23/03/2015
Ziarat Residency - yet another landmark of Pakistan and its history. It was here that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, spent his last days. The local people believe that the Jinnah had in fact breathed his last here in Ziarat, contrary to the official reports that he expired in Karachi on 11 September, 1948, the day he was shifted there from Ziarat. The residency building is a majestic piece of architecture, but people visit it primarily for its association with the leader.
The building, constructed in 1892, was originally meant to serve as a sanatorium, due to presence of Juniper Forests in the area, but was later converted into the summer residence of the Agent to the Governor General. The residency is embellished with Chinar (Cedar) trees, beautiful lush green lawns, covered with grassy carpets and with roses, dancing at the rhythmic tunes of wind, all around the garden. From there one can have a striking view of the picturesque valley. It is a two storey building with a modern super structure. The furniture used by the Father of the Nation is laying at their original places.
The Residency has now been declared a national heritage and converted into national monument to restore its & #8216;real beauty& #8217; and historic status. There are no photographs of the inner of the residency available, however a clip can be viewed to see the interior and articles under use by Jinnah.
About Ziarat: The name Ziarat means 'Shrine' A local saint, Kharwari Baba, is believed to have rested in the valley and blessed it. After his death he was buried here. People frequently visit the saint's shrine, which is 10 km by jeep from Ziarat.
The history of Ziarat during the British colonial administration is the same as that of the Sibi district of which it was a part until 1986. The area came under British colonial influence by the middle of the last century, and was made a part of British India in 1887 like the rest of the old Sibi district. Two years earlier, in 1885, the British Government had acquired land for construction of a civil station (at the present Ziarat town), on payment of Rs.1,400,000 to the Saidzai sub section of the Sarangzai tribe. Before the creation of Sibi district (in 1903), Ziarat used to be the summer headquarters of Thal and Chutiali District (Duki Sajavi Sub Division). Later when the Sibi District was created in 1903, it became Sibi District& #8217;s summer headquarters. It formed a part of Shahrigh Tehsil of Sibi District till 1974 when it was given the status of a sub-tehsil.
Before Independence, the camp offices of the Agent to the Governor General in Balochistan; the Revenue Commissioner, Balochistan; the Civil Surgeon, Balochistan; the Political Agent and the Colonisation officer, Nasirabad, used to shift to Ziarat during the summer. Following the creation of Sibi Division in 1974, the divisional offices shifted to Ziarat during the summer. Ziarat remains quite cool during hot summer and receives enough snowfall during winters.
Ziarat has the distinction of having the second largest area of juniper forests in the world. Its total forest area is 51,335 hectares which is 54& #37; of the district's total geographical area. The juniper forest is a protected area. A tree with a 40 inches trunk is said to be 1000 years old, and there are countless trees in Ziarat that are over 1000 - 5000 years old. The juniper wood is used for making pencils and other such like soft commodities. But presently, it is being cut as a fuel wood, due to which the forests are fast depleting, specially in the wake of no worthwhile fresh plantation.
sease is contagious and is transferring from one diseased tree to another. Lot needs to be done to conserve this natural treasure. Read More about efforts at hand. The Juniper Forest of Ziarat have been included in the UNESCO's heritage list since these have been here for such a long time and have been witness to many a civilizations that thrived and died around them.
Beside Juniper, which is the major species of trees, other major species include Wild Ash; Wild Almond; Olea species; Khujak. The magic of Ziarat lies in its honey-flowers which attain a large size here, its lush green grass and cool weather even in the hottest months of summer. 'Shinshoab' a lavender-like wild bush, looks lovely in twilights. Ziarat is also famous for its sweet apples, black and red cherry. The cherry season lasts from the 1st to 15th of June.
Within easy reach of the town, the Ziart (or sometimes Sandeman) Tangi (above right) is a narrow gorge between lofty mountains culminates in a perennial spring. There are more than half a dozen gorges around Ziarat formed by natural 'Karez' - spring water falling through narrow openings amongst the mountain rocks producing a dramatic effect. The sound of waterfalls singing to the tune of solid rocks while passing through narrow gorges creates a mystic atmosphere. The famous gorges along the road to Ziarat are Chutair Tangi, Kahn Tangi, Kawas Tangi, Fern Tangi and Sandeman Tangi. One can approach easily to these gorges by diverting from the main road to have a picnic, adventure and fun. A walk to Chashma is favourite amongst joggers and those who wish to have a pleasant walk. Situated 6 km from Ziarat the 'Prospect Point' offers breathtaking view of the valley.
