Lithostratigraphy, Structure, Geological History, Economic Geology and Paleontology of Mari Bugti Hills and Surrounding Areas of Balochistan, South Punjab and North Sindh (Pakistan)

Mari Bugti hills and surroundings belong to Sulaiman basin (fragment of Gondwana) lies under the territory of Balochistan, South Punjab and North Sindh (Pakistan) but luckily have diverse marine and terrestrial sediments varying in age from Triassic to Recent, petroleum and a large number of mineral resources especially huge gypsum and cement resources, numerous suitable anticlinal structures and world-famous paleontology. The large-sized poripuchian titanosaurs, theropods, mesoeucrocodiles, pterosaur, bird and snake were reported from the latest Cretaceous Vitakri Formation, and largest terrestrial mammals and eucrocodiles were reported from the Oligocene Chitarwata Formation and other mammals were also reported from Late Paleogene and Neogene terrestrial deposits. Previously part of this area was not mapped due to remoteness and security problems but recently the mapping of these areas was started. Further, the structural and geological maps of previously omitted parts are added here. After performing the multidisciplinary field investigations by senior author, the corresponding results were obtained. The main objective of this work is to focus on the lithostratigraphic deposits, geology and paleontology of the Mari Bugti Hills and surrounding areas.


Introduction
Pakistan has both Gondwanan and Laurasian fragments and parts and also Te-

Materials and Methods
The materials belong to compiled data from previous work especially mentioned in references and also new field materials collected by present senior author during numerous field seasons regarding the lithology, stratigraphy, structure, economic geology and paleontology. The methods applied here are many disciplines of purely geological procedure and description.

