District Washuk at a glance.

District Washuk is located in the northwest of Balochistan, along Iranian border with Pakistan. This district has three tehseels; Washuk, Mashkel and Basima, 10 union councils and 216mauzas (villages).  The shape of district is approximately rectangular, with 305 km length and 150 km width. Area of district is 29,510 km² out of which 71,520 hectare is arable. Adjoining districts are Kharan & Kalat, Khuzdar, Panjgur in north, east and south respectively.  Washuk district has a total population (in 1998) of 118,171, comprising 62,114 males and 56,059 females, with a population density of only 4.0 per km2. The literacy rate is low at 18%. Washuk town is at center of district approximately. Mashkel is at western corner and Basima is at eastern corner. Washuk town is at a distance of 195 km from Iran border. Kalporagan, Kaledin, Jaleq are populated Iranian towns located at west of this district.  Mashkel is a sandy area, Tehseel Washuk has both sandy and mountainous topography. Basima has mountains and granular plain. The climate of this district varies from tehseel to tehseel. Dry and dust storms are very common throughout the year in Mashkel and Washuk. These storms become very severe during the period of summer from June to September. People call these storms "Livar". They are described as scorching and destructive, killing everything. During this period traveling becomes impossible. During the summer season, days are hot but nights are very pleasant and cool. The winter is dry and moderately cold. Tehseel Basima is moderately hot in summer and severely cold in winter. Dust storms also blow but their intensity is lower here. Precipitation is low. The soil of some areas is alluvial and extremely fertile. The best type is called "Matt". It requires less water and retains moisture for longer periods and is suitable for all crops. There are no forests in the district. Trees are few and scanty. Agriculture is major source of livelihood. Date Palm is the most common fruit in Mashkhel and in Washuk. Few wild fig trees and tamarix also exist in the hills. Willows also grow in the Nullahs. Pistachio is rarely found. Wild vine is found in sheltered spots and in lower slopes of the hills. Grass and bush known as "Alony" are fairly abundant. Wheat is the principal crop. In fruits; dates, melon, watermelon, apples, pomegranates, cherry, grapes, peaches, plums, pears are produced. The major Rabi crops include wheat, barley, pulses and vegetables. Kharif crops in Basima comprise orchards, vegetables, and fodder and onion. Pulses and oil seeds are also cultivated on a limited area. Business is an important economic sector. Business of smuggled things from Iran; oil & gas, detergent, motorcycles, snacks, cold drinks is prominent in markets. Labor class goes to Seistan and Mekran to earn. Livestock is another economic sector in the district. Livestock sector is constrained by insufficient and low quality of feed and fodder. There is lack of care for it. Veterinary hospitals are insufficient and medicines are scanty in them. The nomadic inhabitants of the district take their animals to hilly areas and other places in search of grazing lands.

Hamun Mashkel, biggest lake of Pakistan is located in this district. This is some 85 kilometers long and 35 kilometers wide, the surface of the Hamun-i-Mashkhel is littered with sun-cracked clay, oxidized pebbles, salty marshes and crescent-shaped moving sand dunes. The area is known particularly for its constant mirage and sudden severe sand-storms. Its center lies at a latitude of 28.1389 and longitude of 63.1242 and has an elevation of 517 meters above sea level.

Shamsi airbase is located in this district. Arab royals constructed this base because they come here for hunting Houraba Bustard bird, an extinct bird of world found in Rakhshan. Its population is endangered now due to uncontrolled hunting by Arab royals and local hunters.

List of Villages Tehselwise:
1.Tehsel Washuk: Gawashank, Jath, Koh Ban, Margo, Qambar Khudai, Nazar, Soldan, Umer Karod, Sorchah.

2.Tehsel Basima: Naag, Shinger, Zaik. Siahozai, Shirenza, Baghsopak, Kurragai, Siahozai, Dali, Beront, Drug, Sajid, Gradi, Treep, Damag, Kodi, Patak, Kerachi, Para-E-Bijjr, Peezge, Raghai, Ziarat, Tinki, Sangey, Kalat.

3.Tehsel Mashkel: Ladgasht, Ladgar, Sothgan, Chukal, Dazi, Hooki, Sar Aap, Kalag, Sargi, Katgi, Noke, Chah, Passi, Punyam, Reegi, Taguz, Kand, Thal 

A camel  carvan through desert