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Introduction of District Layyah

Previously a Tehsil of Muzaffargarh, Layyah gained the status of being a district in 1982. The district name is derived from a commonly grown shrub, ‘Layyan’ (Tamarisk dieica) used as fuel wood which covered the area at one time. The District of Layyah comprises of three tehsils which include Layyah, Chaubara and Karor Lal Esan.

Location and Size:

District Layyah is situated in the south west (rather west) of Punjab. In its north, is situated the district of Bhakkar while in its west flows River Indus. Across the river there is Dera Ghazi Khan which is also the district of Punjab. District Jhang is located in the east and Muzaffargarh is located in the south of district Layyah (see Map of District Layyah).

It lies between 30-45 to 31-24 deg north latitudes and 70-44 to 71 -50 deg east longitudes. The district consists of a semi-rectangular block of sandy land between the Indus and Chenab rivers in Sindh Sagar Doaba. It is also a part of the recently established civil division of Dera Ghazi Khan. The total area covered by the district is 6,291 sq kms with a width from east to west of 88 kms and a length from north to south of 72 kms. Having a population of 1,121, 951, the population density is 178.2 people/sq km.

Geography and Ecology:

At more than 700 Kms. distance from the Arabian Sea and an average height above the sea level of 1,525 meters, district Layyah falls in the sub-tropical continental plain zone of the climatic map of Pakistan.

The climate and weather are shaped by a combination of factors such as:

• General nature of the area or terrain
• Average height above sea level
• Conspicuous river effect i.e. most district lies between Indus and Chenab
• Distance from the Arabian sea

The climate of the district varies from very hot in summers to cold in winters with the highest temperature of above 42 degree centigrade in June and lowest up to 4 degree in January. The district receives only scanty rainfall, the average rainfall does not exceed 18.7 centimeters which is mainly in the monsoons (July-August), although some exceptions have occurred occasionally in the past e.g. in 1980-81, it was as high as 54.4 centimeters. It is evident from the same source that there has been an overall declining trend in the frequency and quantity of rainfall in the district over a period of several decades (ibid, pp.5 and 6). However, heavy rains in anywhere above the district, result in floods in the Indus river.

These floods cause huge disasters especially in the Nasheb areas along the river banks (from the north west to south west of the entire district). The high floods during the monsoon months this year and the year before, affected more than 100,000 people. There was loss of human lives, livestock and crops. A lot of land eroded, leaving many without homes (Oxfam flood reports July 18, 2005 and July 19, 2006). Last year alone, the administration of the district of Layyah estimated a financial loss of more than a billion rupees and a damage of more than 70,000 acres of land as well as displacement of thousands of families

District Layyah is primarily represented by plains. The three main ‘agro-ecological’ zones are:

• Creeks, Dhands and Nullahs of River Indus in the west which is locally known as ‘Nasheb’ (or depression) and receiving inundations from River Indus
•  Green area of crops, gardens and forests in the irrigated tract of Thal
•  Barani crops of sandy deserts

In his national study on poverty and rural credit, Dr. Malik included this district in a ‘Low intensity’ agro-ecological zone in the Punjab, a classification based upon agricultural productivity.

 Natural Resources:

The district is not known for its minerals although it is possible that they have remained unexplored to date. Nevertheless, due to the above ecological characteristics, it has a considerable abundance of other natural resources. Besides the natural sources of water due to the Indus and Chenab rivers and also a number of other rivers, the area is specifically rich in natural/wild trees, plants, mushrooms and wild animals including a wide variety of birds and fishes. Since above subsistence level farming is possible in the irrigated area, mainly and most lands in such areas are owned by a few influential land owners. The importance of such natural resources is vital for the subsistence and survival of most landless and small owners which includes the small nomadic and fishing communities. It is important to note that most natural resources are either owned or controlled by the powerful landowners or by the State.

• The Wild Fauna

The following fauna is found in the district:

1. Jand/Kana or Prosopis Spicigera:

It is the most common tree in the area (especially in the Rakhs or forests/grazing lands). The young branches of the tree, known as ‘Langi’ are used as fodder for goats and the wood/branches of the tree are used for fuel and for the construction of houses.

2. Shesham or Dalbergia Sissoo:

This tree has been known to grow all over the district, mainly due to the irrigation availability. It has an important role in the local economy, commerce and trade as the wood/timber is highly valued for furniture and other related industry.

3. Keekar or Acasia Arabica:

There is an abundant natural growth of Keekar in the district. The wood and branches of this tree are used for fuel. The leaves of the tree are used for fodder (especially the camels) and for agricultural implements and tools. The natural Acacia gums and honey are used for nutrition and are of therapeutic value. However, a huge amount of this wood and others are highly threatened by the local influential group who use this wood for the promotion of the coal making industry.

4. Beri or Ziziphus jajoba:

It is a common tree which is very large in size. Fresh and dried berries are used as fruit. This tree is also used as fuel and fodder and is used to create barriers for cultivated plots and animal sheds.