Results and Discussion
Here the results and discussion are represented as the lithostratigraphy, structure, geological history, economic geology and paleontology of Mari Bugti hills and surrounding areas ( Figure 1) of Balochistan, South Punjab and North   boundary.
Wulgai Formation: Wulgai name is after the Wulgai village [33] near Muslimbagh and 16 kilometer (km) toward north from Khanozai town. Here it consists of lower shale unit, middle limestone, marl and shale unit and upper shale dominant unit. Its lower contact is not exposed while upper contact with Loralai Formation is transitional. Its age is Triassic.
Loralai Formation: The Loralai member of Shirinab Formation was named by [33] and upgraded as Loralai Formation by [1]. It represents mainly thin to medium bedded grey limestone with some grey shale and marl. It is mostly peak forming especially in the vicinity of Loralai, Mekhtar, Gadebar, Tor Thana, Anambar, etc. In these areas, the Chiltan Limestone is not developed. Its lower contact with Wulgai Formation and upper contact with Chiltan Limestone is conformable. Where the Chiltan Formation is missing, its upper contact with Sembar Formation is disconformable and represented by Jurassic-Cretaceous (J-K) boundary. This J-K boundary is well exposed in the northwest of Loralai area. Its age is lower to middle Jurassic.
Chiltan Limestone: The Chiltan Limestone was introduced after the Chiltan Koh south west of Quetta [1]. It consists of grey, massive and thick bedded biohermal or reefal limestone with negligible marl and shale. Its lower contact with Loralai Formation is conformable and transitional while upper contact with Sembar formation is disconformable and at places conformable. Its age is Middle to Late Jurassic.
Dilband Formation: Dilband Formation was introduced by [34] and designated three members like lower Jarositic clay member (light grey to brown), middle ironstone member (reddish), and upper green glauconitic shale member. Dilband Formation (syn; Mazar Drik Formation) existed upto 20m yellow to red coloured weather belt of marl and shale on the contact of Loralai and Sembar formations, exposed in the Loralai and surrounding areas. The conspicuous reddish brown and maroon muds alternated with marly silty beds (significant for paleontological collections on J/K boundary) found in the north of Tor Thana village (just at the southern base of major ridge. It represents lacustrine and terrestrial depositions of J/K transitions. Parh Group: The Early Cretaceous Parh Group [1] [6] [7] [10] includes the Sembar, Mekhtar, Goru and Parh formations. All formations of Parh Group are exposed in the northern and western part of study area like Musa Khel Bazaar, Mekhtar, Loralai, Mazar Drik and Sembar type localities (north of Pazha), Sanjawi, Ziarat, Sor Range-Deghari and Quetta surroundings. While its upper formations are also dispersely (as disseminated) exposed in the core of anticlines like Fort Munro anticline (at Shadiani section), Mazara (at Hanki section between Kachar and Barkhan valleys), Triman, Tadri and Gamboli anticlines and Hosri and Alif Mir Jan thrusts.
Sembar Formation: The term Sembar Formation was proposed by [33]. It consists of mainly shale with minor siltstone and marly beds. The thickness of this formation is estimated 400 -800 m. Tor Ghundi pegmatite [35] located at latitude 30˚18'04"N and longitude 68˚48'51"E and intruded in the Sembar shale in the east of Loralai town, south of Shabozai village and southwest of Kasa syncline. This pegmatite consists of feldspar and subordinate mica crystal (3 -5 cm). It is a circular pipe or plug type (about 1 km in diameter) surrounded dolerite type igneous rocks and then by Parh limestone and Sembar Shale of Parh Group. This pegmatite is scarce in quartz. There is another showing about 2 km in the east from this main plug/pipe in Sembar shale. The reference [36] reported it as Tor Ghar nepheline synites. The lower contact of Sembar Shale with Dilband ferruginous beds, Chiltan limestones (where Dilband Formation is missing) and Loralai Formation (where Dilband and Chiltan Formation is missing) are transitional, disconformable to conformable. The upper contact of Sembar shale with Mekhtar Formation is sharp and conformable found in the western part of Sulaiman and Kirthar basins and with Goru Formation is transitional and conformable where Mekhtar Formation is not developed especially in the western part of Sulaiman and Kirthar basins. Recently dinosaurs Brohisaurus kirthari titanosauriform fossils found from Sun Chaku (Karkh area) and Charoh (Zidi area) localities of Khuzdar district (Kirthar range) [37]. Its age is Early Cretaceous.
Mekhtar Formation: Three members of Sembar formation as lower shale, middle Mekhtar sandstone and upper shale members were established [7]. The Mekhtar sandstone member was upgraded as Mekhtar Formation [9]. Its type locality (latitude 30˚28'03"N and longitude 69˚22'34''E) is just south of Mekhtar town and just east of Mekhtar-Chamalang road (toposheet 39F/7). This sandstone is oil reservoir rocks in Kirthar basin commonly called Goru Sandstone. It mostly consists of sandstone and siltstone with some shale and marl. At type locality it is round about 100 m thick lensoid shape Pab like quartzose sandstone. It is exposed in the Mekhtar area of Loralai, Murgha Kibzai area of Zhob and Dhana Sar area of Shirani district. Its lower contact with Sembar shale and upper contact with Goru Formation is sharp, abrupt and reduced transitional. Its age is Early Cretaceous.
Goru Formation: The Goru Formation was introduced by [33]. It consists of shale (grey, khaki and calcareous) and marl (grey, cream white, thin to thick bedded and porcellaneous). It is 300 m thick. Its lower and upper contact with Sembar and Parh formations is transitional and conformable. Its age is Early Cretaceous.
Parh Formation: The term Parh was introduced by [38]. The reference [33] redefined as limestone between Goru and Mughalkot formations. It consists of mainly limestone with minor marl and shale. Limestone is white, medium to thick bedded and porcellaneous. Marl is grey to cream white, thin to thick bedded and porcellaneous. Shale is grey, maroon and calcareous. At places cherty beds are common. It is 60 m thick. Its lower and upper contacts with Goru and Mughalkot formations are transitional and conformable respectively. Its age is Early Cretaceous.
