Daily Times

Turbat, the second largest city of Balochistan with a population of 213,557, falls in southern Balochistan. It is the centre of Makran Division. In past, it has been the capital of Makran state. In recent times, Turbat is cited as the most beautiful city of Balochistan. The area inhabits Mirani dam, Koh-i-Murad, Meeri-i-Kalat (Punno fort) and many other enjoyable sites.

To the east of Turbat, one witnesses a number of villages. After a journey of about 60 kilometers from the China Pakistan Economic Corridor route, one reaches to Hirronk, a village with desperate beauty. The village bears a population of somewhat 5,000 people with beautiful mountains around and the mulk (garden).

Whenever I get vacations of even a week, I take my bike out and ready my mom to head towards Hirronk.

After crossing Jusak, we get to the CPEC route which leads to disparate villages and then to our last stop (Hirronk). The twist in the story is, we come across such phenomenal villages which enhances the taste of the travel and makes it so worthy.

Starting it from the city, after around 12 kilometers comes the Shivani Pump to the right of the main road. It is a beautiful, small site with beautiful gardens around. People often come here for picnics and enjoy their day delightedly. When journeying on this route, we always have a short break here and attempt to observe the nature.

Then comes Kassak village 6 kilometers from the Shivani Pump to the right. Whereas, to the left side somewhat 3 kilometers directs us to the mulk (garden) of Kassak. Kassak-i-ziarat is also besides the garden which is a very famous shrine. People usually come and do charity in the name of Allah. This sacred place is also famous in the name of Shay Darvesh.

18 kilometers away from Kassak to the main road moves us to the turning point of Kehkin village. We avail very beautiful picnic points in the village of Kehkin. People from far-flung areas visit the village to spend some quality time with the natural blessings of the spots inhabited there.

Whenever I get vacations of even a week, I take my bike out and ready my mom to head towards Hirronk

And then a minute afterwards asks us to decide one of the two ways to travel further; to the left takes us to Shahrak village and straight ahead to Gowanekki. We choose the straight way in common because it is paved and takes lesser time in making us reach to our final destination.

After crossing Shahrak and Gowanekki, 40 kilometers from Turbat, welcomes us to Shapuk, the village worth visiting. One finds beautiful mountains around. The best thing I like in Shapuk is the evening scenario in the open area: that’s just so beautiful. We, too, have a short break and fresh ourselves before going ahead.

Some 5 kilometers from Shapuk drags us to Sami, a town with ancient Balochi living, like old cottages with camels outside, wearing Balochis was (shoes), relying more on natural medicines and believing on a simple way of life. I always have a short pause in the village to look at the simplicity of the villagers.

Now again we get to decide which route to adopt next; left side leads us to Kallag then Hirronk and straight way directly guides us to Hirronk. Because straight path is paved, we settle to go ahead. However, some 5 years earlier people chose the Kallag route to reach to Hirronk, now the upper way is preferred more due to the vast corridor.

Now, we head towards our last destination, some 15 kilometers away from Sami. The way in middle gives a pure and refreshing environment. To the left are the mountains and right is the open land. I often get lost in a thoughtful world hereafter. And each time mom keeps discussing with me so as to make my notions fade away; in order not to get accident.

After 15 kilometers to the left takes us to the bridge of Hirronk. Following the cross of the bridge, we get to the best entry ever In Makran fields (date trees and mango trees along with alfalfa) on both sides and the road in the middle. Below the road passes the joe (qanat) which doubles the worth of the entrance. Upon entering in the village, I feel the most relaxed in-between the nature. Mountains, later on, welcome us to the village with high peaks.

And finally we get to the very hospitable residents of Hirronk with loving smiles. When reached there, the whole days is spent with villagers coming to welcoming us. They also invite us on meals and make us visit the farms and other beautiful locations.

All in all, the journey from Turbat to Hirronk has always been my favorite, that too with my bike and mom. Whenever I get vocations, I never miss the chance to leave the heart-warming visit to the village. Anyone whether known or not has always been entertained joyfully when came there in the village. So, do have a visit to the beautiful village with respectable residents and know the worth of the villages of Makran.

The writer is a former teacher based in Turbat and a student at University Law College, Quetta. He can be reached at alijanmaqsood17@gmail.com and Tweets at @Alijanmaqsood12