5. Lai/Pilchhi and Jhan or Tamarix Gallion:

Grows wildly along the riverines and is used for fuel, basket making and lining of walls in mud houses.

6. Jhal or Salvadora Oleoides:

This is common in Thal and waste lands. It grows a fruit called ‘Pihlun’ which is edible and is known for its therapeutic value. The leaves and young twigs are used as fodder for goats and camels.

Besides the ones mentioned above, the most common fodder plants, which demonstrate the richness and importance of natural vegetation in the area, include Talla or Deb, Chambhar, Madhana, Thir and Jawan/Jawa etc.

Among the common ‘weeds’ for fodder in the area are Kharpal, Munjhar, Mainon, Bhuk Bhathun, Savi, Phit Sain, Patrali, Phuli, Ludri, Budiam asit, Tange Kamali But, Naun and Hemcha etc.

Wild mushrooms such as Uthpera, Bhukal and Khumbi etc.

Other indigenous though rare trees include the Pippal, Banyan or Ficus Relugiosa, Bohar or Ficus Indica, Jaman/Jammun or Engenia and Jambolana etc.

• Wild Animals

The following species of wild animals and birds are found in the District of Layyah:

1. Wolves:

These are very common especially on the banks of the IndusRiver and in the forests.

      2.   Wild boars/pigs:

Also very common on the banks of Indus and Chenab banks as well as in the forests.

3.   Deer:

 ‘Pahar’ or Hog deer and ravine deer called ‘Hiran’ or ‘Chinkara’ are found   in the Chaubara’s sub-division wastelands.

      4.  Hare: These are commonly found in the river inundated areas.

1. 5.      Jackals and Foxes:

These are commonly found in the plantations and crops along the irrigation canals.

6. Hedge hocks:

They are found primarily in the Jhah area.

• Birds:

There are many species of wild birds found in the district of Layyah. These wild birds include the Talure or Sand grouse; Bhattitter and Patridges, Dove, Hoopoe, Sparrow, Wood pecker, Peejit, Sand piper, Pelican, Indian snake bird, Lark, Kite, Parrot, Butch bird, Kingrow, Swallow, King fisher egrat, Pady bir, Owl, Owlet, Goat sucker, Kunb, Shikara, Laghar, Char chuhernan, Karwanak, Dhing, Bulbul (nightingale), Phiddi, Dhuri, Chhapk tilyar and Traka (ref. District Census-1998; opp-cit)

• Fish

The River Indus is filled with a large variety of quality fish.

Settlement Patterns:

The settlement pattern in the district is influenced by the geography and agro-ecological setting. Relatively large and nucleated villages are located in the fertile and irrigated areas which are mainly in the Thal tract where agriculture has been developed extensively. In ‘Nasheb’ which is the low lying area, inundated occasionally by the River Indus, relatively smaller, scattered and rather temporary or semi-permanent human settlements have been possible. The same trend is found in the sandy desert areas of the district with smaller, scattered and humble habitations of nomadic and semi-nomadic population. The Chaubara Tehsil, which is largest in respect of the total area and minimum in terms of population, with a minimum percentage of people/Km, is a typical example of small human settlements as the local ecology cannot support large human concentrations at any given place in this Tehsil.

Social groups and Divisions:

• Qoums/tribes, Zaats/castes, Biraderis and Classes:

The major ‘social groups’ of real or fictive unilineal descent may be identified as Qoum or tribe and/or Zaat also known as caste (similar to Jati among the Hindus) or Biraderi. However, it is difficult to distinguish the tribe and caste since the people use the terms ‘Qoum’ and ‘Zaat’ interchangeably (e.g. the ‘Jats’ may identify themselves as ‘Qoum’ as well as ‘Zaat’ or yet as ‘Biraderi’)[4]. Some Qoums and Zats many claim themselves to be of  superior descent compared to some others, these are not always and not as clearly classifiable as the castes and  ‘Vernas’ of the caste system among the Hindus.

In the district of Layyah, the most numerous and widely spread social group is that of the Jats. They are mainly landowners and mostly cultivators, although some of them are also large landowners. They tend to be Qoum endogamous but are ideally clan exogamous. In reality, they intermarry in other ‘Qoums’ especially among the ‘Baloch’.  With the increasing influence of ‘Islamization’ and due to pressure on the lands owned by a clan, the clan exogamy seems to be disappearing as such resulting in marriages within close relatives. Some of the Jat sub-groups in the district have important landholdings. Jats are specifically important in respect of the political hold that they enjoy in the district. For instance, Jhakkars and Thinds (sub-groups of Jats) have been elected MNAs in almost all the national elections held in the country.

