CHAPTER - 1

INTRODUCTION

THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME OF BUNER

It is not known that when the area was named as Buner and what is its real meaning. However,

according to the local people of the area: Buner was first called Beeneer, which the name of

Governor of the area during the riegn of Ashoka the Great who used to marry a girl from each

and every religion of the area. Thus the area was called as a Beeneer after his name. And with

the passage of time the name changed to Buner 1. Some local people of the area have the opinion

that Buner is a Sanskrit word, which is the ancient language of the India, which means Forest

(jungal). It seems to be true to some extent because Buner is rich in Forestry.

TOTAL AREA AND LOCATION

Total area of the district is 1865 square kilometers. The District lies between 34˚-9 & 34˚-43

North latitude and 72o - 10 & 72o - 47 East longitudes, located at a distance of 120 km from city

of Peshawar.

BOUNDRIES OR LIMITATION OF THE AREA

The district is bordered on the North: by upper Swat district, on the West: by the Malakand

Agency, on the South: by Mardan district and on the East: by river Indus and Hazara division.

Buner is accessible from North, South and West by three main roads as fallows.

a) From the South by a metteled, steep and winding (marked by repeated turns and bends)

road via, Totalai.

b) From the West by a winding, steep narrow and matalled road through Ambella pass.

c) From the North by a reasonably good road through karakar pass via barikot 20km short

from saidu sharif 4.

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According to the survey of 1981, total population of buner was about 265,517 in which male

population was about 135,888 and female population was about 129,629 5.

ADMINISTRATION UNITS

Administratively, district Buner has been divided into six tehsils. The administrative officer of

each tehsil is called tehsildar. The detail about each tehsil is as under;

1) Tehsil Gadezai: This tehsil is populated by Gadezai and Salarzai tribes. It is the North

Western part of the area, bounded by district Swat to the North; Malakand Agency on the

West; and tehsil Daggar to the East and South.

2) Tehsil Daggar: It is the main headquarter of the area, bordered by district Shangla to the

North; tehsil Gadezai to the West; tehsil Chagharzai to the East; and tehsil Gagra to the

South.

3) Tehsil Gagra: It is the middle part of the district. It is very famous for the buisness

market of sawari. This tahsil is bordered by tahsil Daggar to the North; tehsil Chamla to

the South; District Mardan to the East; and tehsil Chagharzai to the West.

4) Tehsil Chamla: This tehsil includes Amazai and chamla valley. It is famous for the

historical Ambela war of 1862 which was fought between the Bunerwalls and British

army. Tehsil Chamla is bordered by tehsil Gagra to the North; Tehsil Totalai to the

South; District Mardan to the West; and tehsil Chagharzai to the East.

5) Tehsil Totalai: It is the Sourthern part of the district. The area is populated by Khudu

khel, the sub tribe of mandar tribe. Tehsil totalai is bordered by district Sawabi to the

South and West; Hazara division to the East; and tehsil Chamla to the North.

2
 6) Tehsil Chagharzai: It is the North Eastern part of the area. Tehsil Chagharzai is

bordered by district Mansehra to the East; Tehsil Daggar to the West; district Shangla to

the North and Tehsil Chamla and Totalai to the South.

HISTORY OF THE DISTRICT BUNER

Valleys of Buner are still echoing with gallant armies of the past, most of them faced military

disaster at the hands of militants of these mountains areas. Olaf Caroes has pointed out that the

armies of Alexander the Great has passed through Karakar, Daggar, Ambela and Malndrai passes

in 327-326 BC. The same route was later on followed by Mughal armies in 1586 AD. This has

been referred by Sir Robin Lane Fox in his book “Alexander the Great” and the Olaf Caroes in

his book “The Pathan”. The Yousafzai Tribe had occupied Buner shortly before 1519 AD after

which the great land settlements by venerated Sheikh Mali had been carried out in this area.

Throughout history, even in this time of Alexander the Great. Akbar, Aurang Zeb, the Sikh or the

British, the ancient inhabitants and later on the Yousafzai of the area had never remained the

subject of any empire.

In 1587 AD Akbar’s armies had passed through Karakar, Torwarsak, Daggar (Barndu) who were

ultimately defeated at Malndrai wherein King Akbar’s beloved Raja Bairbal and his 8,000 men

lost their lives. Akbar could not get even the body of Raja Birbal to be burnt. During Sikhs rule

over Frontier, they could never enter the area of Buner. This area became sanctuary and strong

citadel for the Muslims fighters of Syed Ahmed Shaheed and his followers for about 130 years.

The great Syeds of Sitana, Malka and Takhtaband loyally stood in support of those Mujahiddins

against the Sikhs and the British. The people of Swat and Buner got united and formed state,

under the rule of the great freedom fighters Syed Akbar Shah Sitana from 1849-1857. After his

death in 1857(exactly on the same day the independence War of 1857 started), the area remained

3
without a ruler till 1915 which period is known as “Era of Pukhtoo” where every tribe was ruled

by its own elders. The armies tried to reach Malka, a strong hold of Mujahiddin through Ambela

in 1863 AD which resulted in the famous AMBELA WAR. The Raja shamefully failed to

achieve the target. The British persuaded the Khans of Buner through Ajab Khan and Aziz Khan

of Sudham, District Mardan to strike a deal, who went to British officers, burnt few houses and

thus saved their prestige. The British, as per their own record had lost the largest number of

British officers and soldiers in a single military expedition in India i.e. 238 dead and 670 injured.

They could not establish their rule in Buner till independence in 1947. The light of Islam had

reached the area through Sufis and Ulamas much earlier but shortly after 1000 AD, the forces of

Sultan Memood of Ghazna defeated the last Budha ruler Raja Geer under the command of “Pir

Khushal” and the Yousafzai tribe started entering Buner and thus spread the religion of Islam.

The arrival of Pir Baba (1502-1575 AD) accelerated the spread of Islam in the area. His shrine at

Pacha Kalay is still the center of attraction for Muslims throughout sub-continent. In 1915 Syed

Abdul Jabbar Shah of Sitana became Badshah of Swat but in 1917 Mian Gul Abdul Wadood

manipulated his expulsion from Swat and became a ruler himself. He was succeeded by his son

Mina Gul Jehanzeb in 1949. Buner remained as a pert of Swat state till it merged with Pakistan.

On 29th July 1969 In 1991 Buner was upgraded to the District level.

INVASION OF MAHMOOD GHAZNAVI

When Mahmood became the ruler of ghazni (Afghanistan) in oct 997 A.D, he started a series of
21
compaigns into india to introduce the message of islam to the indian population . Because

during the reign of the third Caliph Hazrat Usman (RA), muslims occupied the territory of

Khurason. As a result Islam spread in Afghanistan, but Dir, Swat, Buner and other mountainous

areas were still out of Islam 22.

4
In 1100 A.D, the ruler of Swat and Buner was a buddhist called RAJA GEERA. His capital was

Hodigram. Sultan mehmood entered Swat through Bajuar and Dir. He divided his army into two

parts; one in the command of Ayaz and ordered him to occupy Nekpekhel and Shamozai and the

other he lead himself. He crossed the river Swat and came to Hodigram were he appointed Pir

Khushal (Ghazi baba) as the chief expedition. Pir Khushal captured the fort of Hodigram where

Raja Geera was staying. Raja Geera was killed in the battle and the Buddhist Era came to an end,

and army inhabitant of Swat and Buner accepted Islam 23.

Mehmood granted this area to the Swati to origonal inhabitant of the area and dalazak tribes.

These two tribes lived together peacefully for some time, but then matual differences occurred

among them in 1024 A.D. and the Swatis drove the Dalazak out of Swat 24.

According to the Sir Olaf Caroe, the massacre (the savage and excessive killing of many people)

of Yousafzai which occurred between 1480-1490 A.D in Kabul during the region of Ulugh Bag-
25
II, they were exiled from Afghanistan . Led by Malik Ahmed Khan, his son Khan Kajju and

aided by the presence of a man of holy lineage, the famous Shakh Mili the yousafzai forced the

Dalazaks out of Peshawar plain. The yousafzais then turned there attention to Swat. The

frightend ruler of the valley, Sultan Awais tried to forestall invasion by arranging marriage with

Malik Ahmed Daughter, but the invasion took place anyway, and in 1515 A.D, The yousafzai’s

entered Swat through the Malakand pass, forcing some of Swatis into exile and turning others

into their serfs 26.

After the conquest of Swat in 1525 A.D, the yousafzi,s formed the landowning class and the rest

of population became either there tenants or economically dependent upon them. They were

faced with the problem of division of land among the various Khels. The cultivable land and

5
hilly areas were unevenly distributed and it was difficult to satisfy all the hills or zai.

Concequently, Malik Ahmed the chieftain of the yousafzis and Shiekh Mili, thiere chief Mulla

enforced a system of land division known as the “vesh” or “ khasrian” 27

. This was one of the

greatest land redistribution of the region, a scheme in which land was allotted equally to each

tribe (Khels) according to the productivity of the soil, but to be re-allotted every twelve years to
28
ensure fairness . According to this scheme after twelve years, the people migrated from one

place to another 29.

THE MUGHAL INVASION OF BUNER

Zahir-ud-Din Babar ascended the throne of Kabul after the death of his uncle Ulagh Bag. He

attacked the Yousafzais territory, when he entered the country was attended by several Dalazak

chiefs, who served him as guides and dirrected his vengeance against thiere deadly enemies the

yousafzais. He first marched against the strong fort of Bajuar., attacked it with matchlocks ,

which were quite new to the garrison . The whole male inhabbitants, three thausand in number

including thiere sultan or chiefs were cruelly put to sword as infidles and a pillar was arrected of

thiere heads 30. Immediately on hearing of these transactions, Sultan Awais of Swat sent to offer
31
his submission, which was accepted . Babar was also interested in friendship with the

yousafzais because he wanted to get support of this strong tribe against the ruler of india Ibrahim

Lodhi. Thus he merried the daughter of malik shah mansoor,one of the imported yousafzai chief
32
. Akbar operations against the yousafzais and mandar to the North were even more disastrous.