Fort Munro Group: The Late Cretaceous Fort Munro Group was introduced by [6]. The type section Girdu and surrounding area just exposed on the sides of Fort Munro-Dera Ghazi Khan road (lat. 29˚57'14"N; long. 70˚10'38"E; toposheet 39 K/1). Its upper contact with Sangiali Group is found in the Girdu area while its lower contact with Parh Group (i.e. the lower contact of Mughalkot Formation with Parh limestone) is exposed in Shadiani section (Toposheet 39 J/4) of Fort Munro area located on the north of Girdu area and on the core axis of Fort Munro anticline. Ai Shadiani section the OGDCL drilled hole of petroleum resources. Fort Munro Group includes the Mughal Kot, Fort Munro, Pab and Vitakri formations.
Mughalkot Formation: The term Mughal Kot Formation was introduced by [33]. It is exposed in the western and northern part of investigated area. It consists of shale and sandstone with minor marly beds. The shale is grey, khaki and calcareous. The sandstone is white to grey, quartzose, thin to thick bedded and medium to coarse grained, mostly weathered as dark grey to black. The marl is grey to cream white, thin bedded and porcellaneous. It is 1200 m thick in the north of study areas while in the west the thickness is reduced. Its lower and upper contact with Parh and Fort Munro formations is also transitional and conformable. Its age is Late Cretaceous. Vitakri Formation: The Vitakri member (the upper member of Pab Formation) was introduced by [40] and later it was upgraded as Vitakri Formation [6] (Type locality Vitakri area, lat. 29˚41'19"N; long. 69˚23'02"E; Figure 5)) due to its distinct lithology, depositional environments and lateral extension [7]. Vitakri village is about 30 Km in the south-southwest of Barkhan town. It consists of two units of variegated but dominantly maroon shale or mud intercalated and also capped by sandstone units. Its thickness varies from 1 m to 30 m. It is common thought that in the Musafarpur and surrounding areas (territory of Qila Saifullah and Zhob districts) the maroon shale and white to grey sandstone are reposited, which indicates later age than Pab sandstone. Due to redeposition of Pab sandstone revealed latest Cretaceous age which is coeval to Vitakri For- Sangiali Formation: The Sangiali Formation introduced by [6]. It is exposed only in the Vitakri and surrounding areas. It consists of brown limestone, green sandstone with subordinate green shale. The limestone is brown, thin to medium bedded and bivalves bearing. The sandstone is green to grey, thin to thick bedded and fine to coarse grained, quartzose, and mostly weathered as dark grey to black. The shale is green and grey, and calcareous to noncalcareous. Some lowermost coquina beds including nautiloids of Sangiali formation are also observed just above the latest Cretaceous mud/sandstone of Vitakri Formation.
This differentiation line is Cretaceous Tertiary Boundary. Its age is Early Paleocene.
Rakhi Gaj Formation: The lower Rakhi Gaj shales were introduced by [33] and Rakhi Gaj Formation was adopted by [4]. It is exposed in the central, north-ern, eastern and western parts of study area. It is subdivided into lower Girdu member (thick bedded grey to green and variegated ferruginous and fossiliferous sandstone) and upper Bawata member (green, grey and dark grey shale with some ferruginous and fossiliferous siltstone and sandstone) [7]. It derived from Deccan volcanics. It hosts low grade iron deposits in Fort Munro and surroundings [7]. In Mari Bugti hills (except Vitakri area and surroundings), the Rakhi Gaj sandstone is observed just above the Cretaceous Paleogene Boundary. It is 100 -200 m thick. The lower contact with Sangiali (Vitakri areas) is conformable, with Vitakri (where Sangiali is missing) and Pab (where Sangiali and Vitakri both missed) formations are disconformable. The upper contact with Dungan Formation is conformable. Its age is Early Paleocene. Chamalang Group: Chamalang Group was first named by [44] and formally described by [7]. The Early Eocene Chamalang Group represents Shaheed Ghat, Toi, Kingri, Drug and Baska formations. The name Chamalang Group is preferred than Ghazij Group due to well exposed and thick individual formations with well lower and upper contact in Chamalang area and also easy accessibility.
Further Kingri Formation is not well developed in the Spintangi area where Ghazij name was based; consequently the Chamalang Group was adopted [7] where all formations have well developed lower and upper contacts and vast extension. The type section for Chamalang Group is the Chamalang area (latitude 30˚10'N; longitude 69˚25'E).
Shaheed Ghat Formation: The Shaheed Ghat Formation was named by [45] for the upper Rakhi Gaj and green nodular shales of [46]. It is vastly exposed and forms valleys. It consists of mainly shale/mud with negligible silt and sandy beds. Oil Company during meeting of stratigraphic Committee of Pakistan [4]. The type Toi Nala found in Mughal Kot area with mistyped grid reference by [4], while correct references are latitude 31˚29'N and longitude 70˚07'E. It is exposed in the northern and western part of study area. It consists of marl, sandstone, shale and coal. As lateral variation, this formation is being thin and may be finishing in southern and eastern parts. And further north at the south of Mughal Kingri Formation: The term Kingri Formation was first used in 2009 [6]. The type section of Kingri Formation is the just northwest of Kingri town at latitude 30˚28'N; longitude 69˚47'E [7]. It consists of terrestrial mollase reds shale/mud with subordinate grey sandstone. The shale is mostly red and maroon and sandy and silty and calcareous. It is exposed in the northern and western parts of study area. It is 700 -1000 m thick in the type section (Kingri area of Musakhel district, Balochistan) and also same in Drazinda Shirani section (FR D.I.Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). It extends toward Mach and Johan (Kalat), Balochistan in the southwest and also extends in the north upto Hangu (Kohat sub basin) where it is called Gurguri sandstone. It represents the flood plain or overbank fines along with channel sandstone. It is pinching rapidly eastward and absent in areas of D.G. Khan, Rajan Pur and Dera Bugti districts. Its lower contact with Toi and upper contact with Drug Formation are disconfirmable. Its age is Early Eocene.