The Jats are followed by the Baloch (in numerical terms). They are mostly land owners and self cultivators. They are usually found in the Nasheb and Karor sub-divisions. The Baloch sub-group of Jaskani in the district is known for their role during the War of Independence against the British rule in 1857 as they served the interests of foreign rulers and remained loyal to them during this period. They were rewarded by the rulers with fertile tracts of land and titles for their loyalty. Jaskanis are now in Khokhar Isra in Karor and in Basti Shadu Khan in Layyah sub-divisions. Similarly, the Miranis are concentrated in Lohanch Nasheb and Layyah Thab Jandi area. Some of them are highly educated and enjoy senior positions in Government institutions.

The Syeds, who claim to be direct descents of the Prophet Mohammad, are another important group in the district in terms of socio-economic and political influence. They are generally rich, large and usually absentee landlords and ‘spiritual-feudals’[5]. The Syeds of Shahpur (Karor sub-division) have been traditionally the ‘Peer’ (spiritual leaders) of a large number of the Balochs in the district. According to the District Census 1998 (opp-cit), the Syeds in the District of Layyah are “Care-takers of shrines and tombs which provide springboard to them in politics and social upkeep”.

The Pathans, like the Syeds, are few in number but influential in socio-economic, historic and political context of the district. The Nasirs, among this group performed as Qazis or judges during the era of the Mughals. They are known for their achievements in the spheres of agriculture, higher education and medicine in the district of Layyah. Among the Pathans, Popalzais are important in the rural areas and are Nasirs in towns of the district. The Pathans are also, like the Syeds absentee landlords.

The Sheikhs form an important business and trading community in the urban areas of the District of Layyah and Karor sub-divisions. They are non-agriculturists and enjoy sufficient hold on the local business. Arhtis and money lenders are described as the “successors of Hindus” in this field (District Census 1998). The Qureshis are mostly known as keepers of shrines in the district.

TRIBES/QUOMS, CASTES AND BIRADARIES IN THE DISTRICT OF LAYYAH

+The numerical strength of each of this groups/sub + groups are not available from any existing source.

*In other areas/districts ‘Shamis’ recognize themselves as a sub-group of Sheikh Qoum.

Another important group, which is large in number but is considered the lowest in the social caste and class hierarchies and thus, pejoratively regrouped together among ‘others’ in the district Census Report (1998, opp.cit). This is a large landless group which includes the most indigenous of all groups including the Jhabels, Kutanas, Kilhals and Mores.

Jhabels are probably one of the oldest inhabitants of the Southern Punjab, the Bheels or the fishing group, known to have come from Sindh, traveling along the Indus belt in the old times speaks Sindhi mixed with Saraiki. Besides fishing, they also make baskets from the reeds growing on the banks of Indus but have recently been able to shift to agriculture. The latter sub-group i.e. those among the Jhabels who have managed to achieve an upward socio-economic mobility by shifting to agriculture like many other ‘nouveau converts’ tends to be more religious minded.

Kutanas are the former ‘Churhas’ or ‘Shudras’ who have converted to Islam, similar to ‘Mussalli’ or ‘Muslim Sheikh’ as known in the central Punjab. Despite converting to Islam, their low social status remains the same as before. They engage mainly in sewerage, drainage and solid waste removal both in the rural and urban areas of the district. Another source of income for them is the cutting of reeds and grass, making thatched roofs, ropes and huts etc.

According to the Distrct Census (1998), Kihals and Mores belong to one tribe of untouchables with whom the Muslims do not associate with. They are primarily semi-nomadic fishing groups who eat crocodiles, tortoise and even wild boars (ibid).

Religion:

According to the District Census of 1998, the Muslim population is by far the largest religious group comprising of 98.7% of the population followed by Christians who are hardly 1% of the population and are equally spread among the urban and rural locations. A small minority of Ahmadis, Christians and Hindus inhabit mainly the rural areas of the district. It is feared that the census data may not be completely reliable in this respect due to socio-political influences from the local elite, the real demographic strength of religious minorities is not revealed. The district had an important Ahmadi concentration before they were declared non-Muslims in the early 70s. Most members of this community left the district taking asylum in Europe and North America but those still in the district keep a low profile. The Ahmadis are in particular victims of the Blasphemy law (2003 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom in Pakistan).

Linguistic Groupings:

While two thirds of the district population reported Saraiki as their ‘mother tongue’ and close to one third as Punjabi, a very small minority identified Urdu, Pushto and Sindhi as their language (ibid).

Administrative Sub-divisions

District Layyah has three sub-divisions or Tehsils:

1)      Layyah

2)      Karor Lal Esan

3)      Chaubara

Tehsil Layyah is situated at the south west of the district along the River Indus, the latter separating it from Dera Ghazi Khan District. Karor Tehsil is located just above the Layyah Tehsil along the right bank of the Indus and Chaubara is in the north west of this district and is the largest of all the three Tesils, covering most of the eastern half of the district area.

There are three Municipal committees and one Town committee in the district. There are about 200 Patwar circles or land recording and revenue units. The number of Mauzas or the smallest revenue units in the district is about 730. Of the latter, only 26 have a population of above 5000 and about 53% of Mauzas have less than one thousand people while others have between one to two thousand people (District Census 1998-op.cit).