Mianwali (Urdu: میانوالی) is the capital city of Mianwali District and situated in the north-west of Punjab province, Pakistan. The city is located on the eastern bank of the Indus River. Thal canal traverses the city and makes the surroundings a picturesque place.
According to the 1998 census of Pakistan, the Mianwali city had a population of 85,000 inhabitants.[citation needed]
In November 1901, present day towns of Mianwali, Bhakkar, Isa Khel, Kalabagh, and Kundian were separated from Bannu District and hence a new district named as Mianwali District was created with the headquarters in Mianwali city. The municipal committee was founded in December 1903 and has remained operational since then.
Mianwali city is the economic and commercial hub of the Mianwali district. The city has a FM Radio Station, municipal library, sports complex, and hockey stadium. There are several educational institutions from elementary to post-graduate level.
The city has an airport built near the old World War II aerodrome and known as PAF Base Mianwali. It is one of the major operational bases of the country. The No.1 Fighter Conversion Unit of the PAF is stationed here.
There is also a railway connecting the city with Multan, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
The main highways connecting the city to the other parts of the country include the Sargodha–Lahore road [N–60], MM Road (Mianwali–Muzaffargarh road), Talagang–Rawalpindi road, and the Kalabagh–Bannu road [N–60].
History
Early history of the city is unknown. The city is famous for the shrine of Mian Sultan Zakria (RA) whose father Mian Ali founded Mianwali village in the 16th century. The son is said to have exhibited supernatural powers from an early age and many miraculous deeds are ascribed to him. His name is frequently taken as an oath and his shrine is not uncommonly the scene of settlement of civil disputes.Before the British rule, the area formed an integral portion of the Graeco–Bactrian Empire of Kabul and the Punjab.[1] During British rule, the Indian empire was subdivided into provinces, divisions and districts; afterward, the independence of Pakistan divisions remained the third tier of government until 2000. The British had made the town of Mianwali as tehsil headquarters of Bannu District then part of Dera Ismail Khan Division of Punjab province. The population of Mianwali, according to the 1901 census of India, was 3,591.[2]
In November 1901, the North-West Frontier Province was carved out of Punjab and the towns of Mianwali, Isa Khel, Kalabagh, and Kundian were separated from Bannu District (Bannu became part of NWFP) and hence a new district was made with the headquarters in Mianwali city and placed in Punjab. The district became a part of Multan Division. There were four tehsils namely Mianwali, Isa Khel, Bhakkar, and Layyah. Layyah was included in the Muzaffargarh District in 1909. The district became a part of Sargodha Division in 1961. Bhakkar Tehsil was carved out of Mianwali District and was made a separate district inside Sargodha Division w.e.f. 01-07-1982.
Languages and ethnicity.
Saraiki language is widely spoken by the people of Mianwali while Urdu, Punjabi and Pashto languages are also spoken by Muhajir , Punjabi and Pushtun communities respectively. Mianwali is famoused (before 14th auguest 1947) for three things 1.Mianwali di andhaari(wind)2. Mianwali di katchahri(court)3. Mianwali di dhaari(the name from Dhari Shah)
District Mianwali is bounded by district Attock on North-East, Chakwal and Khushab districts on East and Bhakkar on South and NWFP on its West and North-West. River Indus flows across the district from North to South. Three branches of the Thal Canal Emerging form Jinnah Barrage on river Indus near Kalabagh irrigate the vast areas. Another canal called Chashma Link Canal connects river Indus with river Jhelum through Chashma Barrage.District Mianwali is spread over an area of 5,840 square kilometers comprising of following three tehsils:-
- Mianwali
- Isakhel
- Piplan
The district has extreme hot and cold climate. The maximum temperature during the summer shoots up to 51C while the minimum temperature recorded in winter is as low as 2C. The average rainfall in the district is about 250 mm.
