Weathering and accumulation of trace elements in the soils of the Porali Plain, Balochistan: repercussions in agriculture

This study is thefirst attempt to assess the nature of the soil,especially on the western side of the Porali Plain in Balochistan;a new emerging agriculture hub,using weathering and pollution indices supplemented by multi-variate analysis based on geochemical data.The outcomes of this study are expected to help farmers in soil manage-ment and selecting suitable crops for the region.Twenty-five soil samples were collected,mainly from the arable land of the Porali Plain.After drying and coning-quarter-ing,soil samples were analyzed for major and trace ele-ments using the XRF technique;sieving and hydrometric methods were employed for granulometric analysis.Esti-mated data were analyzed using Excel,SPSS,and Surfer software to calculate various indices,correlation matrix,and spatial distribution.The granulometric analysis showed that 76%of the samples belonged to loam types of soil,12%to sand type,and 8%to silt type.Weathering indices:CIA,CIW,PIA,PWI,WIP,CIX,and ICV were calculated to infer the level of alteration.These indices reflect mod-erate to intense weathering;supported by K_(2)O/AI_(2)O_(3),Rb/K_(2)O,Rb/Ti,and Rb/Sr ratios.Assessment of the geo-ac-cumulation and Nemerow Pollution indices pinpoint rela-tively high concentrations of Pb,Ni,and Cr concentration in the soils.The correlation matrix and Principal Compo-nent Analysis show that the soil in this study area is mainly derived from the weathering of igneous rocks of Bela Ophiolite(Cretaceous age)and Jurassic sedimentary rocks of Mor Range having SEDEX/MVT type mineralization.Weathering may result in the undesirable accumulation of certain trace elements which adversely affects crops.

Agricultural Extension in Balochistan, Pakistan:Date Palm Farmers' Access and Satisfaction

This study analyzed information gathered from 200 date palm households in the mountainous Panjgur District of Balochistan in Pakistan with the aim of determining date farmers＇ access to and satisfaction with agricultural extension services. Information was collected through a structured questionnaire survey, group discussions and semi- structured personal interviews. The findings of the analysis revealed very poor access to extension services. The results of logistic regression analysis identified five variables out of six which significantly influence date farmers＇ access to extension services： household bead＇s age, household bead＇s literacy, number of date palm trees owned, mostly inherited date palm trees, and percentage of dead date palm trees. The overwhelming majority of farmers were dissatisfied with all three main types of extension services being provided by public extension officials. Explanations for this as well as for associations between access to extension services and the six independent variables are provided. Important policy conclusions are drawn based on the findings.

Revised Stratigraphy and Mineral Resources of Balochistan Basin, Pakistan: An Update

The Balochistan basin is located on the south western part of Balochistan Province and also Pakistan. Balochistan super basin is subdivided into northern Balochistan (Pishin basin or Kakar Kohorasan basin represented as back arc basin), central Balochistan (Chagai-Raskoh-Wazhdad Magmatic arc and Hamuns-Inter arc basin) and southern Balochistan (Makran Siahan basin) basins. Balochistan basin consists of Cretaceous to recent sediments, diverse igneous rocks and low grade metamorphics. Balochistan basin is a leading basin which consists of very significant mineral deposits especially copper and gold deposits. These mineral resources need to be developed for the development of areas, province and Pakistan. During previous half century a lot of geological work has been done in Balochistan basin. Here the revised stratigraphic set up and its mineral resources with an update are being presented.