Drug Formation: The name Drug Formation was used by [45] for the rubbly limestone of Eames [46]. The reference [4]  Baska Formation: The name Baska shale is proposed by the [47] to replace the descriptive term "shale with alabaster" of [46]. It is widely exposed in the Mari Bugti hills and surroundings. It consists of thick gypsum beds, shale, siltstone and marl. The gypsum is grey to grayish white, medium to thick bedded and massive. The shale is grey, khaki and calcareous. The siltstone is greenish grey to grey and thin to medium bedded. The marl is cream white, thin to medium bedded and porcellaneous. The shale is grey, khaki and calcareous. Its Habib Rahi Formation: The Habib Rahi limestone was used by [49]. The type locality grid reference (lat. 29˚06'10"N; long. 69˚02'30"E) was first reported by [7] which are located 10 -15 km in the west of Dera Bugti town and geologically located on the southern limb of Pir Koh anticline [7]. It consists of white to light brown porcellaneous limestone and marl and grey shale. Its thickness at southern limb of Pirkoh anticline is estimated 80 m with vertical changes as 40 m limestone alternated with shale and marl, 33 m shale, and upper 7 m limestone. As lateral variation, this formation is relatively more and maximum thick in the south than the exposures in the eastern and northern Sulaiman foldbelt. Its lower contact with Baska Formation and upper contact with Domanda Formation are transitional. Its age is Early Eocene.
Domanda Formation: The Drazinda shale member was used by [46]. It con- Pirkoh Formation: White marl band of [46] has been used as Pir Koh limestone member by [47]. It was used as Formation by [4]. It consists of white porcellaneous limestone and marl, and grey shale. At type locality its thickness is es- Drazinda Formation: The Drazinda shale member was used by [47]. It was used as Formation by [4]. It consists of mainly shale/muds, and marl. The shale is chocolate, khaki and calcareous. Marl is cream white, thin to thick bedded, massive and porcellaneous. Its thickness at Pirkoh section is estimated 120 m which comprising of 12m chalky white marl and shale, 40 m chocolate shale, 12 m chalky white marl and shale, 40 -45 m chocolate shale, and upper 12 m chalky white to grey marl and shale. Its thickness is maximum at type area and relatively less in Mari Bugti hills of southern Sulaiman. Its lower contact with Pirkoh Formation is conformable while upper contact with Chitarwata Formation is disconformable. Its age is early to middle Eocene.
Vihowa Group: The term Vihowa Group was first used in 2009 [6]. Its type section is Vihowa Rud (latitude 31˚04'N; longitude 70˚16'E) [7]. The Oligo-  [47]. Its type section is Chitarwata Post (lat. 31˚03'N; long. 70˚14'E). It consists of mainly terrestrial sandstone, shale and conglomerate. Its thickness estimated in Dera Bugti areas is 130 m which comprising of 3 -4 m red mud, 1m basal conglomerate and 125 m-alternated sandstone with shale and conglomerate. It is prominent resistant ridge forming. Its lower contact with Domanda Formation and upper contact with Vihowa Formation is disconformable. It is synonymous with Bugti bone beds or Bugti formation. It is the host of largest land mammals found at Dera Bugti and Taunsa areas. Its age is Oligocene.
Vihowa Formation: It was used by [47]. It consists of terrestrial shale, sandstone and conglomerate with general pink maroon appearance. It is 500 -650 m thick at Dera Bugti area. Its lower contact with Chitarwata and upper contact with Litra Formation is disconformable. It hosts continental vertebrates. Its age is Oligocene-Miocene.
Litra Formation: It was first used by [47]. It consists of terrestrial grey to green sandstone with subordinate shale and conglomerate. It is 500 m thick at Dera Bugti areas. Its lower contact with Vihowa and upper contact with Chaudhwan Formation is disconformable. It is the host of continental vertebrates. Its age is Miocene.
Chaudhwan Formation: It was first used by [47]. It consists of terrestrial alternated maroon mudstone/shale, sandstone and conglomerate. It is 500 -650 m thick at Dera Bugti areas. Its lower contact with Litra Formation is disconformable and upper contact with Dada Formation is disconformable and at places angular. This formation is the host of continental vertebrates. Its age is Miocene-Pliocene.
Sakhi Sarwar Group: The name of Sakhi Sarwar Group was proposed in 2012 [28]. The type section is designated here at latitude 29˚59'37"N and longitude 70˚18'04"E) which is located at the west of Sakhi Sarwar town and also on the west of D.G.Khan-Fort Munro road. The Pleistocene-Holocene Sakhi Sarwar Group [28] includes the Pleistocene Dada (mainly conglomerate) and Holocene Sakhi Sarwar (clays, silt, sandstone and conglomerate) formations [28].
Dada Formation: Its name derived from Dada River (lat. 29˚50'N; long. 68˚03'E) at south of Spintangi Railway station [1]. It consists of prominent resistant belt of conglomerate with subordinate shale and sandstone. Its lower contact with Dhok Pathan and upper contact with Sakhi Sarwar formations are disconfirmable and at places angular. It is 200 -300 m thick at Sakhi Sarwar (D.G.Khan) and type area. Its lower contact with Chaudhwan Formation and upper contact with Sakhi Sarwar is conformable and at places angular especially with subrecent alluvium. Its age is Pleistocene.
Sakhi Sarwar Formation: Sakhi Sarwar Formation was named in 2012 [28]. The type section is designated here (latitude 29˚59'37"N; longitude 70˚18'04"E) which is located on the west of Sakhi Sarwar town and also on the west of D.G.Khan-Fort Munro road. Further it is also well developed and well exposed (latitude 29˚59'37"N; longitude 70˚18'04"E) on the northern plunge of Choti Bala anticline just on the east of Sakhi Sarwar town and just near the south of D.G.Khan-Fort Munro metallic road. It is exposed in the southern and eastern part of study area. Sakhi Sarwar Formation consists of varicolored clays, sandstone, siltstone and conglomerate. It is 200 -300 m thick at type area. Its lower contact with Dada conglomerate and upper contact with Subrecent alluvium is transitional and at places anugular. Its age is Holocene.
Subrecent and Recent deposits: These are found as Terrace Alluvial deposits; Fan Alluvial deposits; Colluvial deposits; Mixed sand, silt and clay deposits (non-cultivated lands); Mixed sand, silt and clay deposits (cultivated lands); and Present Channel alluvial deposits.

