Project Location

The target population of the project is selected keeping in focus the current situation in the 6 rural districts in Pakistan that are most exposed to violence situated in South Punjab, Upper Sindh and Balochistan Province.

District Profiles of GBV-RH

Dera Ghazi Khan District

Dera ghazi khan is one of the most populous cities in Southern Punjab and it is the largest district in Punjab in terms of area, being approximately 5,306 square miles in extent. It had a population of 1.643,118 (1998 Census of Pakistan) of which 13.76% were urban. At present its population has been estimated to be around 2.27 million and a population density of 138 persons per sq. km. it is an administrative center in a wheat and millet area. Manufacturers include textiles, processed foods, and rope. The total area of the district is 119224 square kilometers. The district consists of two major towns, i.e. DG Khan and Taunsa. The district is bounded on the north by the District Dera Ismail Khan (NWFP) and its adjoining area; on the east by Muzaffargarh and Layyah separating these two districts by river Indus; on the south by Rajanpur: and on the west by Musa Khail and Barkhan districts of Balochistan Province. For administration of health services, District D. G. Khan is divided into two tehsils, i.e. D. G. Khan and Taunsa, and one tribal area. There are 59 union councils comprising of 51 rural and 8 urban. Their elected representatives formulate the Zilla (District) and Tehsil (Town) councils. Political constituencies include 2 national seats and 4 provincial seats in the legislative assemblies.

Muzaffargarh District

Muzaffar Garh District in southern Punjab encompasses about 8,435 square kilometers, and is surrounded by River Chenab on its east and River Indus on its west. Its main city of Muzaffragarh dates back to the sixteenth century and by 1864 the bustling town had grown to become the headquarters of Muzaffargarh District. At present the district is divided into four tehsils: Muzaffargarh, Alipur, Kot Addu and Jatoi. While the district is known for its agricultural products including export-quality dates and mangoes and crops such as wheat, sugarcane and cotton, industry is also flourishing in the area. The magnitude of population and health conditions are considered to be the major constraints in the district development.

Kashmore District

Kashmore District is in the Sindh province of Pakistan, the city of Kashmore is the capital but its head quarter is at Kandhkot. Kashmore is located at tri-junction point connecting three Provinces and gateway to Punjab and Balochistan Provinces. Because of its distinguished geographical location and cross-road connecting borders with 3 provinces, Kashmore has a unique identity. It has three Talukas namely Kandhkot, Kashmore & Tangwani. The district comprises of total Geographical Area of 6,40,458-39 acres with a total population of 6,62,462 (estimated for 2008). The population growth rate is considered to be high as compared to other districts in Sindh. The literacy rate is below average in the district i.e. 35% whereas the female literacy rate is 20%. Kashmore has always been a hub of trade for its agricultural produce. The Major Tribes of Kashmore are Bijarani, Chachar, Mazari and Domki.

Jecobabad District

Jecobabad district lies in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The city of Jacobabad is the capital of the District. This district is named after a Military General John Jacob. Jacobabad district is bounded by newly established district Kashmore Sindh province in the east and by Jaffarabad district of balochistan province in the North West. In the south lie the districts kamber Shahdadkot and Shikarpur. It comprises the area of 2’698 Sq.km with a population of 1.75 million. It is divided into 3 tehsils i.e. jecobabad, thul, garhi khairo. Languages that are commonly spoken among the residents of Jacobabad are Sindh, Urdu, Balochi, saraiki and brahvi. The district, being a flat alluvial plain is ideal for Rice crop. The total cultivable land is 110518 hectares 9273090 acres in Jacobabad district. Forestry, horticulture, livestock are economic sources of the district. Average Annual Growth Rate in the Jacobabad district is 1.337%. Death rate is reported to be 1.21%. Infant mortality rate is reported to be 3.27% whereas 2.31% is maternal mortality rate.

Jaffarabad District

Jaffarabad district lies in the South-East of Balochistan. Jaffarabad’s headquarters are at Dera Allah Yar. The population of Jaffarabad District was estimated to be over 725,000 in 2005 and presently it is 0.57 million (estimated for 2008), and a population density of 177 persons per sq. km. The combination of a relatively small size (the smallest in area after Ziarat) with a relatively big population (fourth biggest) makes Jaffarabad the most densely populated district in Balochistan, after Quetta. The district has a relatively high population growth rate. The district scores very high in the agricultural sector. It has, despite its size, the largest cultivated area and the largest agricultural production. This is due to the fact that the district can avail of irrigation water through feeder canals from the Indus, making the area suitable for what, rice, oilseeds, cotton, etc. The fruit production is the fifth lowest in the province. The value of the total production is the fourth highest, while the ranking for value per capita drops to position nr. 17, due to the relatively big population. For the administration purpose, district Jaffarabad is divided into 4 tehsils i.e. Jhatput, Sohbat pur, Usta Muhammad and Gandakha. District consists of 36 union councils including 30 rural and 6 urban ones whose elected representatives formulate district and tehsil assemblies. Political constituencies include 1 national seat and 3 provincial seats of legislative assemblies.

Nasirabad District

Nasirabad’s headquarters are at Dera Murad Jamali. The district has three tehsils Dera Murad Jamali, Chatter and Tamboo. Nasirabad is less thickly populated area but it has covered a big area in the south of provincial head quarter of Balochistan. Its boundaries touches in North to Jaffarabad, in east with Dera Bugti, in north with Sibi & Bolan while in West touches with Sindh province through Larkana & Shahdadkot-Kambar district. This is further divided into 24 Union Councils. The total population was estimated 274 thousands (according to 1998 senses report) with an area of 3,387 Sq Km’ which is currently reported to be 0.36 million (2008). Female makes about 48 % of total population where as male are 52% of the total population. Almost the population of district Nasirabad is residing in the remote areas and are marginalized communities having no access to education, health and other basis facilities. Agriculture is the main source of income in this district, which is one of the most developed in the province. With little education facilities in the district specially for girls; literacy rate is among the lowest in the province.