Quetta to Zahir Pir Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Quetta to Zahir Pir: Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Zahir Pir, a small but historically and geographically significant town in the Rahim Yar Khan District of Punjab, is a common destination for travelers coming from Quetta. It acts as a local hub connecting the nearby areas of Khanpur, Liaquatpur, and Rahim Yar Khan. Traveling from Quetta to Zahir Pir provides scenic views of Balochistan's rugged terrain slowly transitioning into the fertile plains of Punjab. This article discusses the travel distance between the two locations and explores the available transport modes: road, train, and air.

Distance from Quetta to Zahir Pir

The approximate road distance between Quetta and Zahir Pir is around 670 kilometers (416 miles). The aerial (straight-line) distance is shorter, at roughly 540 kilometers (335 miles). Due to the geography and road network, the road journey typically takes a curved route through various cities and towns before reaching the destination.

Traveling from Quetta to Zahir Pir by Road

Traveling by road is the most common and accessible mode for reaching Zahir Pir from Quetta. The road journey involves taking the RCD Highway (N-25) from Quetta toward Sukkur and then transitioning onto the N-5 National Highway heading north toward Rahim Yar Khan. From there, travelers can access Zahir Pir via Khanpur and Liaquatpur.

Key Route:
Quetta → Mastung → Kalat → Khuzdar → Dera Allah Yar → Jacobabad → Sukkur → Rahim Yar Khan → Zahir Pir

Duration:
The road journey takes approximately 11 to 13 hours, depending on the condition of the roads, traffic, and chosen rest stops. The highways between Sukkur and Rahim Yar Khan are well-developed, but the hilly terrain in Balochistan may slow down the pace in the initial part of the journey.

Travel Mode:

• Personal car or SUV

• Intercity buses (via Sukkur and Rahim Yar Khan)

• Minibuses and private transport options through Balochistan and South Punjab

Traveling from Quetta to Zahir Pir by Train

Although there is no direct train to Zahir Pir, the nearest major railway station is in Liaquatpur or Khanpur, which is about 15–25 kilometers away from Zahir Pir. Travelers heading to Zahir Pir by train usually opt for this approach:

Train Route:
Quetta Railway Station → Rohri Junction → Khanpur or Liaquatpur

From either Liaquatpur or Khanpur, a short taxi or rickshaw ride will take you to Zahir Pir.

Duration:

• Quetta to Rohri: 10 to 11 hours

• Rohri to Khanpur: 3 to 4 hours

• Total train duration: 13 to 15 hours (excluding transfer time)

Available Trains:

• Jaffar Express (Quetta to Rohri)

• Tezgam or Awam Express (Rohri to Khanpur/Liaquatpur)

Train travel is affordable and comfortable, especially for long-distance routes, but availability and schedule adherence may vary due to seasonal demand and operational issues.

Traveling from Quetta to Zahir Pir by Plane

There is no airport in Zahir Pir itself, but travelers can fly to Rahim Yar Khan Airport (Shaikh Zayed International Airport), which is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Zahir Pir. This is the most time-efficient travel method, especially for those coming from far-off cities like Quetta.

Flight Route:
Quetta International Airport → Shaikh Zayed International Airport, Rahim Yar Khan

Duration:

• Flight time: Approximately 1.5 hours

• Drive from Rahim Yar Khan to Zahir Pir: About 45 minutes to 1 hour

Since direct flights between Quetta and Rahim Yar Khan may not operate daily, travelers often fly to Multan or Bahawalpur, then travel to Zahir Pir by road.

Note: Booking in advance and confirming schedules is essential as regional flights are limited.

Conclusion

Traveling from Quetta to Zahir Pir is achievable by road, rail, and air. Road travel offers flexibility and scenic views but requires patience for a long journey. Train travel provides a restful alternative with nearby stations, while air travel is the fastest method, particularly for those who prefer to minimize travel time. Regardless of the method chosen, Zahir Pir’s accessibility through nearby hubs like Rahim Yar Khan, Liaquatpur, and Khanpur makes it a reachable destination from Quetta.