Factors affecting technical efficiency of small-scale apple farms in Balochistan Plateau, Pakistan

In Balochistan, Agriculture is dominated by small-scale farmers and the apple production sector is confronted with the chronic constraint of low output per unit of input. Although some agricultural policies have been implemented in this province, studies on effectiveness and impacts of such policies over apple production and farmers' performance are still limited. This study is an effort to bridge the research gap on this potential crop in the plateau by investigating technical and scale efficiency of 181 officially designated small-scale apple farmers in mountainous district Mastung in Balochistan; then explored factors that underlie differences in production inefficiency. A two-stage input-oriented Data Envelopment Analysis(DEA) methodology was employed to evaluate technical and scale efficiency followed by truncated bootstrapped regression framework to analyze the correlative determinants to efficiency. Average technical and scale efficiencies of larger landholders were higher than medium and small landholders. Analysis indicated that there is still ample scope for inefficient sample farmers to reduce the input use by 33% without compromising the given yield level. Maximum contributions to the total input savings were from the use of urea, farm yard manure(FYM) and labor-use. Farmer's experience, farm ownership, irrigation constraints, and farmer's access to trainings, credit and extension services significantly affected apple farmers' technical efficiency. Based on the findings of this study, strategies are suggested to enhancing efficiencies by farmers' capacity development through effective extension services and trainings and provision of adequate credit.

Lithostratigraphy, Structure, Geological History, Economic Geology and Paleontology of Mari Bugti Hills and Surrounding Areas of Balochistan, South Punjab and North Sindh (Pakistan)

Mari Bugti hills and surroundings belong to Sulaiman basin (fragment of Gondwana) lies under the territory of Balochistan, South Punjab and North Sindh (Pakistan) but luckily have diverse marine and terrestrial sediments varying in age from Triassic to Recent, petroleum and a large number of mineral resources especially huge gypsum and cement resources, numerous suitable anticlinal structures and world-famous paleontology. The large-sized poripuchian titanosaurs, theropods, mesoeucrocodiles, pterosaur, bird and snake were reported from the latest Cretaceous Vitakri Formation, and largest terrestrial mammals and eucrocodiles were reported from the Oligocene Chitarwata Formation and other mammals were also reported from Late Paleogene and Neogene terrestrial deposits. Previously part of this area was not mapped due to remoteness and security problems but recently the mapping of these areas was started. Further, the structural and geological maps of previously omitted parts are added here. After performing the multidisciplinary field investigations by senior author, the corresponding results were obtained. The main objective of this work is to focus on the lithostratigraphic deposits, structure, geological history, economic geology and paleontology of the Mari Bugti Hills and surrounding areas.

Metaplastic Carcinoma of the Breast: A Clinical Study of 7 Cases from Balochistan

Metaplastic carcinomas of the breast are rare heterogenous neoplasms characterized by adenocarcinoma with dominant areas of spindle cells, squamous and/or other mesenchymal differentiation, that comprise of <5% of all invasive breast cancers. Our objective in this study was to review the pathological features and clinical outcomes for metaplastic carcinoma of breast in breast cancer patients registered in CENAR (Center for Nuclear Medicines and Radiotherapy), Balochistan. Present study was performed on 7 patients affected with metaplastic carcinoma of breast, who were registered patients in CENAR. Informed consent was taken from the patients and BMI was calculated by measuring the height and weight of the patients. Available clinical history obtained by retrieving the patients file and a copy of biopsy report was also obtained from the file. Metaplastic carcinoma of breast was 4.11% of all 170 breast cancer cases registered in CENAR from 2010-2012. Mean age was 40 years ranging from 25 - 50 years. Four subtypes of metaplastic carcinoma of breast were reported in this study;DCIS component was present in one case and mean tumor size was 6.12 cm ranging from 3.5 - 10 cm. Metaplastic carcinomas of breast are rare heterogenous neoplasm with different characteristics, demographics and tumor biology and accounts for almost >5% of all breast cancer cases.

