CHAGAI

district in Quetta Division, Baluchistan Province, Pakistan. It is bounded on the north by Afghanistan, on the east and south by Kalat and Kharan districts, and on the west by Iran and has an area of 19,516 sq mi (50,546 sq km), consisting of a level plain in the east, part of the Baluchistan desert in the west, the Chagai Hills in the north, and the Ras Koh Range in the south. Sparse scrub vegetation is characteristic, with some cultivation around Nushki, the district headquarters. Camel, sheep, and goat breeding is widespread. Chromite, copper, gypsum, iron and lead ore, asbestos, sulfur, and marble deposits are abundant. The NushkiSeistan trade route connects Pakistan with Iran. Historically a part of Kharan and Kalat states, its areas were progressively leased by the British from Kalat state in the late 19th century and were reconstituted a district in 1901. Pop. (1981 prelim.) 120,000.