Nushki facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nushki
نوشکے
Noshky
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City
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A camel in the Nushki Desert
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| Nickname(s):
City of the golden deserts
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 Nushki
Location in Balochistan, Pakistan
Nushki
Location in Pakistan
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| Country |  Pakistan |
| Province | Balochistan |
| District | Nushki District |
| Population
(2023 census)
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| • Total | 48,572 |
Nushki is a city in Nushki District of Balochistan, Pakistan. It is also known as Noshkay or Nushkay. The city is located southwest of Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan. Nushki sits high up, about 2,900 feet (880 meters) above sea level. From Nushki, a flat desert stretches far to the north and west, reaching all the way to the Helmand River.
History of Nushki
Nushki was an important starting point for British explorers heading into Central Asia. Long ago, the British were worried that their lands in India might be attacked by armies from Europe. So, they sent two brave officers, Captain Charles Christie and Lieutenant Henry Pottinger, to explore the lands between Balochistan and Persia (modern-day Iran).
Christie and Pottinger started their journey from the coast and traveled to Kelat (now called Kalat). They separated in Nushki on March 22, 1810. Christie went northwest towards Herat, while Pottinger traveled west across the deserts.
It was very risky for them, as local people might not have welcomed them. To stay safe, they pretended to be horse traders or holy men during their travels. They met again in Isfahan on June 30, 1810. Christie had ridden about 2,250 miles (3,620 kilometers), and Pottinger had ridden 2,412 miles (3,882 kilometers). Their journeys were very long and dangerous!
How Many People Live in Nushki?
The number of people living in Nushki has grown a lot over the years. Here's how the population has changed:
| Year | Population |
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| 1972 | 5,329 |
| 1981 | 11,300 |
| 1998 | 23,948 |
| 2017 | 46,396 |
| 2023 | 48,572 |