Structure of Mari Bugti Hills and Surrounding Areas, Balochistan, South Punjab and North Sindh, Pakistan
The major folds (alternated anticlines and synclines) and major faults in the different parts of Mari Bugti hills and surrounding areas are presented as below.
Many of the following mentioned large anticlines and synclines in actual are anticlinoria and synclinoria because they have superimposed minor foldings.   Ghat as core formation. The Andar Pur anticline is found in the eastern part of area with low to moderate dips and Dungan as core formation. Rarkhan (Rarkan) syncline is located in the eastern part and has low to moderate dips and Drug is the Core Formation. This syncline is followed by Rarkhan Thrust fault.

Major Folded Structures (Alternated Anticlines and Synclines) in the North Eastern Part of Mari Bugti Hills and Surrounding Areas, Balochistan and South Punjab, Pakistan
Manjhail syncline is located on the south eastern corner of area with moderate to high dips on limbs and Drazinda as core formation. Kingri strike slip fault (left lateral fault) trending NNW crosses the Kingri quadrangle area [25]. Savi Ragha syncline is located in the eastern part and has low to moderate dips and Drazinda as core formation. Pahlwan Kach anticline is located on the eastern part of area with moderate to high dips on limbs and Shaheed Ghat as core formation [27].  [24].

Structures of Northern Part of Mari Bugti Hills and Surrounding Areas, Balochistan Province, Pakistan
The structural features of northern areas are Barkhan-Kachi Bohri syncline joined with Mawand syncline (low to moderate dip), northern Kachi Bohri-Fazil Chel-Gamboli anticline, Dada Sahib Ziarat syncline (low to moderate dip), Jandran anticline, Kohlu syncline (low to high dip; western plunge is w-shaped) and Kali Chapri anticline joined with Kishk-northern Gamboli anticline (Kali Chapri anticline is low to moderate dip; Kishk anticline is thrusted mostly high dip anticline), Pazha syncline (high to moderate dip), Mazar Drik Sembar anticline (north of Pazha), thrusted Siah Koh Hosri anticline and thrusted Alif Mirjan-Manzai anticline, southern Duki anticline (low dip) and Duki city syncline (low to moderate dip) (Figures 3-7). Further the major structures of northern areas like Chamalang-eastern Hosri quadrangle (39 F/8) and Bahlol-Baghao quadrangle (39 F/12) areas consists of many alternations of synclines and anticlines generally trending NE. Starting from northwest, the Dhadhar Koh anticline is located in the northwestern corner of quadrangle area and represent moderate dips, and latest Cretaceous Mughalkot as core formation. Bahlol syncline located in the northwestern part of quadrangle area and include moderate to high dips of strata and Domanda as core formation. Its southeastern limb is mostly overturned. It followed by the Nosham anticline which shows moderate to high dips, and north western limb is mostly overturned, and Dungan as core formation. Chuchandai syncline is located in the central part and has moderate to high dips and Drazinda as core formation. This syncline is followed by Lundi Sar anticline with moderate to high dips and Toi as core formation. Baghao syncline is located in the eastern part and has moderate to high dips and Domanda as core formation which is mostly covered by alluvium. This syncline is followed by Chapar anticline with moderate to high dips and Drug as core formation. Nizamwali syncline is located in the eastern part and has moderate to high dips and Drug as core formation. This syncline is followed by Lohari anticline with moderate to high dips and Drug as core formation. Narwel anticline is located in the southeastern part and has moderate to high dips and Drug as core formation. Narwel syncline is located in the southeastern part and has moderate to high dips and Drug as core formation. Nodo syncline is located in the southeastern part of quadrangle and has moderate to high dips and Shaheed Ghat as core formation [22] [23]. Further the structures of northern surroundings of Mari Bugti areas like Spin Ghar, Tatre and Gadebar anticlines and other folding reported in Mekhtar quadrangle 39 F/7 [21], Kotkai-Tor Thana quadrangle 39 F/3 [19], Shabozai quadrangle 39 B/15 [18] and Loralai quadrangle 39 B/11 [17].

Structure of Southwestern Part of Mari Bugti Hills and Surrounding Areas, Balochistan Province, Pakistan
In the Mandai-Babar Kach-Badra-Sangan-e-Pain areas of Sibi and Bolan (Kachi/ Dhadhar) district, the synclines are open (low dip) while anticlines are tight or closed (high dip). The axis of folding in these areas are generally north south in the west and east west in the east. The Gamboli foldings (atleast four anticlines alternated by four synclines) started from Mawand (east) run upto Spin Tangi areas (west) and traversing from Mandai-Babar Kach (south) areas to Pazha areas (north) ( Figure 5). Further north Pazha syncline, Mazar Drik Sembar anticline, southern Duki anticline (low dip) and Duki syncline (low to moderate dip). The westward from Sangan-e-Pain areas, the Marwar-Zardalu anticline and Urak synclinorium occurred. Many foldings are found in the Gamboli, Pazha and Spin Tangi areas (westward from Mawand to Spin Tangi to Harnai to Ziarat areas), here Pre K-T boundary rocks form the core of anticlines and post K-T rocks found on the core and also on limb of anticlines and synclines. Here latest Cretaceous Pab sandstones, Paleocene Dungan and Eocene Drug, Habib Rahi and Pirkoh limestones form the peak of structures due to resistant lithology, while dominant shale lithology form the valleys and sub plain areas. It is very interesting that a continuous exposure of Shaheed Ghat shale capped by Drug rubbly limestones is found as belt in the easternmost Sulaiman foldbelt and also from Phailawagh to Sori and Lehri Nala (north of Kahan and south of Tadri) to south of Khatan to south of Gamboli to south of Spin Tangi-Harnai-Shahrig-Khost-Zardalu. Further southward from Drug rubbly limestones belt, the Chamalang (upper), Kahan, Vihowa and Sakhi Sarwar groups are exposed.