Akbar sent Zain khan kohaka with a force against pukhtoons of swat, Buner and Bajaur to reduce
33
thate turbulent people to orde . It was not long before Zain Khan reported that, while he had

been able to force an entry into Bajaur, he was powerless to proceed to the heart of the trouble in

Swat untill re-enforcement reached him. Akbar agreed and despatched two forces, one under his

6
 34
Brahman favourite, Raja Birbal and the other under his cronies Hakim Abdul Fateh . The

whole army, with its three commanders then assembled at chakdara, where a stormy council of

war was held. On the second day out of chakdara , they faced stiff resistance at Barikot, karakar

and and at last the army won where further council of war was held 35. The yousafzi,s opposition

was greater than before.on reaching the karapa crest just south of Daggar there was another

narrow defile, leading to the right by difficult ways upto the Malandrai pass. The tribesmen lined

both crests parallel with the track to the summit, and poured in valleys of arrows and stones and

the harassed crowd. Eight hundred (800) men of Akbar army including Birbal lost thiere

lives.The poet Abul fateh covering beneath a bush was picked up by Zain khan who pushed

slowly on with the only force thate held together. After heavy fighting he and Abul Fateh ran

away at night 36. The two mughal emperors following Akbar Jehangir and Shah Jehan adopted a

very diplomatic attitude towards the Yousafzais. Shah Jehan patronized the Khattak tribe to

control the Yousafzai 37.

AKHUND SAHIB OF SWAT (SAIDU BABA)

The name of Saidu Baba was Abdul Ghafur. His father name was Abdul Wahid. He was born in

1794 A.D at Jabrai, a small village of Shamizai (upper swat). His parrents belonged to Safi

Mohammad, a branch of Karlanri tribe 39. He was a pious person from the very child hood 40. He

received his early education at his home and for acquiring further knowledge he went to Gujar

Ghari, near Mardan, chamkani (near peshawar) and ziarat kaka sahib in tehsil Nowshehra. Then

he went to peshawar and became the deciple of Hafiz Hazarat ji Ghanj walay 41. Finally, he came

to Saidu Sharif in 1845 and started a lunger there. He died in 1877 A.D. at Saidu Sharif and was

buried there. Akhund sahib had devoted his life to the following goals.

 To get rid of the British slavery.

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  Enforcement of islamic Law (sharia) in the area of swat.

 Unity and peace among the various tribes.

 Spiritual and moral purification 42.

In 1849 A.D. when the britishers occupied Peshawar, Akhund Sahib initiated a movement for the

establishment of a strong islamic state in the area of Swat and Buner. After great efforts, he

succeeded in convening a meeting, warning them that if they did not unite themselves they

would become slaves of the british. On his appeal, the Yousafzai chiefs unanimously accepted

the proposal of establishing an islamic state. Saidu baba suggested the name of Akbar Shah as

head of the state. He was a decendant of Syed Ahmad Shaheed baralvi. The jirga (meeting)

accepted him and Ghaligay was declared as the capital of the state. But unfortunately Syed

Akbar Shah could not live long and died in 1856 A.D 43.

AMBELA EXPEDITION (1863)

In October 1863, the British invaded Buner through Surkawai Kandaw to fight against the

followers of Syed Ahmad Baralvi, who were known as the Indian mujahideen and thier

headquarter was at Malka, a village in Chamla (Buner). Thier Amir (head) was Abdullah. The
44
British army was commanded by Sir Navile Chamberlain . The people of Buner requested

Saidu baba (Abdul Ghaffar) to lead them in the jihad (Holy war). He accepted the request and

participated in the jihad against the British army. Saidu baba was 70 years old at that time. Due
45
to Saidu Baba participation thousands of others also joined the jihad . Sherdil Khan of

Allahabad, his nephew Sohbat Khan, Guzan Khan of Dir, Haji Sahib of Kunar and many other

8
Khans with large number of mujahideen (Holy fighters) joined the jihad. On 20th November, a
46
fierce battle was fought . Most of the fighting took place around the two outlying posts of the

British camp on the Guru mountain “the Crag” picket and the “Eagles Nest”. Eventually a large
47
number of men were killed from both the sides . Through the diplomatic intrigue, the British

created dissentions among the tribesmen so that many of them were induced to return to thiere

homes. By an agreement in December 1863 with the british, a Buneris jirga accepted the

following terms for peace settlement.

1. To dismiss the army of all kind on the Buner’s pass.

2. To send a force to destory malka and

3. To expel the mujahideen from Buner Chamla and Amazai lands 48.

The work of destruction of malka was carried out by the bunerwalls and amazais. The party after

completing the mission reached the Ambela campon 23rd DEC 1863 49. Thus ended the Ambela

campaign of 1863. At the outset a small expedition, it speedily grew into frontier war. The

British loss during the whole of the operation had been 238 officers and men killed and 673

wounded. The loss of the tribesmen was estimated at 3,000 killed and wounded 50.

BUNER UNDER THE ISLAMIC GOVERNMENT

After the death of Syed Akbar Shah, an organized government could not be established.

However, since the descendents of Saidu Baba were held in great esteem, therefore the people

had to turn to them for help. Saidu baba had left two sons behind him; the name of elder son was

Mian Gul Abdul Hanan, while that of the younger was Mian Gul Abdul khaliq. In 1877 when

Saidu baba fell ill in Saidu Sharif, Abdul Hanan and Abdul Khaliq were encamped in Talash

(Dir) along with the army 51. When the news of the death of Saidu Baba reached Talash, Abdul

9
Hanan came directly to the Swat without informing his young brother. He took over all the

wealth and property of his father and people recognized him as the heir of Saidu baba. When

Abdul khaliq came to know how his elder brother had betrayed him, he felt heartbroken and

came back to Saidu Sharif for the purpose of religious vigil 52. Abdul Hanan was not entitled by

virtue of the law of the land and could not do the mental of Saidu baba. On other hand, Abdul

khaliq because of his moral fiber, sincerity and nobleness was ideally situated. People thus

recognized him the real heir of Saidu baba and they came from far flung area to benefit from his
53
knowledge and spiritual blessings . He not only educated his people but brought a number of

practical reforms. He used to solve all the problems strictly according to Islamic Sharia. In order

to maintain law and order he used to send his sheikhs (followers) to the remote areas. He himself

attended to judicial matters in around Saidu Sharif. He died in 1892. He left behind two sons

Mian Gul Abdul Wadood and Mian Gul Abdul Manan. With his death, the Islamic government

came to an End 54.

In 1914, Syed Abdul Jabar Shah was appointed as the ruler who was the descendant of Pir Baba

(Syed Ali Termezi). Mian Gul Abdul Wadood refused to accept Syed Abdul Jabar Shah as ruler

of Swat and Buner. As a result of this clash (disagree), Mian Gul was banished to village Dalbur

near Chakdara by Syed Abdul Jabar Shah. After defeating the Nawab of Dir in 1916, Syed Abdul

Jabar Shah allowed Mian Gul Abdul Wadood and Mian Gul Abdul Manan to swat and gave
55
sufficient land for their livelihood . In the meanwhile, people labeled Abdul Jabar Shah as

Qadyani. According to the last Wali of Swat, Abdul Jabar Shah refused to abuse Mirza Ghulam
56
Mohammad Qadyani, so Sandaki Baba the chief Mulla of the area dismissed him . After the

dismissal of Syed Abdul Jabar Shah as the ruler of swat in 1917, the prominent figures of Swat

gathered in Swat (Kabal) and appointed Mian Gul Abdul Wadood as the ruler of Swat and

10
Buner. Beside Sandakai Baba, Dharmi Khan (Habib Khan), Masam Khan, Jamroz Khan and

Amir were also present at Kabal (Swat). Mian Gul Abdul Wadood was given the title of

“Badshah (king)” 57.

After his appointment as Badshah, Mian Gul Abdul Wadood fought several battles against the

Nawab of Dir. Badshah sahib was recognized officially by the British in 1926 as the ruler of

Swat and was given the title of Wali and was granted a subsidy 58. In 1947, Swat and Buner were

amongst the first of the princely states to accede to the newly established state of Pakistan, but
59
only on the condition of local autonomy . Badshah sahib continued his rule till 1949 A.D.

When he got retirement in favor of his elder son Mian Gul Abdul Haque Jehanzeb, who was

given the title of Wali; Mian Gul Aurangzeb (present Governor of Baluchistan) was appointed as

his heir apparent. Jehanzeb gave his full attention towards the betterment of the people. He

constructed schools, colleges, hospitals and roads etc. to facilitate the people of the state.

Ultimately, Swat state amalgamation was announced by General Agha Mohammad Yahya Khan

on 28th July, 1969 A.D. and the state of Swat was formally merged into Pakistan. The Wali of

Swat was replaced by a Deputy Commissioner and Swat state attained the status of an

administrative district and was added to the Malakand division. Buner became a sub division of
60
district swat . On 1st October 1971, Badshah sahib died and was buried at Saidu Sharif. Mian

Gul Abdul Haque Jehanzeb, the last Wali of Swat died on 14th Sep, 1987 and was buried at Saidu

Sharif near his father 61. In Sep 1991, Buner was separated from Swat district and was given the

status of a separate district 62.

11
CHAPTER - 2

THE LAND

VALLEYS AND VILLGES OF THE AREA

Some of the famous valleys and villages of the district Buner are as under:

Batai Valley;
It is situated in the North-Western foot of Sure Ghar in tehsil Gadezai. It is inhabited by Bharam

Khel and Shekhan. The people of the valley are very hardworkers; most of them are farmers

while some are traders. The cultivated land of the valley is very small. The chief crops of the

valley are wheat, maize and jao. In vegetables; potato tomato, onion, garlic etc. are also sown

here. In fruits parsemeans, oranges, lowkate, plum, and apricot are planted here. A clean and

clear stream passess through the center of the valley which gives the charm as well as irrigated

some fields of the valley. Qadar Nagar is a beautiful addition in this valley. One Ubaidullah

Durrani, former principal engineering college Peshawar; who originally belonged to Aligarh

decided to settle here in 1962. He called this place Qadir Nagar after his spiritual guide (pir)

Qadir in Uttar Pardash India. This beautifully developed place is worth seeing. A hydel power

station is working here to supply power to the area. The various villages and surrounding areas

of this valley are Kuz Hassan Ali, Ber Hassan Ali, Qadar Nagar, Narbatawal and Pacha.

Chamala valley;

The Chamala is a small valley, drained by a perennial stream, winding through its centre to the

Baronu. It is about 14 miles long by 4 wide at its western end and contain about 30 villages.

Towards the east, the valley is closed by Torghund hill, a spur of the Aronai ridge which joining

12
with Gorru mountain on the west separate Chamala valley from that of tehsil Gagra. On the other

side, chamla is separated from the tehsil Totalai (Kudu Khel ) by the clons of Mandanr tribes.

The land of the valley is cultivated. Wheat, maize and jao are the chief crops of the valley.

Nawagai is the chief town of the valley; others important villages are Kawga, Agary, Sura,

Katakote, Malasar, Gharib Abad, Manjor, Dara, Doma and Klakhela.

