Mithi | |
Native Name: | |
Settlement Type: | Tehsil |
Pushpin Map: | Sindh#Pakistan |
Subdivision Type: | Country |
Subdivision Type1: | Province |
Subdivision Type2: | Division |
Subdivision Name2: | Mirpur Khas |
Subdivision Type3: | District |
Subdivision Name3: | Tharparkar |
Population As Of: | 2017 |
Population Total: | 47,135 |
Total Type: | City |
Population Footnotes: | [1] |
Elevation M: | 42 |
Leader Title1: | Taluka Education Officer |
Leader Name1: | Mr. Munawar Shah[2] |
Area Code: | 0232-261xxx |
Area Code Type: | Calling code |
Timezone1: | PST |
Utc Offset1: | +5 |
Mithi (; Urdu: {{Nastaliq|مِٹّھی تحصیل, in Urdu pronounced as /mɪʈ.ʈɦiː/) is a city and the administrative capital of Tharparkar District in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It became the district headquarter of Tharparkar District in 1990, after the area's separation from Mirpur Khas.[3] Mithi is one of the very few cities in Pakistan where Hindus form a majority. Close to 80% of Mithi's population belongs to the Hindu community. Both Hindus and Muslims reportedly live peacefully and there have been no reports of religious intolerance.[4]
The town is located at 24°74'0N 69°80'0E with an altitude of 28 meters (92 feet).[5] It lies 450 kilometers from Karachi and is located in a desert area. The geography of Mithi is characterized by its arid landscape, typical of the Thar Desert, which influences the climate, agriculture, and daily life in the town. Water scarcity is a significant issue due to the desert terrain. The region is known for its unique flora and fauna adapted to the harsh desert conditions, as well as for the traditional mud-brick architecture found in the town.
Mithi is now considered the heart of Tharparkar District with a high level of economic and social activity.[3] It has seen a large increase in development. Significant numbers of people from all over the Tharparkar District have moved to the city.
According to the Thar Coal Mining Authority, preparations have been completed for them to start work on the open pit coal mine, which covers over 9,600 square km of Tharparkar District. 175 billion tonnes of coal, the world's 5th largest reserves of coal, are estimated to be available. The project has received financial assistance from China as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Almost 3,000 Chinese technicians and engineers are expected to arrive on site to help locals in running the heavy machinery. Roads, preliminary infrastructure and residential complexes for labourers are under construction.[6]
The population of Mithi is over 47,073 as of 2017 Mithi's primary local language is Dhatki, one of the Rajasthani languages of the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family. It is most closely related to Marwari. Sindhi is also widely understood by the local populace.
Majority of the population in Mithi belong to the Hindu community, and is one of the few areas of Sindh, Pakistan which are primarily non-Muslim.