Pishin (, Urdu and ) or Pshin is a city that serves as the administrative headquarter of the Pishin District of Pakistan's Balochistan province. Pishin is considered part of the Pashtun belt of Balochistan, and is the largest district of Pashtun tribes.

History

Pishin was founded by the British Empire in 1883. It played a role in the Anglo-Afghan Wars. Local tribes from the area assisted the Afghans in fighting the British by attacking British military convoys en route to Afghanistan. During World War II, the British built two airbases in the district; one near the town of Pishin and the other in Saranan.

Geography

Pishin is located in the northwest of Balochistan, near the border with Afghanistan. Tremors from the 2008 Ziarat earthquake were felt in the town.

Climate

In the summer, temperatures can reach 40 °C (104 °F). In the winter, temperatures can decrease to below freezing.

Agriculture

The region is known in Balochistan for fruit production. It supplies a variety of fruits, such as apples.

Demographics

Pishin's main ethnic groups are Pashtuns who belong to the Tareen, Syed, Kakar, and Achakzai tribes. In the city, the majority of the population belongs to Tareen tribe.

Tribes

Pishin District is home to several tribes but the following main tribes form the major population of the district:

Transport

Transport is mostly by car or bus. The town connects with Quetta, Khanozai, Barshore, and Saranan. In 1883, a major railway and road were constructed to connect towns in Pakistan.