Biogeochemical evaluation of Nannorrhops ritchiana: A Mg-flora from Khuzdar, Balochistan, Pakistan

Nannorrhops ritchiana (Mazari Palm) is a distinctive flora growing in the Saharo-Sindian region. It is well distributed on the ultramafic soil, derived from the Bela Ophiolite in the Khuzdar District, Balochistan, Pakistan. Quantitative estimation of Ca, Mg, Fe and Ni in soil and plant ash has been carried out. The constituents of plant ash have been discussed in relation to soil chemistry, pH, climate, mobility, average abundance in plant ash and exclusion mechanism of the flora. Relationship among Ca, Mg, Fe and Ni has been established using scattergrams to evaluate the biogeochemistry of the plant. High contents of Mg and high coefficient of biological absorption allow it to be classed as Mg-flora. Both Ca and Fe appeared to be antagonistic to Mg. The metal assemblage of N. ritchiana nicely reflected the nature of the bed rock as being serpentinized ultramafic, and its corresponding soils. Good exclusion mechanism of N. ritchiana did not allow it to absorb high Ni from the soil. Relatively high concentrations of Ni in N. ritchiana from the Baran Lak area can be used to localize Ni-mineralization in the study area.; Statistical analyses, such as minimum, maximum, mean, mode, median, standard deviations, and coefficient of correlation, were also made to improve raw geochemical data and interpretations.

Hydrogeochemistry of the Winder River and adjoining tributaries, Balochistan, Pakistan

Quantitative estimation of ground and stream waters draining through sedimentary rocks of the Pab and Mor ranges (Jurassic-Cretaceous) and the Bela ophiolite has been made. The degree of correspondence among cations and anions has been estimated in order to evaluate their mutual relationships. The abundance of major ions is interpreted to be related to bedrocks and climatic conditions, which may contribute to the genetic affiliation. The log TDS and Na/Na+Ca ratio reflected supremacy of weathering of rocks with some influence of evaporation. Ionic relationship is exhibited in the form of Stiff diagrams. Patterns of ionic composition revealed high NaCl, medium Ca(HCO3)2 and low MgSO4. Piper diagram has been used to classify the hydrofacies. The important hydrogeochemical parameters have been estimated for assessment of groundwater quality for domestic purposes in accordance to WHO. Irrigation water qualities have been evaluated in terms of EC, SAR, RSC, ESP and pH.

Seasonal variations of heavy metal concentration in Sardinella sindensis(Day,1878)from Balochistan coast

Objective:To determine Fe,Cu,Zn,Pb and Cd concentrations in muscle of sind sardinella[Sardinella sindensis(S.sindensis)]from Balochistan coast,Pakistan.Methods:S.sindensis were collected from Balochistan coast,Pakistan,at autumn inter monsoon,north east monsoon,spring inter monsoon and south west monsoon during October 2005-September 2006.All samples were analyzed for Fe,Cu,Zn,Pb and Cd by AAnalyst 700 flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer.Results:Generally,S.sindensis caught from Balochistan coast showed the accumulation level of Fe[(16.88±5.60)μg/g],Cu[(2.74±1.89)μg/g],Cd[(0.29±0.25)μg/g],Zn[(4.29±2.31)μg/g]and Pb[(0.24±0.24)μg/g]in the muscle tissues.Conclusions:The metal concentrations in fish from Balochistan coast observed in this study were lower than the limit values.Therefore,all metal accumulations in S.sindensis have to be monitored continuously,especially in this region.

Physicochemical parameters and seasonal variation of coastal water from Balochistan coast,Pakistan

Objective:To determine common physico-chemical parameters of coastal water.Methods:Physicochemical properties of water were determined according to the standards of the American Public Health Association.Generally,all those parameters were recorded a small variation between stations.The variation in physico-chemical parameters like salinity,temperature,dissolved oxygen and pH at Gwadar(Coastal water of Balochistan)were recorded.Results:The range of air temperature of coastal water of Balochistan during 2004 and 2006 varies from 25℃to 37℃,water temperature ranged from 15.00℃to 33.00℃,pH ranged from 7.08 to 8.95,salinity ranged from 37.4‰to 41.3‰and dissolved oxygen ranged from 5.32 to 8.67 mg/L.Conclusions:Results showed that these parameters of Balochistan coast of Pakistan is not dangerous for marine habitat and the use of these parameters in monitoring programs to assess ecosystem health has the potential to inform the general public and decision-makers about the state of the coastal ecosystems.To save this vital important habitat,the government agencies and scientists should work with proper attention.