Amazai valley;

The Amazai valley occupied the Eastern and North slops of the Mahaban Mountain. This valley

is inhabited by the Amazai tribe. It is a narrow and rough valley drained by many mountain

torrents, all of which are perennial and fall in Barandu. The whole valley is wooded with pine

forests. The cultivation is scanty, but as much as the surface well permit of. Cattle are found in

plenty and ghee is the chief product of the valley. The valley contains about 33 chief towns. The

other villages of the valley are Nawe Kalay, Muraday, Nata, Telwai, Charorai, Waroki kalay,

Bay Khan, Sharif, Khurshed Abad, Nath, Langar and Sher Garn.

Gokund valley;

This valley is inhabited by Alla Khel and Hassan Khel; the sub clans of the Yousfzai tribe; the

other tribes of the valley are Gujar, Syeds and Shekhan. This valley is located as such that to its

East; Sho Dara, to Norht; Dwa Saro hill, to South; Bagra village and to its West; Bengalai hill

are situated. The residents of the valley are farmers, irrigations are perennial streams. Drinking

water reach to the valley through pipe lines from Faqir Baba spring and Manarai spring. In crops;

maize, wheat and rice are worth mentioning. In vegitables; potato, tomato and onion are

cultivated here. In fruit; Orange, Plum, Appricot etc. are planted here. Beautiful scenes in the

valley are Kundauna, Dwasaro Top and Dag Sar. People from all over the world visit to these

13
areas. The various villages and surrounding areas of the valley are Kuze Gokand, Ber Gokand,

Banj Banda and Raj Galai.

Shmanal valley;

This valley is situated in the Western and Eastern slopes of Doma mountain. The inhabitants of

this vallye are Painda Khel, Baba Khel, Murad Khel, Shajhan Khel and Zaman khel, the sub-

clans of Chagharzai trib and Syeds. The people of the valley are mountaineers, hardy and brave.

Their chief wealth is in cows, buffaloes and goats. There are some fountains up on the hills for

which the drinking water reach through pipelines to the valley. The various villages and

surrounding areas of the valley are; Batara, Tnagora, Ghazi Banda, Gul Bandai, Sar Qilla,

Muradu and Topai.

Ghazi Kote valley;

This valley is suitated in tehsil Totalai. To the West of the valley; Dukara, to the East; Dargalai

Ghar, to the North; Shagai and to the South; Damnair villages are situated. The cultivable land of

the valley is small. The chief crops are maize, wheat, tobacco and sugar cane. In fruits; banana,

amroud and persimmons are planted here. Vegetables like potato, tomato and ladyfinger are also

sown. The people of the valley drink water either from the nearby stream called Naktar Gudder

or Kares spring.

Gerarai valley;

Gerarai valley is situated in the Salarzai. It is stretched between Dragai and Vormal Tangai hills.

The valley is inhabited by Emal Khel and Fathe Khel. The land of the valley is cultivable and

non-irrigated. Chief crops of the valley include; maize, wheat and jao. Any type of vegetables

can be cultivated here but due to lack of proper system of irrigation, at very small area some

14
vegetables like onion, garlic and tomato are sown here. Some fruits like Plum, Apricot, Akhrot,

Apple and persimmons are planted here. Some wild fruits include Mamana, Bera and Goraje. A

very beautiful place Bostani is situated here in Dragai Ghar.

Other small valleys; These include; Dukada, Nan Sair, Jang Dara, Budal, Pandare, Tiraje, Topai

and Bagh valley.

RIVERS AND STREAMS OF THE AREA

The entire area of Buner is drained by the tributaries of river Indus. The most important among

these tributaries is the Barandu river which drains the whole of Buner range with the exception

of the Totalai and Northern part of Chagharzai which are drained by the Tatalai and Itai Khuars

respectively. The main tributaries of the Indus viz: Itai and Barandu, being fed by snow and

springs, are perennial, Tatalai Khwar carries water only during rains. Some of the major Khwar

of the area are as under;

Koga and panai Khwar;

The koga khwar is being fed by various streams and springs of the Ilam mountain, passes

through Dokda and Malikpur villages and reached Pacha Kally. This khwar meet here to the

Panai khwar, which is fed by the various streams of Tanta Ghar, passes through Batai valley and

reached Pacha Kally. By meeting of these two, a big khwar is formed, which passes through the

village Bhai, Sultan wass, Ghazi Khani, Toda China, Pir Abai and reached P.N.C.B. Daggar

colony area and fall in to the river Brandu.

Sangerai kwar;

This khwar is formed by the junction of Bampukha Khwar and Narai Khwar. The Bampukha

khwar, being fed by the streams of Kohal, Nansair and Girarai, while the Narai khwar is being

15
fed by the streams of Chakra, Katakot and Newe Kally. Both of these khwar meet at village Tor

Warsk. The Sangerai khwar than passes through the villages of Daichand and Anghapur reached

P.N.C.B. Daggar colony area and fall into the Barandu.

Sandas khwar;

This khwar, being fed by various stream of the Kotano Tangai Ghar passes through the Gukand

Shingrai and Bagra reached Top Dara village. Here Hissar Tangai and Butonrai stream fall in it

from the East. This khwar then passes through Hissar, Batu, Kuai, Dingan, and Cheena and

reached Daggar village and fall into the river Barandu.

Loe khwar or Chamala Basin;

This khwar is drained from west to east in the middle of Tehsil Chamala. It is fed by the various

streams of Tangu Kambela, Ishaq Banda, and Khuglarai. This khwar passes through the Northern

side of village Ambela, Koga, Agarai, Sura and reached to the Southern side of village Nawagai.

From Nawagai this Khwar flowing towrds village Katakot, Kangara, Kalakhela, Korea and

reached Malasar . The bannal Khwar and Chapo Khwar fall in it here. It is then inter to the area

of Amazai area the Nagrai khwar which is flowing from village Nagrai, passes Tangai Banda,

Shergarh, Bar Kally and Kuze Kally fall in it . The Chamala b\Basin after collecting the Nagrai

Khwar passes Village Karezo and fall into the River Barandu.

The Badri Bain;

This Basin drained from North to South in Tehsil Totalai. It is formed by the junction of two big

Khwars.

i) Loekwar
ii) Swawai khwar

16
The Loe khwar flowing from East to West in the North-Eastern part of tehsil. It collects all the

streams of Ashraf Kando, Kambala Kandao, Karorai and Sar Baba.

The Swawai Khwar is flowing from West to East in the North-Western part of tehsil. All the

samll streams and kwar i.e Chingalai kwar, Danrai khwar and streams of Dadam, Bagh and

Durhan Kandao fall in it.

The above two Khwars meet to each other at village Dandar and formed the Badri Basin. This

Basin drained in the middle of the whole tehsil. It also collect Gurgushti khwar from the East and

from the West Panjtar and Daggai Khwar.

Itai Khwar;

This Khwar drained from the North to South in the Western Chagharzai. It is fed by the small

streams of Kunj, Topai, Tura, Sarqila Katub, Gul Bandai, Gazi Banda, Kotwal and Bammar.

This Khwar passes through the Tangora, Bangora Kunj Banda, and Tala villages reached to the

Western side of Batara and at Tala some streams from East and West fall in it . After passing

Rial and Budal villages, this Khwar fall into the river Barandu.

Sarkha khwar;

This Khwar flowing from South to North in tehsil Gagra. It collect the streams of Banda,

Dambargat, Inzargai, Drub, Kot Sangra and Jangra. It passes through the Northern side of Rega

Bar Chinar, the Sourthern side of Karapa Sawari Haji Baba villages.

Burburai khwar;

This Khwar is formed by the junction of Sarkha Khwar and Cheena at Haji Baba village. It

passes through the Hindu Kush, Dramand, Banda, and Kulyarai villages where it fall into the

river Barandu.

17
FOREST OF THE EREA;

The Forests of the area are situated mainly between elevation 8,000 and 4,000. The lower limit

comes down to about 2500 in Totalai Forests. The Totalai Forests area of Buner is 89350 acres

of the total Forests blocks and their net Forest area are given below 10.

ABSTRACT OF AREA (ACRES)

S.no Block Total Blanks Net forests

1. Chaghurzai East 9407 ___ 9407
2. Chaghargai west 4220 ___ 4220
3. Sangra 1804 1456 348
4. Gokand 11482 1574 9908
5. Bagra 2763 218 2545
6. Batai 4614 743 3871
7. Malik pur 10941 1734 9207
8. Bahi 3660 727 2933
9. Gagra 5123 433 4690
10. Jowar 11986 915 11071
11. Nawe kalli 6227 1307 4920
12. Sura 3722 723 2999
13. Mkharanai 6541 1024 5517
14. Ombarakhel 12049 108 1941
15. Charorai 2714 106 2908
16. Amazi 8736 513 8223
17. Totali 5284 342 4942

Total 101273 11923 89350

Source : warking plane for Buner forests (1990-19 to 1999-2000)

Types of the Forests;

18
The Forests of the area are characterized of dry subtropical and can divided into the following

types.

Pure Chir Forests

Mixed Forests

Scrub Forests

a) Pure Chir Forests;

These Forests occupies the major part of Buner Forest Range. The Crop consits of almost pure

Chir (pinus roxbuyghi) but Kail (pinus wallichaina)also appears in the upper regions. The broad

leaved species are white Oak batangi, ficus spp : Grewia Oppasitifoia, prunus spp : Pyrus spp :

Alnus nitida, celtis Autrolis, Phulai (Acacia modesta ) Kas (Olea cuspidata) and Hair (Acacia

catecha) the undergrwoth is generally sporse except where the canopy is open and consists of

sannatha (Dadonaea viscosa) Carissa spinorum, Myrsine ofricona. Berberis spp : Mallotus

philippinensis, Zanthoxy1um spp : Rosa spp : Rubus spp : Contoneaster spp : Debregeasia

hypolecuca, Guargora (Monateca buxifolia) bheker (Adhatoda vassica), Otostegia lirnbata and

Zizphyus spp:"

The growth of Chir is slow and the trees are stunted and malformed on hot Southern and South

Western aspects. At lower levels the trees are always branchy. Forking is common feature and

the cnopy is generally open. However, majority of the Chir Forests of Daggar, Gadaizai Salarzai,

Chamala and Nagrai are of good quality and having density.

b) Mixed Forests of Chir and Kail;

These Forests are situated below the Silver Fir and above the Chir zones. They are found in

small extent in Chogharzai Gadazai, Salarzai and Daggar areas. Among the broad leaved species,

the Chief associates are Hilly Oak in the upper and white Oak (quercus incana) in the lower

19
parts, akhroat, bird cherry batangi (pyrus pashia), amlouk (Diosphyros lotus) Hill toar (Cedrella

serrata) and horse chestnut (Alnus nitida) are also found along Nullahs. The white oak with some

hilly Oak almost pure with sporadic kail and Chir trees in the Dagger and Chagharzai Forests.

The under growth is composed of berberis spp: Rosa moschata, rubus spp: Daphne oleoides,

parrotia spp: plectranthus rugosus and sarcoeacca spp ;12.

