Jhal Magsi (Balochistan)
Jhal Magsi is a district of Balochistan province at a distance of 220 km from Quetta city via Quetta-Jacobabad Highway N-65. Historically, it was part of the princely state of Kalat during the British period. It has diversified land including mountain ranges, patches of lush green fields, and barren deserts.
Jhal Magsi district is bounded by Khuzdar, Kacchi, Nasirabad, Jaffarabad, and Qambar Shahdadkot districts. The Ratodero-Gwadar Motorway N-8 runs from the south of the district, that can be used to access the various towns of the district and leads to the deep port of Gwadar. It can also accessed via Dhdar from Quetta-Jacobabad Highway N-65.
Most of the part is mountainous in the district and number of seasonal streams flows from ridges of these mountains. The Moola River is one of the main river flows in the district. Water of these streams and river is used to irrigate the land of the district to produce various crops such as wheat, jawar, cotton, etc. There are several orchards of fruits of grapes, pears, dates, etc.
Jhal Magsi is also famous for desert Jeep Rally that is conducted every year in the winter season. The golden sand of desert makes the track of the rally very impressive and attractive. Jhal Magsi Desert is one of the best racing tracks in Pakistan.
Pir Chattal Shah Noorani is located at 78 km from Jhal Magsi city near the Chhatta town. From Gandawaah town, road turns to right to access Pir Chattal Shah Noorani Derga. Shrine building lies within a beautiful and attractive landscape of mountain ranges in the background. Several gardens of date trees also give beautiful touch to the desert like barren land of the town. There is also a fresh water pond near the shrine in which unique and sacred fish available in abundant quantity. These fish have multiple color shades and look attractive in crystal clear water. The source of water is from various streams coming from the mountains. One can also enjoy swimming there to reduce the effect of hotness.
Moti Gohram Tomb, also known Taj Mahal of Balochistan, is located near Kotra town few kilometers before Pir Chattal Shah Noorani Derga. It is an historical and attractive building, but not in good condition due to negligence by the authorities. Most of outer walls of its platform is almost in ruins now. The exterior of building is extremely in bad situation to erosion and weather effect. It was built by Moti and Gohram, who were husband and wife, as a tomb during their life. After their death, they had buried in the same building. It was constructed as a symbol of their love, therefore it is called as Taj Mahal of Balochistan.
The weather of Jhal Magsi is extreme hot and dry in summer season, whereas it becomes moderate cool and pleasant in the winter season. It receives limited amount of rainfalls in the monsoon period.