Major Faults in the Mari Bugti Hills and Surrounding Areas, Balochistan and South Punjab, Pakistan
The following major faults are found in the Mari-Bugti hills and surrounding areas of Balochistan, South Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces (Pakistan). Hosri-Nana Sahib Ziarat thrust fault trending generally east-west and upthrusted and travelled more than 1 km (relative movement) by upthrusted wall/limb (Figure 7). Here the oldest Sembar shale along with other formations of Parh Group and caped by Fort Munro and Sangiali is thrusted on possible Early Eocene Shaheed Ghat shale of Chamalang Group. Here the lower Cretaceous Sembar shale seems to be contacted with Early Eocene Shaheed Ghat shale. The other imbricated thrust is Luni-Alif Mir Jan-Manzai thrust. Here the oldest Parh limestone of Parh Group and caped by Fort Munro and Sangiali is thrusted on possible Early Eocene Shaheed Ghat shale of Chamalang Group. Here the Parh limestone seems to be faulted contacted with Shaheed Ghat shale. Both these thrust show imbrications style (Figure 7).
The Rarkhan-western Hinglun Thrust fault is trending generally northeast-southwest and upthrusted and travelled more than 1 km (relative movement) by the upthrusted limb. Here the oldest Pab sandstone of Fort Munro Group and caped by Sangiali Group is thrusted on possible Early-middle Eocene Drug rubbly limestone of Chamalang Group. Here the Pab sandstone has faulted contacted with Drug rubbly marly limestone. The Rarkhan village and southward road to Rakhni upto Chapar bend is situated on the thrust line. The Drug rubbly marly limestone is exposed on the southwest of Rarkhan village and just southeast of last Rarkhan petrol pump and also just south of PTCL tower track. This trust line partially overlapped with Kingri-Rakhni fault ( Figure 6).
The Domanda-Zamri-Sata Post-eastern Gulki Thrust fault is trending generally north-south and upthrusted and travelled more than half kilometer by the upthrusted limb. At Domanda area the oldest Baska gypsum of Chamalang Group (and caped by younger strata upto Chaudhwan formation of Vihowa Group and Dada and Sakhi Sarwar formations of Sakhi Sarwar Group) is thrusted on different formations mostly Drazinda and Domanda shales. It runs upto north at the mid distance between Drazinda and Draban town and further northward covered by alluvium. This fault extends discontinuously upto southward to Zamri, Sata Post and east of Gulki area.
The Kachi Bohri thrusted pipe is also found on the eastern plunge of Kachi Bohri-Fazil Chel-Gamboli anticline. Here red to maroon muds and grey to white sandstone of latest Cretaceous Vitakri Formation (along with Pab sandstone) were uplifted and extruded as pipe like. This thrusted pipe forms colluvial gravity flows on adjacent younger sediments (Figure 3). It is necessary to mention that there are atleast three Bohri localities like first is Mari Bohri (Barkhan district), the second Kachi Bohri locality (Barkhan district) which is about 5 -6 km toward north from Mari Bohri locality, the third locality is Bohri locality just south of Kohlu town (Kohlu district). Like this but relatively small and low Shalghara thrusted pipe was also found in Shalghara locality (locality 3 of dino-  Figure 6). Fazil Chel fault was found on the contact of southeastern plunge of Jandran anticline and northern limb of Fazil Chel anticline ( Figure 5). Major strike slip fault is Kingri-Rakhni fault. This fault is more than 50 km long starting from Chacha (Rajanpur district) to Phuliani to Rakhni to Rarkhan (Ranrkan; Rarkan) to Kingri to west of Musakhel bazaar town. Its relative movement is about 2-3km at Chaper bend which is decreasing northward and also southward. It hits many formations of Mesozoic and Cenozoic age. Its relative movement shows left lateral strike slip fault ( Figure 6).
Daragal-Phailawagh strike slip fault is trending generally north east-south west ( Figure 6). It hits Pab, Vitakri, Rakhi Gaj, Dungan and Shaheed Ghat formations. It also seems to be left lateral strike slip fault.

Geological History and Depositional Environments of Sediments of Mari Bugti Hills and Surroundings, Balochistan and South Punjab, Pakistan
The Water Resources: The valley areas of Mari Bugti hills include the Eocene shales which are partly exposed and partly covered by thin cover of Subrecent and recent alluvium or rarely eolian. The perennial streams yield also brackish and saline water. The Eocene shale makes water brackish and further gypsum beds of Baska and also Domanda formation plays more role to make water brackish. Fresh water springs are rare in bed rocks like limestones, marl and sandstones. Government facilities for fresh water supply are also rare, partly due to disperse houses. Mostly due to thin alluvium cover on bed rock, the fresh water is also minor to small. Most of the dispersed population of Mari Bugti areas use small mud dam for drinking water. During scarcity of rain they use brackish saline water [7] [8] [58]. Consequently the medium and small dams (as mentioned in recommendations) are urgent for drinking and cultivations which can play major role for the development of the Mari Bugti areas and consequently for Balochistan and Pakistan. I again request from authority to construct small dams for dispersed local population of Mari Bugti hills. Rare water springs in limestone and sandstones are fresh and mostly away from jhugi or homes. Further the disperse population of Mari Bugti tribes need assistance for construction of mud and brick houses to replace jhugi. Jhugi is arc type room made of wood. The hot water springs in the Mahiwal and Karu of Loralai district and Zinda Pir and Garmaf localities of Taunsa area of D.G.Khan district were also reported [7] [8] [58].   [72], uranium and other radioactive minerals [73], silica sands [7] [8], silica sand from Chitarwata Formation of Dera Bugti (Figure 5), quartzite/quartzose sandstone, gemstones and jewelry resources especially chert and jasper and others from older rocks and also from placer mollase Vihowa Group and rarely copper minerals were also reported from Mari Bugti hills and surroundings [7] [8] [54]. Paleontological discoveries and further explorations in the Mari Bugti hills and surroundings attract foreign researcher and play role for development of area and economic significance.