DISTRICT AT A GLANCE
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Man Power
| TOTAL POPULATION OF THE DISTRICT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| According to 1998 Population and Housing Census, total population of Mianwali district is 1057 thousands persons out of which 530 thousands are males and 527 thousands are females. Density of population in the district is 181 persons per square Kilometre. Percentage break-up of the Rural and Urban population is 79.2 and 20.8 respectively. Tehsil-wise distribution of Urban and Rural population is given here Tehsil-wise distribution of Urban and Rural population is given in Table-1. TEHSIL-WISE DISTRIBUTION OF URBAN & RURAL POPULATION | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| MAN-POWER AVAILABILITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The total available labor force (i.e. population 15 years and above, working and looking for work) as per District Census Report of Mianwali 1998, in the district is 172 thousand persons. As regards availability of skilled labor, there are 08 technical / commercial / vocational institutions (4 for men and 4 for women) imparting training in various trades e.g. mechanical, electrical, auto-engineering, welding, wood working and commerce. Vocational institutions for women impart training in hand/machine embroidery, stitching and knitting. In all about 370 technicians/artisans/workers are trained every year Details are given in Table-2:- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
COMMERCIAL AND VOCATIONAL/TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| GENERAL QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY OF SUB-SOIL WATER. Under ground water resources are not adequate in the district especially in Tehsil Isa Khel. The sub soil water in and around the district is suitable for industrial purposes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EFFLUENT DISPOSAL FACILITIES. There are hill nullahs, which carry rain water from the hills to the river Indus. However, permission from Irrigation and Power Department, Government of the Punjab is necessary for discharge of effluent in these nullahs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
POWER SUPPLY. There are 12 grid stations in the district (ranging in capacity from 66 KV to 132 KV). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NATURAL GAS AVAILABILITY. Natural gas is available in Chashma, Daudkhel and Iskandarabad only. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TELEPHONE FACILITIES. There are 16 telephone exchanges operating in the district (ranging in capacity from 206 lines to 5850 lines). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SOCIAL INFRA-STRUCTURAL FACILITIES Social infrastructural facilities (Public Sector) available in the district are given here Tehsil - Wise basis. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Wheat, Sugarcane, Gram and Guar Seed are the main crops grown in the district. Production of these crops during the period 1998-99 to 2000-2001 is given here | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| PRODUCTION OF MAIN CROPS (1998-99 to 2000-2001) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Besides, Ground Nut, Rice, Cotton, Moong, Mash and Masoor are also grown in minor quantities in the district. Back | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Citrus, Guavas and Mangoes are main fruits grown in the district. Production of these fruits during the period 1998-99 to 2000-2001 is given here | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| PRODUCTION OF MAIN FRUITS (1998-99 to 2000-2001) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Besides, Mango, Jaman, Dates and Banana are also grown in minor quantities in the district. Back | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Onion, Turnip and Tomato are main vegetables grown in the district. Production of these vegetables during the period 1998-99 to 2000-2001 is given here | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| PRODUCTION OF MAIN VEGETABLES (1998-99 to 2000-2001) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Besides, Bottle Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Chilies, Carrot, Cauliflower, Peas and Garlic are also grown in the district in minor quantities. Back | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| An area of 40,019 acres is under forest in the district. There is also linear plantation of 1080 Km alongside the roads/rails/canals in the district. Trees grown in the area are Mulbury, Bakain, Eucalyptus, Simbal, Popular, Sirin, Acacia, etc. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| LIVESTOCK POPULATION The animal population of the district is given in Table - 7. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ANIMAL POPULATION | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Tribes in Mianwali
The people of Mianwali district are happy amalgamation of several tribes, all of them forming a pretty pattern like a lovely garden. The prominent features of these tribes are that they have been living in perfect equanimity and composure and no ethnic disturbance of any kind has taken place in the district.
The principal tribes of the district are Pathans including Niazis, Khattak and Balouch along them with are Syed, Qureshi, Jat, Rajput, Khawaja and Sheikh. Besides, there are working classes, the professionals like, Tarkhans, Mochis and Pawlis etc. Of late, the professionals have asserted themselves to equal respect and honor and are no longer looked upon as menials. All the tribes are Muslims, very staunch in their faith.
A few hundred Christians are also living in the towns. They too enjoy perfect peace and freedom and are at liberty to profess their faith.
The main characteristics of the different tribes are described in the following paras:
The principal tribes of the district are Pathans including Niazis, Khattak and Balouch along them with are Syed, Qureshi, Jat, Rajput, Khawaja and Sheikh. Besides, there are working classes, the professionals like, Tarkhans, Mochis and Pawlis etc. Of late, the professionals have asserted themselves to equal respect and honor and are no longer looked upon as menials. All the tribes are Muslims, very staunch in their faith.
A few hundred Christians are also living in the towns. They too enjoy perfect peace and freedom and are at liberty to profess their faith.
The main characteristics of the different tribes are described in the following paras:
Syed, and Qureshi
There is a sprinkling of all these tribes in almost every big village and town. Syeds and Qureshis are well-versed in religious matters and are held in great esteem.
Awan
The Awans mainly occupy the upper table land beyond the Salt Range. Only two Awan villages Kalabagh and Jalalpur lie west of the Indus. The Awans are fair complexioned people with sharp noses. They are shrewed people and avail themselves thoroughly of the opportunities that come their way.
