Sibi is located at the bank of the River Bolan in the Balochistan province, Pakistan. The district is well-known for its natural geographic beauty and mountain ranges such as Bambore, Dungan, and Zen. The area is renowned for its climate and is widely referred to as the hot spot where temperatures may exceed 52.6 °C (126.7 °F) in summers.
The town is connected via the Bolan Pass to Quetta and is 160 km south-east of it. The city is notable for its annual cultural exhibition, the Sibi Mela, which is the country’s second-largest festival and has been held regularly since 1885.
There are four tehsils. Sibi, like other cities in Balochistan, is getting special focus for the upcoming economic opportunities as a result of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This article has every detail about the town, including Sibi History.
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Location: | Pakistan |
| Name : | Sibi |
| In Urdu : | سِبی |
| City Council: | Government Of Balochistan |
| Nickname: | |
| Towns: | Kalat Colony, Qasai Mohallah, Gulshan Colony |
| Type: | District Of Sibi |
| Local Language Name: | Balochi (44%), Sindhi (20%), Pashto (11%) and Saraiki (8.2%) |
| Province: | Balochistan Pakistan |
| Coordinates : | 29°33 |
| District: | Sibi District |
| Region: | Balochistan |
| First settled: | 1962 |
| Elevation: | 130 m |
| Language | |
| Official Language: | Urdu |
| Native Language: | Balochi |
| Other Languages: | Urdu,Balochi,English |
| Government | |
| Type: | Government Of Balochistan |
| Area | |
| Total Area: | 7,796 km2 (3,010 sq mi) |
| Population | |
| Density: | 23/km2 (60/sq mi) |
| Total Population: | 180,398 |
| Time zone | |
| Time zone: | PST (UTC+5) |
| Codes | |
| Postal code: | 82000 |
| Dialing code: | 0831 |
| Vehicle registration: | Three letters beginning with S and random four numbers |
Sibi History
British Rule
In ancient times, this city has been used as a passage by the Afghans and Iranians to enter the subcontinent. This city is also used to go to Afghanistan under British rule. In 1903, the town became a district, that is why Sibi is the oldest district of Balochistan. The majority of the people in this region belong to Baloch, Jamot, and Pashtun tribes.
Sewa Dunasty
Sewa Dynasty ruled this region before the 7th century. During their reign, this town was called Savi, named after a Hindu princess of the Sewa Dynasty. Until the end of the 15th century, the district had been part of the Ghaznavid Empire governed by a chief called Nasiruddin Kubacha.
Arghun Dynasty
It was taken from the Samma Dynasty of the Sultan of Sindh by Shah Beg of the Arghun Dynasty about 1500 and thus came under Kandahar’s rule. However, the region was controlled by Multan during the time of Mughal rule. The region was invaded by the Kalhoras Amirs of Sindh in 1714, but the Durranis then replaced them and ruled the region for a short period.
The British later set out plans for railroads and established a town called Sandemandabad. This city’s history dates back to the 13th century. The town became a significant junction on the Sindh-Peshin railway under British rule, where the Harnai line and the Quetta loop line cross. Sibi is frequently for a stopover during the journey from Sukkur to Quetta as a stopover.
Geography
Geographically the region is situated at 29.55° N (latitude), 67.88° E (longitude), and 130m above sea level. Its total area is 3449km2 in length.
Sibi Climate
The climate is dominantly sweltering, dry, and clear. The summers are hot and typically last 3.4 months, where the temperature can reach 52°C on average. Winters are short and cool and usually last 2.9 months with a high average daily temperature of less than 26°C.
Precipitation is light and mostly occurs during two different periods: early spring in March and April, and in July and August during the monsoon season. The rain cycle is 7.2 months long, and 144.3mm (5.7″) of rain is recorded throughout the year.
Population
Sibi is the home to 135572 people, according to the 2017 census. Its population density, 32/km2 (80/sq mi), makes it the 11th largest city by population in Balochistan.
Culture
The traditional Balock culture is dominant. Famous for its pickles, samosa chat, unique Smokey flavored charcoal tea. For centuries, the region was a meeting place for Balouch tribal chiefs. Sibi Mela is a landmark event that is organized every year in continuation of the meeting.
Sibi Mela
This Mela is a cultural festival that has been regularly organized over the past centuries. It is a livestock trade venue. Many livestock breeders gather every spring at Sibi town for sale and purchase, competition, and display of various breeds of camels, cattle, and goats.
The Mela has a great significance for the people of this region in Balochistan. Of the twelve months in a year, it is said that sibians spend six months to prepare for the meal and the remaining six months to remember it.
Education
A network of educational institutions in the region is gradually expanding. Following are some well-known institutions:
- Aaghosh Public High School
- Army Public School & College
- APSC SIBI
- Brain Power Academy of English Language
- Bright Star public High School
- City Computer Center
- Computer Training School
- Divisional Public School
- Girls Degree College
- Govt Girls Degree College
- Government Boys Degree College Sibi
- Government College
- Govt. Girls High School Dehpal Khurd Sibi
- Govt. Boys High School Dehpal Khurd Sibi
- Govt. Girls High School Dehpal Kalan
- New Hope Grammer School & Academy
- Skylight Center Sibi
- The Smart School
- St. Eugene School
- University of Sibi
Sports
People of this region enjoy traditional and modern sports such as:
- Cricket
- Chauk
- Football
- Hokey
- Horse racing
- Jee
- Wrestling
Economy
Traditional economic and commercial activities are dominant in the region. The impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is likely to enhance Sibi’s contribution to Pakistan’s economic growth.
Industry
Because of its peculiar geographical beauty, the tourism industry is most prominent. Employment opportunities and the development of industrial zones are expected to flourish due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Agriculture
Agriculture is the main occupation and means of subsistence of rural people. Livestock is also a source of finance. The terrain is conducive for the cultivation of crops such as wheat, rice, maize, jowar, bajra, and barley.
Tourism
Sibi is a place to visit for its archeological artifacts, mesmerizing mountains, and landscape. Tourists worldwide visit here to watch and enjoy the Sibi Mela, an annual cultural show, has been held every February since the sixteenth century.
The Horse & Cattle show is a wonderful opportunity for tourists to see the people, culture, folk dance, music, and herds to learn the history of Balouchistan. According to metrological guidelines, September and October are the best months to visit this region. Following are some of its worth visiting sites:
- Bolan Pass
- Brick Making Sites
- Fort Mir Chakar Khan
- Luni Mound
- Mehrgarh
- Nari Gourge Dam
- Safi Pirak Mound
- Shahban Waterfalls
- Sohbat Sarai
- Victoria Hall
Sibi Languages
Following languages are spoken and understood:
- Balochi
- Sindhi
- Pashto
- Saraiki
- Urdu
Travel
The region is connected with the rest of the country through a wide network of roads, railways, and air routes. Several bus services for Sibi are operating from all over Pakistan. A historic railway junction station (established in 1880) is located in the town. Travelers can also reach the city by air. Sibi domestic airport (SBQ) is located in the city. 6.1km
Sibi Postal Code and Area Code
Postal Code: 82000
Area Code: 833