The Crop is compsed mainly of sapling, poles and middle aged trees. Mature and over mature

trees are very few and confined mostly to the interior of Forests. The stocking is on the whole,

fairly dense except in precipitous localities, on hot southern aspects and in the lower regions

where the canopy is open.

b) Srcub Forests;
These Forests are not to be brought under management for the present, but in order to give a

complete picture of the various types of Forests found in the area, they are briefly described. The

common species are kau, phulai, khair Dodanaea viscosa, Carissa spinaum, Pistacia integema,

Ficus spp: Grewia osppositifoia, cletis austrolisa, Zizyphus Jujuba, Zizyphus nummularia, Punica

granatum, A dhatoda vassica, Monotheca buxifolia and indigofera spp ;13. Chir trees are

occasionally met with in the upper regions Dodonea Viscosa is the most predominent species of

the type upper canopy of these forests is usually open.

MOUNTAINS OF THE AREA;

District Buner is full of well known Mountains. Some of them are quoted below :

a) Ilam;

20
Ilam is the most famous mountain in the area. It is situated in the North Western part of tehsil

Gadazai and a natural boundry between district Swat and Buner . It has reach archaeological

sites. Thick Forest and weonderful natural scence. The hight of this Mountain is about 9222 feet.

Torget Charsar, Danra, Gawai Dand, Kuze zaga, Berzaga, Tombo Smust, Langao Bane,

Ramanai, Ram Takht, Village Ilam, Jugiano sar and Karakar pass are the important places and

pass of the mount Ilam.

b)Dowa Saro;

Dowa Saro is a Pashtu word means two peaks. The name Dowasaro this mount is because it has

two peaks. It is situated to the North of Gokand valley . The elevation of Dowasaro is about 9995

feet. This mount has thick Forests and rich wild animals. The famous places of this mout are :

Jowar, Taghon, Sergai, Palung sar, Show Dara, Ber Kandao and Kuze Kandao.

c) Garhu Mountain;

This Mountain is situated between tehsil Chamala and Gagra. It is very famous for the historical

Ambela war of 1862, which was faugh between Bunerwals and the British Army. Babaji

Kandao, Baghwan Kandao, Ladwan kandao, Badam kandao and Itai kandao are the famous

kandaos of this Mountain.

d) Sarpati Ghar;

This mount is situated between tehsil Chamala and Totalai (Kudukhel). It has thick forests and

large number of wild animals such as Phasant, Pegion, Monkies etc.Bagoch Sarmane Kandao,

Shahi Kandao, Kanbela Kandao Sutule Kando are the famous Kandao of Serpati Ghar.

e) Mehaban Ghar;

21
This mount is a natural boundary btween district Buner and Hazara division . This mount has

very thick forest and rich wild animals . The famous places of this mount are Malka, Skinder,

Khado, Wanai, Makaban ,Dund and Nasir Ghar.

f) Sur Ghar;

It is situated between tehsil Daggar and Gadazai. (g) Barwadge Ghar (h) Jafar Ghar (i) Ranzro

Ghar (j) Ali Shar Ghar (k) Nasik Ghar (l)Gumbath Ghar (m)Bengalai Ghar (n) Daragalai Ghar

(o) Overmal Ghar (p) Dougal Ghar (q) Onra Sar (r) Dragai Ghar are the mountains of the area.

Rock type ;

According to the geological reconnaissance, the solid rock formations of the region are readily

separable into the fallowing groups.

The Lower Swat-Buner Schist’s group

The seat granitic gneisses

The Swabi-Chamala sedimentary group

The Ambela granite

(a)The Lower Swat-Buner Schist’s Group;

This group lies in the North-West part of the region and occupies most of Buner and West part of

Chakesar. The group is further sub-divided as follows:

Green schist’s

Phyllitic schist’s

Marbles Land calcareous schist’s

22
Siliceous schist

The green Schist’s commonly consists of chlorite schist’s and Epidotealbite schist’s. At their

contact with the under lying Phyllitic schist’s, some beds of serpent are found. The schist’s are

almost entirely politic with occasional true mica (muscouit) schist. The marls and calcareous

schist’s occupy most of the Salarzai, Gadezai. Dagger and Gagra area. The formation consists of

strongly calcareous garnet mica interceded with white and bluish gray marbles. The

amphobolitic horizon is found south-east of Dagger . The horizon consists of hornblendic

ampahobalite with a pale pink garnet apidote and little felsper and quartz 14.The siliceous schist’s

occur around Nagrai and are intimately associated with the granitic gneisses and quartz schist’s.

a) The Swat Granites and Gneisses;

The Swat granites and granite gneisses range, texturally, form a course genesis to normal granite.

These rocks met with one another in Gadezai 15.

C) These Swabi-Chamla sedimentary Rocks;

These rocks are exposed in Chamla area. North of Totalai and extent East-eards to river Indus

the tentative sequence is as follows:

Chamla quartzite’s consisting of pure quartzites, prabbly quartzite’s and quartzitic grits.

The Chamla Phyllitic shale commonly containing zones of elongate pebbles 16.

b) The ambela granite ;

The Ambela Granite covers a large area in upper Buner and Chamla separates the upper Buner

group of rocks from the lower Buner and Chamla group.

23
The Soil;

The Soil is formed as a result of disintegration and decomposition of the above is of varying

depth and qualityt . It varies from sandy loam to clayey loam and fairly deep on the ground with

moderate but is shallow in steep locations. Bare rock is also found out cropping at exposed

situations and precipiceds. On the whole the soil is fairly fertile and is particularly suitable for

growth of Chir and Kail in their respective zones.

24
Chapter- 3 THE PEOPLES OF THE DISTRICT BUNER

POPULATION;

Population and development are interrelated. Demographic patterns and population control and

welfare measure may be integrated into comprehensive social and economic plans and

programmes. The integration should be reflected in the goals instrumentalities. Development

objectives and strategy to be followed in the national planning areas. A brief description of

generation of demographic data of Buner is as follows:

According to the 1961 population census, the population of district Buner was estimated as

123217. In 1971 ten years later, the census population figures increased to 187984. In the 1981

population figures increased to 265517. Compared to the other areas Districts of N.W.F.P. Buner

was ranked 17th in terms of population in 1981 1.

The total area of District Buner is 1843, square kilometer. The population density per square

kilometer in 1961-1972 and 1981 was 67; 102 and 144 respectively. While the sex ratio in 1972

was 106 males for every 100 females, in 1981 were 105 males for every 100 females the

percentage of annual growth rate of district Buner in 1962-72 was 3.7% while in 1981 it was

increased to 4.16 percent

MAJOR TRIBES OF THE AREA

25
 Main Tribes of the area;

The main tribes which are living in the area are:

1. The Yousafzai
2. The Mandan
3. The Sayyeds
4. The Gujares
5. The Sikhs

The Yousafzai are living in the Southern part of the area. Hajji Baba Kandaw (Hajji Baba
pass) is the natural boundary between the Yousafzai and Mandan tribes of the area. The
Yousafzai are divided into various sub-tribes. These are the following:

1. Chagarzai which are living in the Eastern part of the area.

2. Salarzai in West

3. Gadezai in North

4. Ashaizai

5. Dawlatzai are living in the middle of the area 1.

Each sub-tribes of Yousafzai are further divided into the following various khels.

S.no Sub – tribes S.no Large Khels S.no Small Khels

1 Gadezai (a) Brahim Khels * Dawlat khan khel
* Abdul Haq Khan Khel
* Shak Khel
* Mir Ahmad Khel
(b) Hassan Khel
* Usman Khel
* Bazid Khel
* Rustam Khel
* Shar ga khel
(c) Ali Sher Khels
* Payanda Khel
* Chor Khel

26
 * Aziz Khel
* Amna Khel
(d) Seen Khels
* Kata Khel
* Zaid Khel

* Haider Khel
* Musa Khel

The above mentioned large and small Khels are the most important khels. These khels are all

living in various parts of Tehsil Gadezai such as Pacha Kaley, Bhai Kaley, Malak Pur,

Narbatawal, Dukada, Ghazi Khani and Pirabay 2 .

b) Salarzai;

The various Large and Small Khels of Salarzai are following

S.no Large Khels S.no Small Khels

1) Yousaf Khel
* Kara Khel
* Allahbad Khel
2) Milli Khel
* Jalal Khel
* Hoti Khel

3) Ayub Khel
* Musa Khel
* Barham Khel
* Khwaja Khel
* Fatah Khel
* Ali Sher Khan Khel
* Malik Din Khel

27
These Khels are living in various parts of Tehsil Salarzai such as in, Jowar, Bazargai, Nansair,

Bampokha, Kinggergalai and Kohe 3.

c. Ashaizai;

The following are large and small Khels of Ashaizai. These are living in Torwarsak Ellay and
Anghapur 4.

S.no Large Khels S.no Small Khels

1) Ya Khel
* Musa Khel
* Mulla Khel
* Lali Khel
* Sat Khel
* Kotwal Khel
2) Khakizai Khels
* Seen Khel
* Qasim Khel
* Jaga Khel
* Baba Khel
* Gazni Khel
3) Khadan Khels
* Sargan Khel
* Chor Khel
* Asta Khel
* Mughal Barah Khel
* Baba Khel
4) Musara Khel
* Mirki Khel
* Sirki Khel

d. Nauray zai;

These tribes are living in Tehsil Gagra. The various Khels of this tribe are :

I. Ali Sheer Khel

II. Khumara Khel

28
III. Miro Khel
IV. Babokar Khel 6.
e. Dawalatzai:

This tribes is also living in Tehsil Gagra. This various large and small Khel of the tribes are

following;

S.no Large Khels S.no Small Khels

1 Barkazai Khels

* Ibrahim Khels

* Mama Khels

2 Mandazai Khels

* Pool Khel

* Sherpaw Khel

3 Kamalzai Khel

* Aba Khel

* Akha Khel

In panjpao of Tehsil Gagra are living a number of small Khel but the larger Khels are:

1. Brat Khel

2. Undar khan Khel

3. Maras Khel

f. Chagarzai Tribe;

This tribe of Yousafzai is living in Tehsil Chagarzai. The following are the large and small

Khels of this Tribe 7.

