Mansehra District, situated in the Hazara Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in Pakistan, holds significant appeal for visitors. Ranked as the second most exquisite city in Pakistan after Swat District, Mansehra attracts numerous tourists, particularly due to its location along the Karakoram Highway. This highway serves as a crucial route for trade and other engagements with China. Moreover, Mansehra serves as a vital transit point for travelers heading towards the captivating northern areas, including Tehsil Balakot, Batrasi, Atter Shisha, Sireepay, Kaghan Valley, Naran Valley, Shogran Valley, Lake Saif-ul-Malook, Babusar Top, and Ansu Lake.

Mansehra District Hazara Division KPK Pakistan
Mansehra District Hazara Division KPK Pakistan

Description

Following the dissolution of West Pakistan in 1970, the Hazara District and two tribal agencies were amalgamated to establish the Hazara Division. The division’s headquarters were set in Abbottabad, and initially, it consisted of three districts: Abbottabad, Kohistan, and Mansehra. However, over time, Haripur district was carved out of Abbottabad District, and Battagram District was separated from Mansehra District.

Initially, Hazara functioned as a district until its elevation to the status of a division in 1976. In October 1976, Mansehra obtained full-fledged district status, encompassing Mansehra and Battagram Tehsil. Then, in July 1991, Haripur Tehsil was detached from Abbottabad and established as a separate district. Consequently, only the original Tehsil of Abbottabad remained, which was designated as Abbottabad District.

In 2000, a reform was implemented, leading to the abolition of administrative divisions. The existing districts at the fourth tier were elevated to become the new third tier of government in Pakistan.

 
Mansehra District Hazara Division KPK Pakistan
Mansehra District Hazara Division KPK Pakistan

History of Mansehra

The name “Mansehra” derives from Maharaja Man Singh, a prominent historical figure who was once the ruler of the region. Throughout its history, the area of Mansehra has witnessed the reign of several emperors and governing powers, including Alexander the Great, Ashoka, the Afghans from Kabul, the Turks, and finally, the British.

Language

The primary language spoken in Mansehra is Hindko, while other languages commonly used in the area include Pashto, Kohistani, Pahari, and Majhi. Additionally, Urdu holds prominence as a predominant language in the city.
Rivers
The renowned river in the region is known as the Kunhaar River, or “Kunnar” in the local Hindko language. This river flows alongside the Naran Road, which serves as the gateway to the scenic Kaghan Valley in Tehsil Balakot. Another significant river in the area is Siran, which is the largest river in Pakhhal Tehsil, Mansehra. It originates from the Musa Da Masalla mountain (referred to as “Musa Da Masalla” in Hindko) and eventually merges into the Tarbela Dam.
Mansehra District Hazara Division KPK Pakistan
Kunhaar River Mansehra District Hazara Division KPK Pakistan

Culture

Located in the village of Gandian, within the town of Chitti Gatti, there stands an ancient temple, also known as a “Maunder,” dedicated to the deity Shiva. It is believed to house one of the oldest Shiva Lingas in the entire region.

In close proximity to the primary vehicle stop in Mansehra, known as Lari Adda, lies the locality of Barrie Mountain. This mountain holds significance as Hindus from the surrounding areas, totaling around 400 individuals, gather at the summit of Barrie hill to worship the Goddess Devi (in the form of Durga) and offer their devout offerings. These offerings are then received by a Brahmin from Mansehra.

Agriculture

The district faces challenges in terms of inadequate irrigation facilities, which have resulted in reduced soil productivity despite its inherent fertility. The total area of the district spans 1,067,291 acres, with 258,999 acres dedicated to cultivation and 808,292 acres left uncultivated. Only 48,571 acres of land are irrigated, further limiting productivity. As a result, cultivation heavily relies on seasonal rainfall. However, the soil in the Pakhali plain benefits from irrigation facilities, making it exceptionally fertile and conducive to high productivity.

Mansehra District Hazara Division KPK Pakistan
Lake Saif Ul Malook Mansehra District Hazara Division KPK Pakistan

Noteworthy crops cultivated in Mansehra include wheat, with a total area of 43,412 hectares that yielded 67,735 tons in 1991. Maize, covering a total area of 76,606 hectares, produced 119,615 tons. Rice was grown on 6,203 hectares of land, resulting in a production of 13,236 tons. Tobacco cultivation encompassed 1,345 hectares, yielding 5,344 tons. Additionally, rape seed and mustard were cultivated on 959 hectares, producing 467 tons. Barley and fodder covered 3,358 hectares, with a total production of 79,511 tons. Vegetables, soybeans, and pulses were grown on 1,288 hectares, resulting in a combined production of 5,601 tons in 1991.

Tea growing experiments

In order to take advantage of the favorable climate and conducive conditions, tea growing experiments have been conducted in Ahal, Shinkiari, Ichrian, and Baffa, all of which have shown successful results. Fruit orchards also contribute significantly to the region’s income, with apple orchards being particularly prominent, offering a wide variety of apple types. Mansehra can be likened to the California of Pakistan due to its capability to cultivate a diverse range of fruits, including temperate, tropical, and sub-tropical varieties.

 

Tribes

Mansehra accommodates a rich tapestry of individuals belonging to various ethnic backgrounds, including Swatis, Dhund Abbasi, Gujjars, Syeds, Awans, Rajputs, Kashmiris, Maliars, Bangash, Yousufzais, Tanolis, Hassanzai, Qureshis, Karlugh Turks, Afghan refugees, and numerous other ethnic groups.

