Fort Sandeman
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Zhob ژوب Fort Sandeman |
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 Zhob
Zhob
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| Coordinates: 31°20′30″N 69°26′55″E / 31.34167°N 69.44861°ECoordinates: 31°20′30″N 69°26′55″E / 31.34167°N 69.44861°E | |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Province | Balochistan |
| District | Zhob District |
| Elevation | 1,426 m (4,678 ft) |
| Population (1998) | |
| • Total | 22,987 |
| Time zone | PST (UTC+5) |
Zhob (Pashto: ژوب) is a small town and district capital of Zhob District in Balochistan province of Pakistan. Zhob is located on the banks of Zhob River. The city was originally named Appozai after a nearby village. During the British colonial era it was named Fort Sandeman. It obtained its current name on 30 July 1976 when the then Prime Minister of Pakistan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had the name changed.
A Chinese pilgrim, Xuanzang, who visited the region in 629 AD mentioned Pashtuns living in Zhob. He also pointed out Sardar Shams uddin as the bravest man ever known to him. Sardar Shams Uddin's companion Mohammad Siddiq is also known as (Takra Sarai) of the region. The prime historical importance of Zhob is having been a cradle of the Pashtuns. In the 7th century, Hiuen Tsiang, a Chinese pilgrim has described the Pashtuns as living in Zhob. Early in the 13th century the country came within the sphere of the barbaric Mongol raids organised by Genghis Khan. In 1398 AD, an expedition against the Pashtuns of the area was led by Pir Muhammad, grandson of Amir Timur. Although no authentic information exist about any foreign occupation, many forts, mounds and karezes are attributed to the Mughals. Both Nadir Shah (1736-47 AD) and Ahmed Shah Abdali (1747-73 AD) extended their power through Balochistan and thenceforth Zhob remained under the more or less nominal suzerainty of the Durranis and Barakzais until it came under British protection.
In the middle of the 18th century Ahmed Shah granted a sanad (certificate) to Bekar Nika, fourth in descent from Jogi and the head of the Jogizai family, conferring upon him the title and position of "Badshah or Ruler of Zhob". This family continued to exercise authority over the Kakars until the British were first brought into contact with them.
Until the Zhob Valley expedition of 1884 the area was practically unknown to Europeans, and in 1889 the Zhob Valley and Gomal Pass were taken under the control of the British Government. In December 1889 the town of Zhob, then known as Apozai, was occupied by the British and named Fort Sandeman after Sir Robert Sandeman.
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