29
S.no Large Khels S.no Small Khels
1 Maki Khel
* Azad Khel
* Khan Kor
* Ayabat Khel
* Sed Khel
* Khudi Khel
* Hassam Khel
* Baba Khel
* Kara’s Khel
2 Juna Khel
* Atami Khel
* Usman Khel
* Langar Khel
* Zaman Khel
* Ghazai Khel
* Karam Khel
* Habib Khel
* Darey Khel
* Sandarh Khel
* Abdu Khel
3 Shakhala Khel
* Murad Khan Kor
* Basi Khel
* Zahin Khel
* Suba Khel
* Shah jehan Khel
* Sewan Khel
* Nazar Khel
* Azur Khel
4 Medi Khel
* Painda Khel
* Hanar Kor
* Baba Kor
* Asaf Khel
* Umor Khel
5 Torey Aba Khel
* Khwaja Qadar Kor
* Sed Kor
* Satana Kor
* Khumara Khel

30
2. MANDAR;
Mandan is another big tribe which is living in Buner. It is said that Mandar’s are the brothers of

Yousafzai. They are mostly living in Mardan District, and in the adjoining areas. Some of the

branches of this tribe are also living in Chamla and Khudi Khel the Southern parts of district

Buner. The various large and small Khels of Mandar tribe which are living in Chamla are

following 8.

S.no Large Khels S.no Small Khels

1 Kamalzai

* Ammo Khel

* Bahadur Khel

* Muni Khel

* Allahbad Khel

* Aziz Khel

* Siddeque Khel

* Busy Khel

* Normal Khel

* Rust am Khel

* Tor Khel

2 Utmanzai

* Mandayzai Khel

* Isazai

* Akazai

31
3 Khudi Khel

* Khan Khel

* Akhund Khel

* Sadat Khel

* Kalu Khel

* Tanoli Khel

* Bojal Khel

Some large and small Khel of Mender tribe is living in Amazai a part of Tehsil of Chamla of

District Buner these are following 9.

S.no Large Khels S.no Small Khels

1 Ambara Khel

* Mata Khel Mille Khel

* Mille Khel

* Bah ram Khel

2 Amazai

* Ram Biak Kor

* Hamza Kor

* Rukhan Kor

* Pinda Khan Kor

* Sangar Khel

* Akhund Khel

32
3. SYEDS;

The Sayyeds are the descendants of Hazrat Ali the Son in-law of Prophet Muhammad

(P.B.U.H). The Sayyeds of Buner are the descendants of Syed Ali Termezi (Pir Baba), whose

pedigrees go back to Hazrat Ali. Syed Ali Termezi (Pir Baba) migrated from Ajmer Sharif to

Buner in the year 1540 A.D on the advice of Sheikh Salar Attaullah Roomi for preaching

purpose 10. He got married and stayed here permanently. Sayyeds are settled in every Tehsil of

Buner. They are very influential and respectable everywhere.

4. GUJARS

Little is know about the early history and spread of Gujares. There are different versions of the

word “Gujar” to some, the correct word is Gujar and to other it is Gujar or Gujara. Some

researchers consider all spellings are correct. The roots of these words are Persian and Indian 11.

According to OIaf caro, Gujares came to India along with the Huns and when the Huns declined

the Gujares remained. Their name survived as a defused class in North West India 12. Gujares are

neither Aryans Nor Scythians, but are the oldest inhabitants of Indo-Pak sub-content. When the

Aryans invaded India with emphatic weapons the Gujares fled to mountainous areas, Assam or

the rocky bed of the Himalaya 13. Gujares are either Hindu or Muslim. The Muslim section of

Gujares embraced Islam in the 15th century A.D. when Emperor Akbar forced them to adopt a
14
settled life . In the area of this study (Buner) they are the oldest inhabitants. There is no

recorded history of these people and it is very difficult to trace the precise date of their entrance

in Buner. The Gujares are settled in all parts of Buner where they still have their nomadic and

semi-nomadic traditions. The Gujares are the three types i.e. Nomadic Pastoral, Semi-Nomadic

and settled. The language spoken by Gujares of Buner is known as Gujri which is still in initial

stages of development.

33
 RITUALS AND CEREMONIES OF THE AREA

1. RITUALS AND CERMONIES;

All the tribes which are described. Above are very orthodox Muslims. But most of them are

illiterate and all their festivities are still held on ancient pattern. They still follow the old

customs which they inherited from their ancestors.

a. Birth;

The birth of a Child, whether a girl or a boy, is considered a happy occasion. However, the

birth of a boy is especially celebrated and there is great and general jubilation. Moreover,

special greetings and good wishes are offered. When a baby is born an elderly person comes

in and recites the “Azaan” (Muslims call for prayer) into his/her right ear thus welcoming the

new arrival to this world of faith, and then he repeats the Takbeer into the left ear and adds a

warning that death is the end of all things. Some time a Molvi may be called for this

purpose. Meanwhile the neighbors and others near relatives start visiting the mother and the

child away from the view of visitors known for having “Evil Eye”. For three days the baby is

not given mild from the mother’s breast, it is because they consider that the colosturm is
34
 dangerous for the child. A small portion of sugar and Ajwain mixed with mil, called gouty, is

trickled in the mouth. It acts as a mild purgative 1. After a week the child’s head is shaved off

by the barber, and the mother of the baby or any other elderly women of the family gathers

all here, wraps in a clean cloth and keeps. It in a safe place as undefiled hair. Then the baby

is given its name by his/her grandmother or any person who is the head of the family. The

rituals are the same on the birth of both boy and girls, but there is greater joy on the birth of

male child 2. The joy expressed at the birth of a male baby is actually related to the deep

rooted social concept of male superiority ever the female. It is also based on the idea that

male offspring is more disirable for the continuity of the family lineage, although in reality it

is wrong concept because men and women are equally important for the walfare as well as

the continuity of a Society .

b.Circumcision;

At the age of One or two years, sometimes even later, the child will be circumcised and this is

an occasion of great rejoicing. The relatives and friends are invited to a good feast, on the day of

circumcision the child is placed on a “Lasnoni”, “Katkai” or table, prerequisite of the barber or a

Doctor to perform the circumcision. The barber charge his fee from rupees 200 - 500, while the

Doctor gets ever more. These fees are paid by the maternal uncle of the child who is called

Mama 13.

c.Engagement;

The engagements are arranged by the parent’s and the bride or groom have little to say in the

matter, though, in certain cases girls have been known to refuse to marry a man who is ugly,

extremely cruel or malformed. Boy’s also sometimes resist their arranged marriages. But

resistance is rare since both boys and girls must rely on their parents to organize the drow-out

35
exchanges which charecterize Buneri nuptials 4 . The women folk play the main role in arranging

the engagement for their children. They bring the two families to an understanding. Mean come

in at later stage, carrying a Jirga to solicit the consent of the girls parents. The father of the bride

put some demands before the Jirga. And after acceptance of the demands the father of the girls

declares that he has given his daughter to the son of so and so and he may get her whenever he

desires 5. Then a day is fixed for Khwaga (sweetening the mouths). On that day after the Dua-e-

Khair (pray for good whishes) has been offered, sweets are distributed among friend and

relatives. Majority of people soleminse the Nikah Mehar. After engagement presents are send to

the engagement and the wedding . In these presents Clothes, Shoes, Cosmetics and other

necessary things are included 6. An engagement once made can’t be broken, if at all it is to be

discountinued, it is done generally on the boy’s side. If however, it is broken by the girls’s side

it is considered as a serious social aberration 7.

d. Wedding;

A wedding is a time of joy esecially for the kin of the boy, while it is said to be a sad event for

houselold giving away the girl. The event itself is very crumatic, and the girl, more often then not

must be trumatic and the girl more often then not must be aried weeping into the planquin by her

kinsmen 8. After engagement the groom’s family often needs some time to raise the funds

necessary for the marriage and to prepare a place for the young couple to live. When these needs

are fulfilled the Nata is performed. Nata means deciding the day of Janj (wedding procession).

On Nata the father or, the women of the boy’s house. Come to the bride’s house and bothe the

families decide the wedding day. After the fixation of the date both families have to make the

arrangement for the celebration of the marriage 9. For a week before the marriage festivities,

rejoicing are held in both the houses but espasially in the boy’s house, where invitations are

36
issued to relative and friends. A week before the wedding, the women of the groom’s family get

together and sing songs, which they do every night till the wedding day.One or two days before

the marriage some presents are sent to the brid’s house. These presents are in the from of dresses,

arnoments and cosmatics etc. In the evening before the wedding day festivities begin at the

bride’s as well as the groom’s house with the arrival of guests. Food is served to the guest which

is simply boiled rice and curd or milk. In the same evening the young women from the groom’s

side go to the bride’s house with a certain quantity of Nakrizai (Mahendi) and lighted condoles.

This ceremony is called Shamai. The hands and feet of the bride are painted with the natural

colour of Nakrizai (Mahindi) by these groups. Parties of girls from the groom’s side take part in

dancing 10. In the next morning friends and kinsmen of the groom are march towards the bried’s

house. This march is called Janj. When the Janj reaches they are warmly received by the brid’s

family. The girls are mostly veiled, carries by her brothers or patrilineal cousins from her bed

and put in the Dolai.The Dolai carry by men from the groom’s party. Other men collect the

possessions brought by the girl. These include such things as her personal clothing, utensils,

quilts, pillows, some furniture, and the like 11. Neither the bride nor the groom get any pleasure

from the festivities. The girl is expected to sit motionless and completely covered for the first

day. The women of her new household jostle about her, trying to see her face. A child considered

lucky is brought to the brides room, and this is the first person she should see.While the bride is

crouching motionless on the bed, the groom is expected to be secluded in the hujra of some

relatives. He is not permitted to take part in the celebration or to show himself, for, to do so,

would be shameful. This custom, however is dying out and at least one “shamless” young man

has brazenly attended his own wedding. Sustom is no longer so strict but the groom is expected

to remain in the men’s house for three days 12

. At the same day a huge feast of rice, ghee, meat

37
and curd is provided for all the Janj and those with whom the groom’s house is tied in Ghem-

Khadi (The reciprocal obligation to attend funerals and wedding). They will arrive to say

congratulations (Mumbarik Sha) and to be given food. Failure to show up is seen as a calculated

insult 13.

e. Death Observance;

When some one falls ill and becomes serious and reaches the brink of death, the first concern of

his kinsfolk is to straighten his limbs close his eyes and mouth. Members of his family mourn

and arrangements are made for digging the grave and burial. The Sura-e-Yaseen (a portion of the

Holy Quran named, Yassen) is recited for an easy death and expiation of the dying person’s sins.