Mansehra
Hazara University Mansehra District Hazara Division KPK Pakistan

Literacy

Hazara University stands as a prominent educational institution in Mansehra, serving as a significant symbol of education in the region. It is conveniently situated in close proximity to Baffa and Shinkiari. Mansehra itself is located in the province of N.W.F.P (formerly known as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) with a literacy rate of 35.41%. In contrast, the capital city of Islamabad leads the nation with an impressive literacy rate of 82.4%. When considering Pakistan as a whole, the country maintains a literacy rate of 45.92%.

First Education Intuitions of Mansehra

The earliest primary schools in the Mansehra district were founded in the villages of Behali (1872) and Baffa (1874). Subsequently, in 1892, a primary school was established in the town of Mansehra. Additionally, Nawansheer and Sherwan in Mansehra also had contemporaneous primary schools during the 1870s.

Administration

Under the administration of Prime Minister Bhutto, Mansehra was elevated to the status of a district, encompassing two subdivisions: Mansehra and Battagram. Subsequently, the Balakot subdivision was added to the Mansehra district. During the government of General Pervez Musharraf, Alhai and Battagram were separated from the district to form a new district within the Hazara Division. Finally, under the current government, the Tehsil Kala Dhaka was detached from Mansehra and established as the 6th district of the Hazara Division, renamed as Tor Ghar in accordance with Pashto pronunciations, which translates to “Black Mountain.”

The district comprises three tehsils, each of which is subdivided into a total of 60 Union Councils. These tehsils are:

  1. Mansehra
  2. Balakot
  3. Oghi

Union Councils & towns of Tehsil Mansehra

The city of Mansehra is administratively divided into Thirty three Union Councils.     Mansehra urban No 1 ,Mansehra Urban No 2, Mansehra Urban No 3 ,Mansehra Urban No 4, Mansehra Rural, Shinkiari , Shoukatabad , Sum Alahi Mong ,Swan Miara ,Ganda ,Trangi Sabir Shah, Panjool Nawazabad ,Perhinna  ,Phulrraa ,Morbuffa Klan,Morbuffa Khurd ,Bandi, Blahag Bala ,Blahag Pain, Sacha Kalan ,Baffa Town, Battal, Behali, Belian, Bherkund ,Bhogerr Mong , Chater Plain , Datta, Devli Jaberr, Dhodial , Hamsherian, Hilkot, Icherrian, Inayat Abad, Jaborri, Jaloo, Labarkot, Lassan Nawab, Lassan Thakral ,Malik Pur

Mansehra District Hazara Division KPK Pakistan
Jalkhud Mansehra District Hazara Division KPK Pakistan

Union Councils & towns of Tehsil Balakot

Balakot Tehsil consists of 16 Union Councils:
Atter Shisha ,Balakot sher, Garhi Habibullah ,Garlat, Ghanool, Hangrai ,Kaghan, Karnol  Kewal, Laber Kot, Mohandri , Pairan ,Sandasar ,Satbani, Shohal Mazullah, Talhata

Union Councils & towns of Tehsil Oghi

Tehsil Oghi consists of Eleven Union Councils:

Darband ,Karori,Nika Pani , Shergarh, Shinayah, Shungli Bandi, Ballian, Dalbori ,Kathai, Oghi, Shamdara

Famous Personalities:-

·        Mufti Muneeb-Ur-Rehman, Chairman, Central Roet-e-Hilal Committee, Pakistan.
·        Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan, Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan.
·        Chaudary Muhammad Aslam (Late) S.S.P C.I.D Karachi.
·        Muhammad Shafique Tanoli (SHO) Karachi.

Travel Guide of Mansehra

Distances From
Distance To
Distance
Mansehra
50KM
 30KM
 Mansehra
 122KM
 Shogran
 SriPaya
 0.60KM
 Kaghan
 59KM
 78KM
 Naran
 SaifulMuluk
 07KM
 Naran
 Lalazar
 18KM
 Naran
 Lulusar
 52KM
 Naran
 Babusar Top

 64KM

 Height above sea level different points of Mansehra

 
Area
Height above sea level
Saif-ul-Muluk
 10600 FT
 Loolosar
 11300 FT
 Makra
 11655 FT
 Manwar Gali
 11814 FT
 Moosa Musalla
 12225 FT
 Babusar Top
 13300 FT
 Babusar Pass
 13300 FT
 Malka-e-parbat
 17600 FT
 3226 FT
Kaghan
 6114 FT
 7200 FT
 Sharan
 7200 FT
Naran
 7800 FT
Kund Bangla
 8200 FT
Mansehra City
2550 FT

What Not to Do

Do not Photograph bridges and military installations,
Do not swim in the rivers
Do not Travel without your passport and other travel documents in the Northern Areas.
Do not Photograph local women without his permission
Do not Drive on mountain roads at night.
6 thoughts on “Mansehra District Is The Beautiful City Of Pakistan”
  1. During the Maurya dynasty, Ashoka the Great was the governor of this area where he was a prince. After the death of his father, the Mauryan emperor Bindusara, Ashoka ascended to the throne around 272 B.C. and made this area one of the major seats of his government.
    Pakistan Web Online

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