New Data on Coal, Gypsum, Iron and Silica Sand Deposits and Geochemical Exploration (Pakistan): Revision of 25 Years History of Dinosaur Discoveries from Pakistan

Discoveries of many coal seams at depths by drilling carried by Geological Survey of Pakistan in Sor Range and Harnai Gochina, extended the coal seams at depth which is challenge for mine owners to exploit feasibly. Bed to bed gypsum samplings (and their chemical analyses) of huge gypsum deposits from Sulaiman foldbelt is a base for industrialist and also planers to develop cement and gypsum industries to increase export and foreign exchange for the development of area and Pakistan. Low and high grade sedimentary iron deposits, silica sand and uranium host rocks and their extensions in Sulaiman and Kirthar foldbelts are presented. Anomalies of a few base metals arise as a result of geochemical exploration carried at part of Loralai District of Balochistan. Theropod dinosaurs were frequent in India, while Poripuchian titanosaurs (Sauropoda, Dinosauria) were frequent in Pakistan. Besides some ichnotaxa, many bone taxa such as 1 titanosauriform, 14 titanosaurian sauropod (including one new titanosaur), and 3 theropod dinosaurs are established from Pakistan. Among these 12 titanosaur species and 3 theropod species are named in about 10 km2 area of Vitakri dome and 2 titanosaur species are named in about a few hundred square meter area of Mari Bohri (Kachi Bohri) which is about 10 km westward from Vitakri dome. Pakistan is a unique country which discoverd 14 diversified titanosaurs in a short area and also in a short period (67 - 66 million years ago/Ma). About 400 bones found from a few meter thick upper part of upper shale horizon of latest Maastrichtian Vitakri Formation which is base for titanosaur taxa. Cranial material is in low fraction (but include significant diverse snouts), caudal vertebrae are prominent, the cervicals, dorsals and sacrals have significant numbers, forelimb and hind limb bones have balanced fraction. Humeri, femora and tibiae are most common. To know the position of Pakistani titanosaurs among titanosaurs and sauropods, there is a need to extend list of characters for phylogenetic analyses. This broad feature list should include main characters of titanosaurs from Pakistan and also from global world.

“俾路支解放军”恐袭新动向及中国参与治理的策略

巴基斯坦长期受到恐怖主义危害,猖獗的恐怖活动既迟滞了国家的正常发展,又严重掣肘了国际共赢合作。随着中巴两国经济的深度合作,尤其是中巴经济走廊建设“红利”的不断释放,两国利益更加交融,交流更加广泛,民众更加受益。但是,中巴经济合作亦面临着越来越多的恐袭危害,“俾路支解放军”日益成为头号威胁。近年来,“俾路支解放军”针对在巴中国项目、机构和人员的恐袭频次增多、对象扩大、手段更无人性,出现了一些新动向。这既与俾路支民族本身所固有的历史和文化因素有关,又与俾路支地区长期存在的结构性矛盾和域外大国的挑拨离间脱不了干系。为了应对“俾解”对中国在巴利益的严重威胁,中国应努力消除“俾解”恐袭动员的经济社会根源,推动中巴共赢合作长效机制的建设。

2013年巴基斯坦俾路支Mw7．7地震震源过程研究

利用高分辨光学影像获取的同震水平位移场资料联合远场波形数据反演获得了2013年巴基斯坦俾路支MW7.7地震的震源过程模型.结果显示这是发生在具有弧形铲状几何形态的Hoshab断层上的一次左旋走滑为主要运动特征的强烈地震事件.推断这种具有罕见运动模式的强烈地震是斜向应力场与特殊的断层几何形态共同作用的结果.研究工作中采用大数据量均匀分布的同震位移资料参与反演计算,结果表明这种以完整图像的形式使用位移场资料的方式可以克服资料可能存在的系统误差获得可信的结果.

