Astola, The Island In Pakistan

Astola Island, also known as Haft Talar or 'seven hills', is a small, uninhabited island in the Persian Sea, in the territory of the Pakistan, some 40 km South-East of the Pakistani fishing port of Pasni, Balochistan. Astola is the only significant offshore island along the north coast of the Persian Sea. The island falls under the jurisdiction of Baluchistan Board of Revenue and administratively, is part of Pasni Sub-division of Gwadar District.

View from Astola Island

A view of sea from the Astola Island

Sheer vertical drop mountains in Astola Island. The island has a height of 200 feet above sea level and the total area is approximately 4 km (4 km in length and 1 km in width). There are several natural caves in the cliffs on the south face which slopes off gradually, unlike the north face which has a sheer vertical drop. The surface of the island is very flat, with deep chasms and crevices which are several feet wide. Vegetation largely consists of scrub and bushes; no trees grow on the island. There is no source of fresh water on the island. The isolated location of the island has helped maintain endemic life forms. The endangered Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbracata) nest on the beach at the foot of cliffs. The island is also a very important area for endemic reptiles such as the Astola Viper (Echis carinatus astolae). The island is reported to support a large number of breeding water birds including coursers, curlews, godwits, gulls, plovers and sanderlings. Feral cats, originally introduced by fishermen to control the endemic rodent population, pose an increasing threat to bird nesting and breeding sites.

The vegetation on the island largely consists of scrub and large bushes; no dense or tall trees on the island except a shrub identified as Prosopis juliflora. Prosopis juliflora was introduced into the Indian subcontinent in 1877 from South America. Between September and May of each year, Astola becomes a temporary base for mainland fishermen, for catching lobsters and oysters. From June to August, the island remains uninhabited because of the rough sea and high tides. A small solar-powered beacon has been installed for the safety of passing vessels. Remains of an ancient Hindu temple of the Hindu goddess, Kali are located on the island. The island was also known to the Hindus as Satadip. There is also a prayer yard dedicated to the Muslim Pir Khawaja Khizr who, according to legend, is said to rule the oceans and is believed to visit the area occasionally and offer prayers there. The prayer yard is used by the fishermen during the fishing season.

By: Shariq Siraj Uddin Ghouri Jamil