Usta Muhammad (Urdu: استہ محمد, Balochi استا محمد) district lies in the southeastern part of the Pakistani province of Balochistan. It is named after Mulla Mohammad Khan Usto. Usta Mohammad city serves as the district headquarters. History It was originally a city founded by the Usta branch of the Soomro Tribe. They were initially masters and skilled craftsmen of wood carving. Because they were masters (Ustads) of their craft, they began to be called "Usta" by caste. Former minister Dur Muhammad Usto used to say that Ustas are Soomras.
It was created in September 2022 by dividing Jaffarabad District.
Climate The district is situated in the Kachhi plain basin with an average elavation of about 55 meters. The Summers are very hot and dry and Winters are cold. The region receives very less annual rainfall of about 90mm. The region was also affected by flooding in 2007 after Cyclone Yemyin.
Administration The district is administratively subdivided into the following two Tehsils:
TehsilArea (km²)Pop. (2023)Density (ppl/km²)
(2023)Literacy rate (2023)Union CouncilsMunicipal CorporationUsta Muhammad Tehsil399210,870528.5038.17%11 MCUstaGandakha Tehsil55481,190146.5524.59%09TC
Demographics
Population
According to 2023 census, Usta Muhammad District had a population of 292,060. At the time of the 2017 census the district had 27,372 households and a population of 260,865. Usta Muhammad district had a sex ratio of 963 females per 1000 males and a literacy rate of 29.52% - 39.72% for males and 19.02% for females. 76,753 (29.42%) lived in urban areas. 94,009 (36.03%) were under 10 years of age.
Religion
Majority of the population follow Islam with a small minority practicing Hinduism.
Languages
At the time of the 2017 census, 40.18% of the population spoke Balochi, 24.71% Sindhi, 19.05% Saraiki and 14.35% Brahui as their first language.
References
Works cited