巴基斯坦财政制度变迁及其对俾路支民族分离主义运动影响研究

巴基斯坦的财政制度对俾路支民族分离主义运动发展有着重要影响:1974-2009年间的财政体制对俾路支省极不公平,加上俾路支人在政治上代表权的不足,这是这一期间俾路支民族分离主义运动泛滥的重要原因;2010年财政改革方案的实施,在一定程度上抑制了俾路支地区的民族分离主义倾向。中巴经济走廊是解决俾路支民族分离主义问题的重要契机,巴联邦政府可以借机通过进一步推进财政制度改革来化解分离主义团体与联邦政府的矛盾,维护国家统一。

Plates Boundary and Structural Geology of Balochistan and Indus Basins through Field Observations on Chaman Transform Fault and Western Indus Suture (Pakistan): Dinosaurs from Pakistan with Attributed Bones and Key Features: Titanosaurs from India with Updated Assessment on Jainosaurus

The plate boundary between Balochistan and Indus basins is found on the position where Western Indus Suture and Chaman Transform fault converge in the south (Uthal-Bela-Ornach-Nal-Basima). From Basima to northward the both structures bifurcate and separate more than 50 km in the Zhob region, the Chaman Transform fault lies in the west as straight way in flysh and slates of Balochistan basin, and Western Indus suture lies in the east mostly straight and wide (more than 20 km wide) galaxy way like belt (gentle wavy in the central portion from Quetta to Zhob). Plate boundary between Balochistan basin and Indus basin lies in the Western Indus suture. The both structures are about 1000 - 1500 km trends northward. The northward bending of strikes in the southern Balochistan basin (from Arabian sea to Kharan) on the western flank of Chaman transform fault and dragging of Kharan limestones revealed left lateral strike slip fault. The structures of Balochistan basin are mostly imbricated while the structure of Indus basin is mostly folded. Different basins in Pakistan yielded dinosaurs and diverse Mesozoic vertebrates like poripuchian titanosaurian sauropods, vitakrisaurid abelisaurian theropods, induszalimids, sulaimanisuchid and mithsaraikistanid mesoeucrocodiles, saraikisaurid pterosaurs, wasaibpanchid bird, madtsoiid snake, zahrisaurid plesiosaur and some fishes. From Pakistan 10 titanosaurs were named while from India 5 titanosaurs were named and discussed here. The updated assessment for the attribution of bones to Jainosaurus septentrionalis resulted the braincase its type or in other case braincase and scapula referable to Isisaurus colberti matching its long articular surface for coracoid of distal scapula. Key bones which were previously referred to Jainosaurus septentrionalis belong to mostly Gspsaurus pakistani and Balochisaurus malkani (stocky titanosaurs) and a few bones to Isisaurus colberti and Pakisaurus balochistani (slender titanosaurs).

产于巴基斯坦穆斯林-巴格地区的含铬水钙铝榴石的钙长石矽卡岩

对一种采集于巴基斯坦俾路支省的穆斯林-巴格、带有绿色斑点的白色及浅绿色的不透明的观赏性岩石进行了鉴定。对样品薄片进行岩相研究和拉曼光谱分析发现,在白色碱性斜长石中,不规则地分布有亮绿色自形的含铬水钙铝榴石晶体。其他伴生矿物有透辉石,在裂隙处有斜黝帘石,黝帘石和沸石。这块岩石样品的相对密度是2.73,折射率约为1.57。样品在外观上和产自菲律宾吕宋地区三描礼士省(Zambales)的岩石样品相近,即钙长石中含有小颗粒自形的钙铬榴石晶体。