Paleontology of Mari Bugti Hills and Surrounding Areas, Balochistan and South Punjab, Pakistan
Mari Bugti hills and surroundings are rich in Mesozoic and Cenozoic vertebrate and invertebrate fossils. Previously many workers reported many diverse inver-

Poripuchian Titanosaurs and Other Biotas from the Mesozoic of Mari Bugti Hills and Surroundings, Balochistan and South Punjab, Pakistan
Poripuchian titanosaurian sauropods from the Latest Cretaceous Vitakri Formation of Pakistan: From India dinosaurs discovered since about 2 centuries ago [75] [32]. Recently found titanosaur materials from Pakistan are considerably more than the titanosaur materials reported from India since round about 2 centuries ago. Some Pakistani titanosaurs consist of cranial and postcranial associated skeletons (Figure 8) while some have vertebral and appendicular associated assemblages. Further most of Pakistani titanosaurs show overlapping holotypic bones with each other which provide the best opportunity for correlation and comparison among each other and coeval titanosaurian sauropods from India and also from global world. Titanosaurian osteoderms and armor bones reported from Pakistan in 2003 which were first reported from Asia and also Indo-Pakistan subcontinent [80]. Later these were assigned to species level [32] [76]. Gspsaurus is represented by combination of diagnostic features like V-shaped teeth row converged anteriorly (Figure 8), conical and long teeth (not closely contact but slightly spaced especially the mid of row); large sized snout ( Figure 8) than Saraikimasoom; slightly spaced teeth; broad and constricted occipital condyle with decurved and much taller Paroccipital processes of braincase; slightly tall caudals with ventral reduction but less than ventral reduction of caudals of Balochisaurus; relatively more transversely expanded proximal tibia (biconvex lense shaped with slightly more anteroposterior width than transverse width) than Pakisaurus and Sulaimanisaurus but less than Balochisaurus; and distal tibia is transversely broad with parallelogram    [42]. Mithasaraikistan ikniazi (Mithasaraikistanidae represents broad rostrum) has transversely wide snout [42] while Pabwehshi and Induszalim have deep snout [42]. Teeth size and orientation differentiate these from others.
Khuzdarcroco was based on a partial slender rib [32]. Snake from the Latest Cretaceous Vitakri Formation of Pakistan: Wadanaang with slender and straight teeth only recurved on tip [32] [42] differed from the stocky and low angle arc shaped teeth of Sanajeh. Wadanaang precloacal vertebra has ventral keel and relatively broader neural canal.
Pterosaur from the Latest Cretaceous Vitakri Formation of Pakistan: Toothed Pterosaur Saraikisaurus based on slender and pneumatic lower beak with partially overlapped oval teeth [42].
Bird from the Latest Cretaceous Vitakri Formation of Pakistan: Wasaibpanchi is the first Cretaceous bird in Indo-Pakistan subcontinent which has asymmetric heterodont trigonal and triconvex relatively less transversely compressed teeth (with broad base and asymmetric anterior and distal ends) while Archaeopteryx, Hesperornis and Ichthyornis have flattened and transversely more compressed teeth. Wasaibpanchi bore long conical teeth while Pengornis bore short blunted teeth to eat arthropods. Wasaibpanchi bore relatively less transversely compressed large teeth while bohaiornithids enantiornitheans bore strongly transversely compressed large, robust and somewhat conical teeth. Wasaibpanchi bore long teeth while Gobipteryx has no teeth. Wasaibpanchi has larger teeth cavity which is enveloped by blue thin enamel layer and then outer thin white enamel layer, while Archaeopteryx has flattened enamel crown set upon a wider semi elliptical bony base, and theropods and mesoeucrocodiles from Pakistan have relatively thick enamel on short core cavity. The Wadanaang snake and Wasaibpanchi bird (possibly with Induszalim mesoeucrocodile and Vitakridrinda theropod) were preying on the egg (possibly egg nesting) of Gspsaurus titanosaurian sauropod and also its carcass [32] [42].
Archosaurs footprints and trackways from Mesozoic of Pakistan: A natural cast of titanosaurian sauropod Sauropaonia Dgkhansauroperus maarri [32] (=Dgkhansaurus maarri [31]) was reported from the latest Cretaceous Pab sandstone of Maarri peak area of Rajanpur district, South Punjab [83]. A pes of sauropod Sauropaonia Chiltansauroperus nicki [32] (=Chiltanpaer nicki [42] [74]. Preserved wood is 24 cm long with 20 cm diameter. It is a soft wood which indicating its assignment to gymnosperms. This petrified wood stem is fibrous showing its assignment to angiosperms or it may bay be phloem and xylem of gymnosperms.

Largest land Mammals and Other Vertebrates from the Cenozoic of Mari Bugti Hills and Surroundings, Balochistan and South
Punjab, Pakistan The first time vertebrates like mastodon, hippopotamus, partial jaws and bones of crocodiles from Bugti hills were reported by [85]. He reported the richness of fossils like that many cart loads of bones can be collected from an acre land in the Late Tertiary terrestrial strata of Khumbi and Dera Bugti areas. Later Tertiary fossils were reported from the Bugti areas by [38] [86] [87] [88]. Paraceratherium (syn; Baluchitherium, Indricotherium) Paraceratheriinae Paraceratheriidae Perissodactyla largest land mammal was reported from Bugti area [88].

