethnic group has its dialect, cuisine, folk dance, and folklore.

The most significant food include Khadi Kabab (underground barbequed lamb) and Sajji (roasted lamb or chicken filled with rice). Men and women wear traditional long and baggy shalwar-kameez. 

Education

The town is not a typically literate area, according to the study carried out (2017) by Alif Ailaan, a non-profit organization. In the course, data from 141 districts were collected and analyzed. Mustang was ranked at 74 among all 141 communities.

Most of the inhabitants are associated with the agriculture profession. Due to the traditional lifestyle, the literacy rate in the district is slowly improving. Cadet College Mastung is a Military High School for boys. It was established in 1987 to impart quality education (from grade seven to grade twelve) to the underprivileged youth of Balochistan. Since its inception, efforts are underway to educationally bring the region at par with the rest of the country.

Sports

• Cricket
• Football 

Economy 

Agricultural goods represent a hefty chunk of sales and a source of income. The town is well known for its large supplies of apples.

Industry

Mastung is mostly an agricultural region. Some trade units deal in farming equipment and fertilizers.  

Agriculture

The land and climate support crops such as Barley, Wheat, Sugar Cane, Castor Seed, Mash, Jowar, Sesamum, Rice, Onion, and Maize. The region is also famous for Citrus, Mango, Apple, Banana, Grapes, Pomegranate, Dates, Apricot, Guava, Peach, Pear, Plum, Almond, Fig, Loquat, Chikoo, Coconut, Papaya, and Melons. 

Apple farming is prevalent in the town. In the district alone, Apple orchards produce approximately 70% of the best quality apples grown by the whole country. These fruits are not only consumed in the country but also exported abroad.    

Tourism

The region’s beautiful geological formation and its height above sea level make this town a peaceful tourist destination. Locations that must be visited include:

• Apple Orchards  
• Mustang Valley
• National Parks 

Mastung Languages

A native of this town can speak and understand:

• Balochi
• Brahui
• Dehwari
• Pashto
• Persian
• Sindhi
• Urdu

Travel 

National Highways N-25 and N-40 connect this town with the rest of the country. Several inter-city transport services are operating in this district. 

Railroad facility in the town links it with the rest of the country. A historic (1886) Kanak railway station (formerly known as the Great Indian Peninsula Railway) is in Mastung, Balochistan. Nearest airports to the main town are: 

• Quetta International Airport (UET), 50.9 km
• Sukkur Airport, Mirpur Khas (SKZ), 298.66 km
• Moenjodaro Airport (MJD), 301.74 km

Mastung Postal Code

Postal Code: 73064

Area Code:  405