俾路支分离主义势力对中巴经济走廊的看法及其成因

本文在梳理当前巴基斯坦俾路支分离主义派别的基础上,重点分析了俾路支分离主义势力对中巴经济走廊的看法。温和型政党支持中巴经济走廊,赞成俾路支省引入中国投资项目,但对巴基斯坦联邦政府在中巴经济走廊建设上的政策表示不满,而强硬政党和武装团体则反对中巴经济走廊。俾路支分离主义势力对中巴经济走廊是不满或者反对的。俾路支分离主义势力持这样看法的原因在于,中国对俾路支省的开发和投资,与俾路支人的政治诉求相冲突,引发了分离主义势力的政治焦虑;分离主义势力在经济开发政策上与巴基斯坦联邦政府长期存在矛盾,并担心本省的自然资源和经济利益遭到侵害;俾路支分离主义势力对巴基斯坦联邦政府的认知模式存在偏差,决定了中巴经济合作较难得到他们的认可。除了上述三个主要原因以外,俾路支部落首领和美国、印度等国际势力在干预中巴经济走廊活动中的作用也不可忽视。

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor： Will It Sustain Itself？

This paper attempts to measure and explain the sustainability of China- Pakistan Economic Corridor （CPEC） by employing rational choice theory. Methodologically, the qualitative study relies on primary data in terms of elite interviews and secondary sources such as journals articles. This theory-guided empirical research has identified two sets of challenges, internal and external, that the economic corridor faces. Broadly, the challenges range from economic slow- down, political instability, religious extremism and terrorism that have taken toll of Pakistani economy, society and the state. The paper has provided policy input in terms of urging Pakistani government to reform its educational system and correct political instability along with targeting all types of militant organizations. More- over, the study urges China to engage regional stakeholders in CPEC to realize regional and trans-regional connectivity to achieve economic integration of the market.

Petrogenesis of Late Cretaceous Volcanism in Kazhaba Area and Its Relationship with Mantle Plume Activity of Reunion Hotspot

Basaltic pillow lavas near the Kazhaba village in Balochistan are found in the tectonic slivers of the Bagh complex： the melange zone beneath the Muslim Bagh ophiolite complex. These volcanics are mainly represented by alkali basalts. The petrography and chemistry suggest that these volcanic rocks belong to mildly to strongly alkaline, intra-plate volcanic rock series. Their low Mg~# and low Cr, Ni and Co contents suggest that the parent magma of these volcanics was not directly derived from a partially melted mantle source, but resulted fractionation in an upper level magma chamber, en-route to eruption. Their LILE and HFSE, enriched primordial mantle-normalized patterns with marked positive Nb anomalies further confirm their within-plate geochemical signatures and are consistent with an enriched mantle source. Their highly enriched LREE patterns and high（La/Yb）_N and（Ce/Yb）_N ratios suggest a partially melted garnet-lherzolite parent magma source. The Zr versus Zr/Y studies suggest that these volcanics were derived from about 15% partially melted enriched mantle source. It is suggested that these Late Cretaceous intra-plate volcanics may represent the mantle plume activity of the Reunion hotspot, and were erupted during the passage of Ceno-Tethys Ocean floor prior to the passage of Indian Plate over it.

中巴经济走廊沿线的恐怖主义安全风险治理

作为"一带一路"倡议的重要工程,中巴经济走廊项目推进5年以来,形成了以瓜达尔港、能源、交通基础设施和产业合作为重点的"1+4"经济布局,不仅对于中国与巴基斯坦的互联互通意义重大,还将作为关键枢纽,实现陆上与海上丝绸之路的相连。然而,长期以来,中巴经济走廊沿线的恐怖主义威胁对于中方工程技术人员安全和项目投资进展均造成了重大的挑战。其中,尤以俾路支分离主义、巴基斯坦塔利班、"伊斯兰国"组织以及"东伊运"恐怖组织对安全的威胁为甚。本文认为,鉴于各恐怖组织在政策主张和利益诉求方面的差异,降低中巴经济走廊沿线的恐怖主义安全风险,应当综合采取以下三种应对举措:加强与地方部落的对话和交流,促进经济走廊建设真正惠及一方;深化中巴政府间安全合作,建立经济走廊沿线多层次反恐协调机制;搭建多边对话平台,促成各方反恐共识和印度的理解和配合,从而打造地区安全共同体。