Recently Discovered Flora and Fauna from Pakistan
Recent paleontological exploration during 2000-2022 has shown 51 new taxa of biotas from Pakistan. Among these 1 bone taxa of titanosauriform (Brohisaurus kirthari), 11 bone skeleton taxa and 2 ichnotaxa of titanosaurian sauropods, 2 ichnotaxa of ornithischian or titanosaurian sauropods like Malakhelisauroperus and Pashtosauroperus, 2 bone taxa and 2 ichnotaxa of theropods, 6 taxa of crocodiles, 1 bone taxon and 1 ichnotaxon of pterosaur (flying reptiles), 1 taxon of snake, 1 taxon of bird, 1 taxon of plesiosaur (marine reptile), 3 taxa of fishes, 9 taxa of mammals, 7 taxa of invertebrates and 1 taxon of tree plant were reported [32] [42]. Most of these taxa are mentioned above, some are being mentioned below. Besides nine titanosaur taxa as shown above, the Malkanisaurus balochi (after the Malkani tribe and Baloch tribe respectively) which is the synonym of Balochisaurus malkani (after the Baloch and Malkani tribes) and Anokhadino mirliaquati (after the Mir Liaquat Mari son of Maojan Mari and Mir Muhammad Khetran of Vitakri) which is the synonym of Pakisaurus balochistani (honoring the host country Pakistan and host province Balochistan) were also reported. Anokhadino mirliaquati was based on cranial and postcranial skeleton reported from lower Bor locality. Later on Anokhadino mirliaquati assemblage was referred to Pakisaurus balochistani on the overlapping of vertebral and limb elements matching shapes and features. Besides Kahamachli harrandlundi which is mentioned as above, the other 2 taxa of fishes like Muzaffarabadmachli abbottabadi from Cambrian dolomitic limestone of Abbottabad Formation of Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir and Karkhimachli sangiali from Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary strata of Karkh area of Khuzdar district, Balochistan were reported [32]. Further a marine reptile plesiosaur Zahrisaurus kilmoolai from Jurassic Chiltan limestone of Kil locality and a Sirenian Kilgai moolakharzani from Eocene Shaheed Ghat shale of Kil locality of Moola Kharzan area of Khuzdar district, invertebrates centipedes Nisaukankoil beakeri and Phailawaghkankoil derabugti from the Early Paleocene Sangiali Formation of boarder area of Nisau (Kohlu district) and Beaker and Phailawagh (Dera Bugti district), the starfish Mulastar zahri from Early Eocene Shaheed Ghat shale of southeastern Kharzan area, the bivalve Pakiring kharzani from the latest Cretaceous Vitakri Formation of north Kharzan area, and the nautiloids Pakiwheel karkhi and Pakiwheel vitakri were reported from the early Paleocene Sangiali Formation of Karkh (Khuzdar) and Vitakri (Barkhan district), Balochistan were reported [32]. The significant mammals whales, Artiocetus clavis and Rodhocetus balochistanensis from Lakha Kach Rakhni areas were also reported [92].

Conclusions and Recommendations
Mari Bugti hills and surroundings revealed diverse lithostratigraphy, mostly alternated anticlines and synclines, marine and terrestrial environmental geological history, suitable structures for petroleum resources, vast and huge gypsum and cement resources demand urgent need for installation of cement industries, and other minerals like coal, celestite, construction materials, many suitable sites for water dam construction, biodiverse archosaurs especially distinguished titanosaurs and mesoeucrocodiles, pterosaur, bird and snake, and the largest land mammals.
Mari Bugti hills and surrounding areas need construction of small and medium sized dams (on Kaha, Chachar, Khargani, Belab, Karigari Poh, Khalgiri Zangy, Nilobar, Suki Ghazi, Bagga Khosra, Sakhi Bor Bakhsh (Bux), Bazi, Munni, Jhabar, Sori, Lehri, Kalani, Kahan, Bejhi, Mawand, Vitakri, and other major streams) and road connectivity for the development of agricultural resources, petroleum resources, vast cement and gypsum resources and other minerals and paleontological explorations which can play major role for the development of areas of Balochistan. The road connectivity needed from Dera Bugti to Loti to Giandari to Rojhan, Giandari to Rajanpur, Dera Bugti to Sham (Sham of Sardar Wadera Shero Bugti) to Kalchas to Lundi Saidan, Beaker to Sham to Giandari, Phailawagh to Beaker to Mat to Rakhni, Rakhni to Chacha to Chitri to Sakhi Bor Bux (Bakhsh), Lundi Saidan to Sakhi Bor Bux to Choti Bala, Vitakri to Makhmar, Vitakri to Beaker, Sibi to Kahan to Kohlu, Sibi to Mawand to Kohlu, Sibi to Mandai to Gamboli to Pazha, Kohlu to Gamboli, Gamboli to Spin Tangi, Pazha to Pur to Harnai, Sibi to Babar Kach to Spin Tangi to Harnai, Sibi to Badra to Sangan-e-Pain to Shahrig, Abegum to Marwar to Zardalu, Abegum to Sangan-e-Pain. Some roads are available but most of these need to be constructed for the development of natural resources.