Dera murad jamali (Balochistan)

 **Dera Murad Jamali: Overview and Key Information**

Dera Murad Jamali, located in Balochistan, Pakistan, serves as the administrative and economic hub of Nasirabad District. Below is a detailed overview of the city, synthesizing information from multiple sources:

### **1. Historical Background**

- **Original Names**: The city was originally named **Temple Dera** after British civil servant Captain H.M. Temple, who served as the Political Agent for Sibi in the late 19th century. Locally, it is still referred to as **Tipul**, a corruption of "Temple" .

- **Administrative Evolution**: Initially part of Kalat District, it became the headquarters of Nasirabad District in 1974 after administrative reorganization . The district was later renamed in honor of Mir Nasir Khan, a historical Baloch leader .

### **2. Geography and Demographics**

- **Location**: Situated on the fertile Indus Plains, it lies at coordinates 28°32′40″N 68°13′14″E and serves as a gateway between Balochistan and Sindh .

- **Population**: The 2023 census recorded a population of **106,952** in the city, with a diverse ethnic mix including Baloch, Brahui, Sindhi, and Saraiki communities . The wider subdivision has over 265,000 residents .

### **3. Economy and Agriculture**

- **Agricultural Hub**: Known for crops like wheat, rice, and cotton, supported by the **Pat Feeder Canal** from Guddu Barrage . Agriculture dominates the local economy, with the town acting as a major market for farmers and traders .

- **Strategic Connectivity**: Positioned on National Highway N-65 and linked to Pakistan Railways, it facilitates trade between Sindh and Balochistan. Recent infrastructure projects under the **China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)** aim to boost economic growth .

### **4. Culture and Society**

- **Ethnic Diversity**: Baloch people form the majority, but Pashtuns, Sindhis, and Punjabis also reside here . The culture reflects traditional Baloch practices, such as hospitality and cuisine like **Sajji** (roasted lamb) and Balochi kebabs .

- **Languages**: Balochi, Brahui, Sindhi, and Urdu are widely spoken .

### **5. Infrastructure and Development**

- **Transport**: Accessible via road (N-65) and rail, connecting to Quetta, Karachi, and Sukkur . Plans for a new airport and improved urban infrastructure are underway .

- **Education**: Allama Iqbal Open University has a regional center here, offering educational opportunities. However, higher education access remains limited .

### **6. Healthcare Challenges**

- **Malnutrition Crisis**: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) treats nearly 10,000 malnourished children annually in the region. Contributing factors include poverty, lack of education, and inadequate breastfeeding practices . The District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital provides basic services, but specialized care requires travel to larger cities .

### **7. Tourism and Attractions**

- **Nearby Sites**: Historical landmarks like the **Bolan Pass** and the town of Sibi (known for its annual cattle fair) attract visitors. The Mehrgarh archaeological site and Jinnah Garden are also notable .

### **8. Political Significance**

- The city is linked to the influential **Jamali family**, including former Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, enhancing its national prominence .

### **Summary**

Dera Murad Jamali is a vital yet underappreciated city in Balochistan, balancing agricultural prosperity with developmental challenges. While its strategic location and cultural richness offer potential, issues like malnutrition and infrastructure gaps require attention. Ongoing projects like CPEC and urban planning initiatives signal a hopeful trajectory for future growth. For further details, refer to the cited sources.