His face is turned towards the Qiblah (The Holy Kaaba in Makkah to which Muslims turn in

prayer). When he breathes his last the people burst out into cries of mourning and the females

beat their chests 14. If the deceased is male, three to four men give bath to his Corpse, if a female,

then women of the family gives her bath, and then put the shroud on it. Men sit quietly in the

Hujeera and form a sielent procession carrying the body to the grave. The women meanwhile,

remain in the house, reciting verses in honour of dead, and describing their own grief. Close

associates must arrive on the day of the funeral (Gham), which must be within Three days of the

death according to Muslim law. It is astonishing how quickly the news of a death travels, and

houndreds of men and women soon throng the dead man’s house and hujra, the women enter the

women section of the house to offer condolence and to sympathise with the women-fold in their

own way 15
. The men go to the men’s house and sit quietly, awaiting the arrival of the body

which they will carry to graveyard. The body is carried on bed and lifted by the near relatives in

turn but not the nearest kinsmen such as the father, son etc. on the way to the graveyard they

recite sacred verses, the Kailma and prayers for the deceased. At it’s head to the north and it’s

38
feet to the south and all those present recite the funeral prayers to invoke blessing of God for the

departed soul. This iscalled Nama-e-Jinaza (funeral prayers). Then the bier is carried to the

deceased, the body is lowered into the grave. The grave is always dug from North to South and

has two chambers, the lower on called Lahad in which the body is placed in a way that it’s face

is turned towards the holy Kaaba. The body of a male is laid by the men folk while that of female

is laid only by her husband or other near relatives. The grave is closed with stones and filled

withclay and made. One stone is set up at the head and a smaller one at the foot, and chorns are

placed over the grave to keep the wild animals away. Then an Iman begins recitation from the
16
Holy Quran (The Holy Book of Muslim) this ceremony is called Talqeen . Those unable to

come on the day of funeral must send representative with in three days. The visiors go to the

Mujra where the dead man’s relatives are sitting. He offers the prayer, which is called Las-Niwa,

soon after the arrives, saying, “ May God Bless him he was a good man”. There is a sequence of

gifts and sacrifices which should attend the death of an important man.A special bread is made

by the women of the dead man’s house and given to the poor of the village for three days. On

Friday after the death, a buffalo or cow is butchered and given to the village visitors who have

come to pay their respects. For fourty days after the death of an important man, a male buffalo

(the local symbal of virility) should be butchered and a big feast is held, and another feast with a

buffalo sacrifice, should be held one year after the death. This latter feast is called Tlins may be

held every year for a deceased, but ordinarlly is held only once 17.

2. FESTIVAL;

The Bunerians are very found of celebrating their holy festivals with great promp and show. On

the Eids days they put on new Clothes and attend mass prayers in the mosque of the towns and

villages. Presents are exchanged between selatives and friends. Married daoughter and their

39
husbands recive greater share of these presents. The main festivals are Eid-ul-Fitar, Eid-ul-azha

and Eid Malad-un-Nabi.

3. CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS;

Most of the people of the area are Pukhtoon’s. the life of the Pukhtoon is governed by Pukhtoon

wali or an unwritten code of life. Throughout the area, it is virtually impossible to find even a

child-male or female-who is not keenly aware of the main elements of Pukhtoon wali. It goes

traditions, a good deal beyond. As a matter of fact this code of honour contains values of life and

embrace all the activities from cradle to grave, Melmastiya (Hospitality), Badal (revenge),

Nanawaty(Go in) Nang (Honour) and Panah (Assylum) are the cordinal features of Pukhtoonwali

and Pukhtoon’s history will be incomeplete with out a reference to them.Melmastia (Hospitality)

is the first law of the Pukhtoon wali. The people of the area are therefore,extreamely hospitable,

and they show hospitality to all Malmastya the people of the area not only provide noursihment

but protection as well.Badal literally mean revenage. The second law of pukhtoonwali means the

taking of revenge over time or over space to avenge a wrong doing. The people of the area are

going between various groups of the people in the area. Sometime these Dushmani or rivalries

are started from a piece of or even on inch of a land, and then it prolongs from one generation to

the next. There are indication that originally Badal was to be taken by the victim-or in the case of

murder, by the victims family against the individual who had committed the murder.

Nanawatey;

Literally means going in or “entering into” some one’s house or “Hujra” in connection with a

recommendation on some important matter. It has been dfined as grat of asylum to fugitives or

extreme hospitality by some authorities. This is however an incomplete definition, as it also

40
means end to long standing disputes. The people of almost all cases, including murderous

assaults, injury or snsult to an individual or group of persons, yet they do not accept a Nanawaty

involving the modesty of women, as they consider the good name of a woman as a sacred

trust.The customs of Nanawatey is used when a person fells penitent over his past hostility and

decides to live in peace and amity with his rival, then he approaches to elders and religious

people of the area for intercession on his behalf. This leads to the formation of Jirga, . this Jirga

brings both the parites on a peace settlement.Then the Jirga slaughters a sheep, a goat or a Cow.

A fesst is held in the Hujra and the parties forget about the past enmity and promise to open a

new Chapter of pleasend and cordial relations.

Panah;

Panah is another custome which is common in the people of the area. The leterary mening of

“panah” is asylum. Any one who gains access to a pukhtoon house can claim an asylum. He

is protected by the owner of the house even at the risk of his life. Under Panah on can take

shelter under the roof of Pukhtoon’s house irrespcetive of caste, creed, status or past

relations.

41
Chapter- 4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC UPLIFT OF THE BUNER

District Buner is one of the remote districts of N.W.F.P. the Socio-Economic conditions of the

district are not so well. The basic infrastructure like, Road, Electricity and Health are not

according to the requirement of the population. There are no exiting indicators that give us a

Sense of area productively, the contribution of various sectors to productivity, remittances,

employment or income. Trade and business seems to be the major source of income. There are

markets at Sawari (Buner), Mingora (swat) and Mardan for the products of the area. Agriculture

is another source of income. Generally the agriculture sector provides a return only enough for

subsistence. People own livestock, but generally do not raise animals for commercial use.

Animals generally provide the families milk and meat consumption. Remittances from the Gulf

and Far-Eastern Countries have been a source of income for a large period of time. However as

there are fewer job opportunities in the Gulf and Far-East countries these remittances are now

declining. There are many local people who Work within Pakistan's urban areas such as

Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi. There is no available data concerning the remittance coming into

the district Buner and exact number of district residents living abroad .A general picture of the

Socio-Economic up-lift of district Buner is given under the following headings:

1. Agriculture

2. Animal husbandry

3. Forestory

4. Transport and communication

5. Education sector of the Area

6. Heath sector of the Area

42
 7. Industrial sector of the Area

1. ARICULTURE;

Agriculture has been the Chief and most important source of food supply for human beings. It is

the oldest profession of man, learnt and developed, for helping him in meeting his needs for

food. In the beginning people only picked up wild roots, fruits and seeds for eating. For meat

they hunted wild animals. With the passage of time they came to know that wild plants

reappeared in particular season. They learnt that they could grow if they kept the thus it they

began to store the seeds of certain wild plants and sowed them in the season and soil fit for

growth. Thus gave birth to Agriculture 3. As more time passed, men learnt to till the Soil and the

cultivation of various Crops. Farm instruments were also invented. Plough Sickle and Hoe were

the implements used for farming. Regular weeding and hoeing were done in order to keep the

soil soft and clear. To meet his protein and milk requirements, man started rasing chicks and

other animals like buffaloes, cows, goats and sheep etc. at home 4. Agriculture is one of the

people of district Buner. Wheat, Maize and Barley are grown in the district.

Land use;

This section is devoted to an analysis of the land use pattern in district Buner. The analysis is

based on the Agricultural statistics of N.W.F.P. In 1991-92 out of the district total land area of

172431 hectares 32% was cultivated. The culturabal waste land constituted 3.07% of the district

total land.

Table -1 Land use in district in 1991-92

43
Land Use Classification Area
Hectares %age of Total
Cultivated area 55153 32

Cultivated waste 5303 3.07

Forest 41493 24.06

Not available for cultivation 70482 40.8

Total report area 172431 100.00

The district Buner is largely a Mountainous region in interoperated with small tracts of cultivated

land. The culturable waste land figure of about 5303 hatters suggests that the district has not vast

resources of land that can be brought under the plough. However some progress has been made

during the period for four or five years, and the culturable waste decrease from 5303 - 2101

during this period.

Table- 2 Land use Patterns in District Buner (1991-92 to 1993-94).

Year Cultivated area Area Total Un-cultivated Area

Total reported sown Croppe
Area more d
than Area
once
Not Curre Total Cultivate Fores Not Total
sown nt d t available
Follo Waste for
w cultivatio
n
1991 17243 4634 8812 5515 4684 93181 5303 4149 70482 11727
-92 1 1 3 0 3 8
1992 17243 4725 7900 5515 4661 93904 5303 4149 70482 11727
-93 1 3 3 3 8
1993 17243 4725 7900 5515 4661 93904 5303 4149 70482 11727
-94 1 3 3 3 8

44
1994 17243 5294 2406 5535 4182 94777 5101 4149 70482 11707
-95 1 9 5 8 3 6
1995 17243 5312 2228 5535 4241 95543 5101 4149 70482 11707
-96 1 7 5 6 3 6
1996 17243 5321 5478 5535 4502 98237 2101 4149 10432 11707
-97 1 0 5 7 7 6

b. Distribution of Farms by size;

The 1980 census of Agriculture counted 32803 farms in district Buner. The average farm size

was 3.42 acres. The detail of distribution of farms and farm area by size of district Buner are

given in the following table

Table- 3 Distribution of Farms by size in District Buner;

Size of farm No. of Farms Cultivated Area Cultivated Avg.size of

(Acres) Farms Area Area as % of Cultivated
Farms Area Area

Total %age
All Farms 32803 168570 108747 - - -

Government - - - - - -

Farms

Private Farms 32803 168570 108747 100.00 64.51 3.42

Under 1.0 2637 1281 1216 1.12 94.93 .46

1.0 to Under 2.5 11382 17852 16571 15.24 92.82 1.46

2.5 to Under 5.0 9877 92578 28619 26.32 87.85 2.96

5.0 to Under 7.5 4155 23735 20242 18.61 85.28 14.87

7.5 to Under 2650 24593 17599 16.18 71.5 6.64

45
12.5

12.5 to Under 1360 22530 11346 10.18 50.36 8.34

25.5

25.5 to Under 467 15030 6902 6.35 45.92 14.78

50.0

50.0 to Under 216 15800 4579 4.21 - -

150.5

150.0 and above 56 15131 1673 1.54 - -

c. Crops;

Wheat and Maize are the major crops. Sugarcane, barley and Vegetables are emerging as

important Crops. Orchards crops are also becoming more popular even. Through they are grown

on a smaller scale. The variety of crops grown in district Buner is larger than before. More

Vegetables and Fruits are grown now than a decade ago. However, the cropping pattern is still

dominated by cereal crops. As seen in the table no.4, Wheat and Maize accounted for 98.62% of

the area under all major crops during 1993-97.