Pathans
There are three different types of Pathans in the district, Niazi, Khattak and Balouch.
Niazi
Niazi
The Niazis came from the north-west and settled along the high banks of the Indus in Mianwali and Isakhel tehsils. They are divided in to many sections and each clan has several sub-sections. The Niazis are generally well-built and fair complexions.
Khattak
Khattak
The Khattaks preceded Niazis in the north of Isakhel tehsil and have clung to the hills. One section of Khattaks is called Bhangikhel and the other Bani-Afghans. They are hard and tenacious and are vigorous workers. They make good soldiers and enjoy a special place in army. Their natural temperament, their ability and excellence as mountaineers have made them simple, faithful and orderly.
Balouch
Balouch
The Balouchs are settled in Piplan tehsil and in the villages surrounding that town. Their number is not too large.
Jat and Professionals
Jat and Professionals
The Jats are good tillers. The professionals have turned a new leaf since independence. They no longer live on the traditional wages paid annually, called Thal. They are doing independent business. They dominate the business in hard-wares, pottery, ceramics, furniture and leather works.
Culture of Mianwali
The Muslim culture prevails all over the district. Eid -ul-Fitr is celebrated most pompously. Sivanyyan and Halwa, a peculiar kind, called 'Dodhiwala Halwa' celebrates the occasion. Muharam, Ramzan and Bakar-Eid are observed with due solemnity.
The natives are gracefully dressed. Although a few elderly gents and ladies still put on Chola and Manjhla and Patks, the greater majority has taken to the Shalwar-Qameez. The head-gear has disappeared altogether although Dhoti, Kukar ( in winter ) and Sindhi Ajrak over the shoulder are still very much in vogue. Khairee made of Tilla ( called as Tillay walee khairee ) is very popular over here.
The marriage is an occasion of great festivity. The date is fixed a good fortnight and sometimes even a month before the actual wedding takes place. In the villages the invitation (called gandh ) is sent through the local 'Mirasi' or 'Nai' but in the towns very costly invitation cards are distributed. The marriage procession now-a-days goes on cars and buses and even when the distance between the two parties is not more than few steps, the bride would be carried in a car. Nikkah is performed at the bride's house.
The rejoicing are generally greater in case of birth of a male child than in case of female child. After the birth of a child the Mullah is called to the house who recites Azan into the ear of the infant. The new born baby is given some honey which is generally done by an elder member of the family. According to popular belief the child acquires the same habits as the person administering him the dose which is known as Ghutti.
The death of a person is now-a-days announced on the loud speakers in the mosques. The grave is dug by the professional grave diggers. Ghusal is usually given by the close relatives rather than by a professional. Funeral prayer, which is attended by all and sundry, is offered in the Janazagah, in open grounds and sometimes even in the mosques.
The fairs and Urs are held at several places in the district. The Annual Horse and Cattle Show held in February in the District Council Stadium every year is attended by hundreds of thousands of people and is an occasion of great jubilation and gratitude.
Hockey is the traditional home of Mianwali city, which has produced several Olympians. There are dozens of Hockey Clubs. The game that has become recently extremely popular is cricket. Scores of clubs are patronizing this game. Ex Captain of Pakistani team, Imran Khan, and the new batsman Misbah-ul-Haq both belong from Mianwali. Volley Ball( shooting ) is popular as is football. The Kabaddi is also played with great zeal. Cock fighting and Quail fighting are popular recreations of the suburbs.
Weather and Climate
The district has extremes of climate. The summer however has an edge over winter in ferocity. It begins in April and continues till October. May, June and July are the hottest months when the temperature shoots up as high as 9 degree centigrade. The average maximum and minimum temperature during these months are 42 and 27 degree centigrade respectively. The winter season lasts from November to mid February. The first fortnight of the February are the coldest days. The maximum and minimum temperatures in the months of January are 20 and 4 degree centigrade respectively.
Regular cyclones do not pass over the district . Dust storms which were common in summer in the past are now rare in frequency and milder in ferocity. It is due to afforestation and the conversion of desert into a greenery. Hail storms do occur and sometimes destroy entire crops.
Rain fall in the district is but scanty, the average for Mianwali district has never arisen above 40 millimeters.
Regular cyclones do not pass over the district . Dust storms which were common in summer in the past are now rare in frequency and milder in ferocity. It is due to afforestation and the conversion of desert into a greenery. Hail storms do occur and sometimes destroy entire crops.
Rain fall in the district is but scanty, the average for Mianwali district has never arisen above 40 millimeters.
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