[3] A Chinese pilgrim, Xuanzang, who visited the region in 629 AD mentioned Pashtuns living in Zhob.

[citation needed] Early in the 13th century the country came within the sphere of the Mongol raids organised by Genghis Khan.

In 1398 AD, an expedition against the Pashtuns of the area was led by Pir Muhammad, the grandson of Amir Timur.

Although no authentic information exists about any foreign occupation, many forts, mounds and karizes are attributed to the Mughals.

In the middle of the 18th century, Ahmed Shah granted a sanad (certificate) to Bekar Nika, fourth in descent from Jogi and the head of the Jogizai family, conferring upon him the title and position of "Badshah or Ruler of Zhob".

During the colonial era, the political agent resided in a building known as "the Castle" that lay to the north of the town and 150 feet (46 m) above the surface of the plain.

There is a small sanitarium, about 8,500 feet (2,600 m) above sea-level, about 30 miles (48 km) away at Shinghar on the Sulaiman range, to which resort is made in the summer months.

Unlike most of Balochistan, Zhob does receive rainfall on occasions from the monsoon, though this occurs very erratically.

On this route there is a heavy traffic of cargo and goods carrying vehicles to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

This road is very important for carrying goods from province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the sea port of Karachi.

A new project was proposed in 2021 to link Quetta with Peshawar via Bostan, Zhob, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Kohat.