Table- 4

S. Crops 1993-97

No. Hectares %age

1. Wheat 45248 49.28

2. Barley 435 0.477

46
3. Maize 45301 49.34

4. Sugarcane 450 0.490

5. Vegetables 90 0.098

6. Orchard Crops 84 0.091

7. Tobacco 2000 21.78

Total 91811 100

The most widely practiced crops rotation is;

Wheat _ Maize _ Wheat

Wheat _ Follow _ Wheat

The district has two crops season.

i.Rabi

October, November until April, May

ii.Kharif

May, June until November.

The growing periods of different crops and relevant information about selected crops of district

Buner is as follows.

47
Table- 5 The growing pattern of different crops in District Buner.

Operation Period when performed

Wheat Barley Maize Sugarcane

Land preparation Oct/Nov. September June Nov./March

Farm Year Manure November October June May/June

application

Fertilizer application November October June July

Sowing November October June Nov./ to

March

Hawing /Weeding Jan-Feb. Jan-Feb July July

Pesticide application Jan-Feb. Jan-Feb. July-Aug. Aug. to

Ocober

Herbicide application January January -

Irrigation Dec. to Nov./Feb July June/July

March

Harvesting May/June March July/Oct. November

i) Areas, production of major crops in district Buner;

The major crops of district Buner are:

a. Wheat

b. Barley

48
 c. Maize

d. Rice

e. Sugar cane

f. R.Mustered

g. Tobacco

Wheat is the most widely grown crop in the district Buner. It is a Rabi crop sown during October

and November and harvested during May and June. It is grown in all agricultural zones of the

district. The area under wheat had not changed much during the last five years; it has ranged

from 45283 to 44331 hacters but has averaged around 44807 hectares. The total wheat

production in the district in 1993-94 was 66187 metric tons. Which has increased to 72509

metric tons during 1995-96 and again decrease to 61643 metric tons during 1996-97? Barely is

grown in district Buner, but according to the statistics published by the agriculture department

the growth area of Barley has decreased annually. During the period of 1993-97. Some is the

case of total production of this crop during 1993-94 it was 1266 metric tons which decreased to

433 metric tons during 1996-97 5. Maize is grown in the Kharif season. If is sown in June and

harvested in October and November. It occupies a larger area than any other Kharif crop. And is

the second largest crop grown after Wheat. The detail of growth area and production of this

important crop is given in the table no 6. Sugarcane, crop is grown year round. It is planted

during November and March and harvest vested in September through March inter-cropping of

sugarcane with wheat is a common practice. The crop area of sugarcane in district Buner has also

decreased annually like Barley. During 1992-93 the total sugarcane crop area was 702 hectares

49
which has decreased to 450 hectares 1996-97.The annual production of sugarcane has decrease

from 16385 metric ton during 1992-93 to 12271 metric tons during 1996-97 7. Rap and Mustard

are also cultivated in district Buner. The area and production of Rape and Mustard are given in

table No.6. Rice is another important crop which is grown in district Buner. But this crop is not

grown on large area. The total cultivated area during 1992-93 was 357 hectares which was

increased to 640 hectares in 1993-94 and again decreased to 357 during 1996-97.The total

production of rice was 682 metric tons during 1992-93 which increased to 1065 metric tons in

1993-94, but again decreased to 5815 metric tons during 1996-97 7. As shown in the table.

Table- 6. Area and production of Major crops in district Buner from 1992-94 to 1996-97

S Name of 1992-93 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97

No. the crops Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod.

(ha) (m.tons) (ha) (m.tons) (ha) (m.tons) (ha) (m.tons) (ha) (m.ton

1. Wheat 44331 67564 45283 66187 45210 70474 45273 72509 45248 61643

2. Barley 1100 1266 883 941 539 640 442 523 488 433

3. R.Mustered 851 364 728 291 699 303 873 386 676 214

4. Maize 411990 48084 42863 453195 41813 51952 42721 74276 45301 50228

5. Rice 357 682 640 1065 586 1037 348 557 357 5815

6. Sugarcane 702 16385 653 17963 6871 16737 478 12913 450 12271

7. Tobacco - - - - 2000 4137 1657 3430 1665 3635

50
ii )Orchard crops;

Orchard crops are grown in the district Buner. In 1994-95, the latest year for which statistics are
avaible, orchards were grown over an area of 84 hectares. The major fruits which are grown in
both the season i.e. Rabi and Kharif in district Buner are :

Kharif fruits ;

1. Apricot

2. Apple

3. Pear

4. Peaches

5. Plum

6. Walnut

7. Persimmon

Rabi fruits

1. Citrus

2. Loquat

The details are as follows.

51
Table- 7. Area and protection of Orchards Crops in District Buner 1994-95

S.no Name of Fruits AREA(hectares) Production(tons)

1. Kharif

a. Apricot 12 121

b. Apple 6 29

c. Pear 6 105

d. Peaches 6 60

e. Plum 12 110

f. Walnut 1 9

g. Persimmon 11 96

2. Rabi

a. Citrus 93 554

b. Loquat 3 15

iii) Vegetables

Most of the popular vegetables are produced in this area .Although the total area under

production is rather small. Potato is the most important vegetable terms of area. During 1994-95,

it accounted for 42.73% of the district total vegetable area.

The various vegetables area and production are show in the table no 8.

52
Table- 8. Area and production of vegetable in District Buner in 1994-95.

S. Name of vegetables Area Production

no (Hectares) (Tons)
1. Potato 50 712
2. Onion 47 621
3. Rabi, Vegetables 70 941
a. Turnip 10 184
b. Carrot 3 46
c. Spinach 20 252
d. Caulis -flower 9 193
e. Cabbage 3 15
f. Peas 10 67
g. Radish 15 184
Kharif vegetables 58 733
a. Lady finger 6 50
b. Tinda 3 48
c. Brinjal 4 59
d. Pumpkin 4 36
e. Bitter Gourd 2 18
f. Tomato 27 398
g. Others 12 124
Totals 300 4681

iv) Tobacco Crop;

Tobacco, locally called Tambaku or Tambaku belongs to the solanaceae family. The origin of

tobacco production in Pakistan (formal Hindustan) dates to the region of emperor. Akbar, when

53
it was introduced by the Europeans. Tobacco is now an important cash crop of Pakistan and it

brings in a considerable amount of foreign exchange. It is also a source of employment for

thousands of people who are involved with in producing curing, marketing and cigarette

manufacturing. As for a the world situation is concerned, tobacco is used by millions of people

all over the world in cigarettes cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco or snuff, and chukka tobacco,

There are more than 42 tobacco producing countries and the import and export of this

commodity takes place on the global scale. Tobacco is also one of the important cash crops of

district Buner. It is cellar from the statistical figure of 1993-94. The total tobacco cultivated area

in district Buner was 2000 hectares and the total production was 4137 tones 8. In 1966-97 the

tobacco cultivation area has decreased to 1665 hectares the total production 3635 tones.

d)Farm power;

The use of tractors is widespread throughout the area. Wheat threshers are also becoming

popular. The number these machines in the area in different year are given in Table no 9. The

number of tractors and wheat thresher exists or operating in the district Buner is beloved to be

much larger than indicated in the Table no 9. The use of tractor for cultivation purposes was

quite common more than a decade ago. In the 1980 census of agriculture 47% of district farmer

were found to have ploughed their lands with tractors while 34% used both tractors and animals.

Various machine which are used for different crops are given in the Table no 9.

Table- 9, Various Machines for Different Crops in District Buner (1994-95)

S.no Name of Machine Private Govt. Total

1. Wheat 85 - 85
2. Rice Husking Machine 9 - 9
3. Maize Sheller’s 150 - 150

54
 4. Tractors 1311 2 1313
5. Bulldozers 0 6 6
6. Binders - - -
7. Wheat Harvesters - - -
8. Reapers - - -

e) Farm labor;

The farmer's family itself is the principal source of labor. Very few farmers employ permanent

worker. Ploughing and harvesting are the only occasions when relatively large number short term

workers are engaged. Women accounted for as much as 54% of the farm labor force in 1980. As

many as 60% of total women participate in from work, however 12% of the women work on full

time basis 9.

g) Water Resources;

District Buner is drained by the Barandu River and number of smaller perennial and non-

perennial stream. The total irrigated area was 1279 hectares during the period of 1991-92 in

which only 30.13% was irrigated by canals and tube wells and 22.25% was irrigated by wells

and lift pups. About 74.60% was irrigated by other sources .What are the "other sources" were

most probably reservoirs made out of flood water by the area people for irrigating their lands.

The total irrigated land has decreased to 11223 hectares during the period of 1993-94. Further

detail of irrigation is given in the following Tables.

Table- 10. Distribution of Irrigation Area by source of Irrigation in District Buner

Years Area Irrigated by

All Canals Tube wells Open well Lift Pumps Other source

55
 Source Ha % Ha % Ha % Ha % Ha %

(ha)

1991- 11279 2350 20.83 1050 9.30 1110 9.84 1400 12.41 5369 47.60

92

1992- 11223 2360 21.02 1130 10.06 1120 9.97 1440 12.83 5173 46.9

93

1993- 11223 2360 21.02 1130 10.06 1120 9.97 1440 12.83 5173 46.9

94

1994- 13700 3259 23.78 4500 32.84 1250 9.12 2000 14.59 2691 19.64

95

1995- 14850 3500 23.56 5100 34.34 1300 19.30 2200 14.81 2750 18.51

96

1996- 15055 - - - - 1303 8.65 2220 14.74 234 15.56

97

i) Surface irrigation;

The principal means of surface irrigation are the canals taken off Barandu River and the various

perennial and non-perennial streams. Other surface irrigation system is lift irrigation. The canals

are operated and maintained by the government. Water course maintenance is the responsibility

of water users. In 1993-94 according to the official statistics the district had only 130 lift pumps

which irrigated area of 1440 hectare 10.

56
ii) Ground Water;

Ground water is utilized for irrigation purposes. Tube wells and dug wells have been sunk at

different places in the district. in 1993-94 the district had 40 tube wells. In 1993-94 there were 40

electrical government tube wells, seven diesel and electrical private tube-wells 11.

2. ANIMAL HUSBANDARY

The prospects for animal husbandry activities in district Buner are good. Presently, animal

husbandry activities are limited due to the shortage of staff and funds. The cattle comprise the

majority of livestock in district Buner. They are kept for milk consumption by the owners and

also generally sold for commercial purposes. They graze and feed on maize and wheat stalk

which are stored for food purposes in winter. Goats are also reared in large number second only

to cattle’s. Buffaloes are also rare in the district Buner. Mules and donkeys are kept to transport

goods, water and fire-wood. They are also used for construction purposes. In addition, poultry is

raised for egg production and occasionally eggs and chicken are sold within the local

community. A live stock census was conducted in 1995. The result for District Buner is

presented below in the Table no 11.

Table- 11. Types and number of various animals in District Buner

S.no Type of Animals Number as of 1997-98

1 Cattle 144186

2 Buffaloes 93349

3 Sheep 36648

4 Goats 111713

57
 5 Camels 427

6 Horses 984

7 Mules 974

8 Asses 7091

9 Poultry 637165

There are veterinary facilities located in Buner these include 3 veterinary hospitals, 16 veterinary

dispensaries and 2 veterinary centers. These facilities provide the following services 12.

1. Curative function in the treatment of animals.

2. Vaccination against contagious disease.

The total number of animals treated, protected, Birds protected at veterinary facilities from

1991-92 to 1996-97 are follows.

Tables -12. No. of Animal Treated, Protected, Inseminated, Birds Protected at Veterinary

Facilities from 1991-92 to 1997-98.

Years No. of No. of No. of Birds No. of animal

animal animal Protected inseminated
treated Protected Cows Buffaloes
1991-92 - - - 157 113

1992-93 50632 9507 43488 194 78

1993-94 98583 1240 19240 241 146

58
 1994-95 73594 5180 39700 850 4250

1995-96 - - - 917 440

1996-97 79086 5660 116869 513 513

Total 311,895.00 21,587.00 219,297.00 2,882.00 1,715.00

3. FORESTRY;

The total area of district Buner is 17249 hectares. The total estimated area under block plantation

forests is 41493 hectares. This entire area is privately owned by different tribes whose members

cut down the trees as they whish.13 The major forest areas in district Buner are as follows:

1. Gokand

2. Batai

3. Malikpur

4. Makhrani

5. Chagarzai

The following species are indigenous to the district

59
 S.no Botamcal Name Local Name

1. Podophyum emodi Bakanari

2. Ficus spp Injir

3. Pinus wallichiana Pewich

4. Pinus Rovburgii Nakhtar

5. Calobopis procera Saplamai

6. Platanus Orientalis Chinar

7. Zizyphus nummularia Beri

8. Zanthovoylym alatum Dambara

9. Quercus spp Banj

The forest Department staff in area consists of 5 Forest officers, 15 Foresters and 40 Forest

Guards. The forest officer responsible for district Buner is located in Dagger. The responsibilities

for a Forester varies and depends on the size of block plantation

There is one Forest Guard for each nursery and block paintaion

4. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION;

The means of transportation and communication play an important role in the Socio-Economic

development of a region. It is the roads and other sources of transportation through which people

can have access to big cities, markets. Sources of communication like Telephone, Telegraph are

Main system have also become too important in this ear of trade and business.

a) Roads;

There are three entry pints into district Buner from other districts. These three points are:

60
 i. From districts Mardan to Buner

ii. From district Swat to Buner

iii. From district Swabi to Buner

Start from Rustam which itself 15 kilometers away from main Mardan-Swabi Road, the main

Rustam-Pir Baba Road and after Surkawai pass enters Ambela 12 kilometers away from Rustam

which is one of the important village of district Buner. The other road which enters to Buner is

Brikot-Pir Baba road. This road enters Jowar after karakar pass, an important town of district

Buner 26 kilometers away from Brikot (Swat). The other road which enters to Buner is Brikot-

Pir Baba road. This road enters Jowar after karakar pass, an important town of district Buner 26

kilometers away from swat. The communication and works (C & W) department is responsible

for the maintenance of road in district Buner. it has one district office at Dagger with an

Executive Engineer (XEN) as its head. As of 1993-94, the district had 605.86 kilometers of roads

in which 245.86 kilometers were high-type and 60 kilometer low type roads 14.

b) Telephone, Telegraph and Post Offices;

From 1993 to 94 there were 30 Post offices in the district Buner in which six were sub-post
15
offices and 24 were Branch offices . During 1996-97 the number of post offices in district
16
Buner increased to 35 of which 8 are sub-post offices and 27 are Branch offices . During the

period of 1993-94 there was no single telegraph office in district Buner. The total telephone

exchange was 10 of which 2 were Auto and 8 were Manual. The total telephone connections

were 1195 of which 658 were Auto and 517 were Manual connections. During the period of

1996-97 the total telephone connection are increased to 1956 of which 875 are Auto and 1081

are Manual connections 17.

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5. EDUCATION;

Education is the key to development. A country cannot developed socially and economically

unless her literacy rate is accelerated. This is one of the important factors regarding being less

developed in the world. Pakistan is one of the countries in the world which invests 2.5% to 3% of

the G.N.P. on education sector with vast human resources base with abundance of talent.18

Efforts had been made and are ongoing to boost up literacy rate to capitalize the human resources

through the economic tools of efficiency of Labor to make breakthrough in the vicious circle of

poverty. The literacy rate in district is 6.8%, there are three organization which provide

education in district Buner. These organizations are (a) Public sector, (b) private sector and (c)

Religious organization.

a) Public sector;

The public sector provides school and college level education in district Buner. As of the 1994-

95 statistical figures the total number of educational institutes in was 378 in which 288
19
educational institutes were for male and 90 for female students . The total numbers of

educational institutes are increased to 456 of which 372 educational institutes for male and 134

for female students 20.

Table -13. The Number and Level of Government Educational Institutes in District Buner

S. Level of Institution 1994-95 1996-97

No. Male Female Male Female
1. Primary Schools 236 90 261 131

2. Middle Schools 23 - 27 2

3. High Schools 27 - 32 1

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4. Higher Secondary 1 - 1 -
School

5. Degree Colleges 1 - 1 -

6. Total 288 90 322 134

b) Private sector;

The private sector provides only school level education in district Buner. According to the

statistical figure of 1994-95 there were only 7 private institutions in district Buner. Offer only up

to the middle level education 21.

Table- 14. The Number and Level of Private Educational Institutes in District Buner.

S. Level of Institution 1994-95 1996-97

No Male Female Male Female
1. Private Primary School 6 - 25 1
2. Private Middle School 1 - 4 -
3. Private High School - - 1 -
4. Private Higher Secondary School - - 1 -
5. Private Degree College - - - -
6. Total 7 - 51 1

As of the statistical figure of 1996-97 the number of private educational institute are increased.

Now the private educational institute also offers college level education in District Buner. The

total numbers of private educational institute are 52 of which 51 for male and 1 for female.

c) Religious Education;

The other institutions which provide education are religious institution. The main institute for

religious education is the mosques but there are some Madras’s also opened for religious
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education. The total number of religious education institute is 25. These institutes are situated

throughout the area.

d)Administration of District Education;

The district educational officer (D.E.O) Primary and secondary are located in Dagger. There are

one Assistant Educational officer responsible for sub-divisions.

6. HEALTH SECTOR OF THE DISTRICT;

Health is an important social sector. Economical development and social progress are closely

linked with the state of health of the population of a country. Health facilities are essential not

only to provide clean and disease free atmosphere to live but also to enhance the efficiently and

productivity of population. The parameters deterring the state of health of given area and its

population rests on availability of clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, Doctors, Population,

existence of Medical units, and matarning facilities etc. to keep people not only free from

communicable disease but to make sure quality of life and reduction in mortality rate. The

infrastructure of health, therefore, cover the establishment of health institution like Hospital,

Dispensaries ,R.H.Cs, B.H.U and staffing these units with sufficient number of Medical/Pre-

Medical staff. The position of the health service can make significant contribution to economic

growth. District Buner was provided with the following facilities during the period of 1992-97.

4 Civil Hospitals

11 Civil Dispensaries

1 Rural Health Centre (R.H.C.)

1 Medical care and Health Center (M.C.H.)

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19 Basic Health Units (B.H.U)

2 Leprosy Centers 22.

Four years later in 1996-97 the total health institutions in district Buner are remains 38 of

which:

4 are civil Hospital

10 are Civil Dispensaries.

1 are Rural Health Center

2 are Medical Care and Health Centers (M.C.H)

19 are Basic Health Unit (B.H.U)

2 are Leprosy Centers 23.

The District Health Officer (D.H.O) are stationed of Tehsil Dagger and are responsible for

supervising the facilities maintained above. There is also an Assistant District Health Officer

(A.D.H.O). At present there are 83 medical and Para medical staff actually posed in District

Buner from 1st January, 93 to 1st January 95.

7. INDUSTRIAL SECTOR OF THE AREA;

Industries play a vital role in the economy of an area. The considerable number of industries

raises the state of socio economic life of the people of the area. It provides the employment as

well as the low price goods to the people of the area. According to the 1997-98 statistical figure

the total number of Industries in district Buner are 245 which provides approximately 15681 of

Jobs for local people. There are 224 of Marble factories the large number of Marble factories are

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due to the presence of huge amount of Marble in the mountains of the area. As of the 1993-94

statistical figured the total Marble Production was 276857 tons. Which is increased from 1996-

97 to 352316 tons. There are 3 cigarette factories, 2 are Flour Mills, 4 are ice factories, 11 are

small industries of Handi crofts, and 1 of Aluminum factory 14.

These industries are situated throughout the area.

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 CONCLUSION;

This thesis is a descriptive study of “the land and people of district Buner” which is an

administrative unit of the North-West Frontier Province. It is a district of the Malakand Division,

having rich history, distinct geography, numerous ribes, and prominent culture. The historical

records of the area show that the fertile land attracted attention of the various nations in different

periods of history. The rule of the Greeks, Buddhists, Mughals and British show the hostile

nature of the people against the foreign rule. The geographical features of the area show that it is

a rich and fertile valley with big plain tracts surrounded by Mountains, and a net work of

streams, which keep it’s oxchards fruitful and fields green. The Archaeological sites of the area

show that the area has played a glorious role in the evolutions and Buddhist Civilization which

flourished here thousands of years ago. Among the important archaeological sites of the district

the most important one is the Ramanai. Another important archaeological site is Kinggergalai.

The inhabitants of such a fertile and rich soil cannot be less important, in any way. The district is

peopled by various races and tribes but the Pathan tribes, Yousafzai and Mandarne are in

majority. We can find the characteristics and norms of Pushtoon's culture in the people's life and

social organization of the society. But Pushtu, key criteria for the Pathan culture are to so

common in this area and different dialects of the Gujari language are spoken Hindko and Pushtu

as well. Customs and traditions of the area show that the people of the district are tradition loving

and for the same reason they are still observing the old traditions of their forefathers with some

modifications, The customs and traditions of the people of the Buner district are almost the same

as those of the other people in the North-West Frontier Province. But there is a kind of natural

touch in the customs and tradition of this area. The Socio-Economic condition of the area

showing a slow and gradual progress, especially after the declaration of the area as a separate

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district in September 5, 1991. The Health and education sectors have made lot of progress from

1991 to 1998.

The industrial sector has a good potential owing to the presence and extraction of large amount

of Marble in the area. The agricultural sector is also developing due to the cultivation of Tobacco

on large areas as cash Crops.

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