Tanoli photos on Flickr

Chattar Plain Manshera, KPK, Pakistan by Ali Usman Baig

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From shinkiari KKH climbs through pine plantations into a picturesque bowl called Chattar plain named after Chattar Singh a Sikh General........................................... The fall of the Durranis led the way for the Sikhs to rise to power under Ranjit Singh. The Sikhs gained invaded of Mansehra in 1818, after heroic resistance from its inhabitants. When Mansehra fell under Sikh control, it was annexed to Punjab. The brutality of Sikh rule roused Syed Ahmad Shaheed, with the help of the Mujahideen, led many revolts and attacks against the barbaric Sikhs. At last, in 1831, during a fierce battle at Balakot, Syed Ahmad Shaheed was killed. This allowed the Sikhs to consolidate their control of Mansehra. After Rajit Singh's death, the Sikh empire began to disintegrate.

Painda Khan Tanoli was the tribal chief of the Tanolis at the time of the invasion of Hazara by the Sikhs. Painda Khan is famed for his staunch rebellion against Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Governors of Hazara. From about 1813, he was involved in a lifelong rebellion against the Sikhs. When Sikh power was on the fall in 1845 his son, Jehandad Khan, blockaded the garrisons of no less than 22 Sikh posts in Upper Tanawal; and when they surrendered at discretion, he spared their lives, as the servants of a fallen Empire.[5]

In the meantime other Chiefs of Hazara rushed to arms to defeat the Sikhs who were in their country. The Muslims faced severe restrictions during the Sikh rule. They invited Syed Akbar, of Sitana, to be King of Hazara, and make a holy war with them Sikh invadors. Nuvab Khan of Shingri, and Sardar Ghulam Ahmad Khan Tarin (or Tareen) became Syad Akbur's "Wazirs", whilst Pir Khan came down to join with the Jaduns, Khan i Zeman brought the Tarkheylies; the Swatis of Publi, and the Mushwanis, contributed to the battle. For two months they besieged Diwan Mulraj, the Kardar, in the fort of Harkishengarh (at Haripur); and at last, after several gallant repulses, forced the garrison to evacuate by cutting off the water.[6]

On 19 March 1846, a peace treaty was signed between the Sikhs and the British according to which Raja Gulab Singh took Kashmir and Hazara from the British for 7,500,000 rupees. But due to widespread civil disorder the Raja asked the British government to take over Hazara in exchange of the Jammu-Jhelum belt. The British accepted this offer and took over Hazara from him. They deputed James Abbot to Hazara to restore peace. He defeated Chuttar Singh, a Sikh general, after coming to Hazara and thus completely ousted the Sikhs from power.In 1849, it was, as part of the ex Sikh Lahore/Punjab kingdom, formally annexed to British India

View of Abbottabad, NWFP, Pakistan - June 2009 by Saffy H

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en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbottabad

Abbottabad (Urdu: ایبٹ آباد) is a city located in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan and is the third-largest city in the province after Peshawar and Mardan. The city is situated in the Orash Valley, 150 km north of Islamabad and 200 km east of Peshawar at an altitude of 4,120 feet (1,260 m). The city is well-known throughout Pakistan for its pleasant weather, high standard educational institutions and military establishments. It remains a major hub for tourism of the Northern Areas in the summer.

History

Sikh invasion

In 1818, Sikh Emperor Ranjit Singh invaded and annexed Hazara however in 1820 his generals were defeated by the Muslims. In 1821, during another attempt at conquest by the Sikhs, Amar Singh was killed at Harroh. Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa, the governor of Kashmir, then went to Hazara to battle against the Muslim tribes, but it took him three years to subdue the warlike mountaineers of the outer hills. It was not until 1836 that the Gakhars of Khanpur were finally defeated.[3] Painda Khan was the tribal chief of the Tanoli tribe at the time of the invasion of Hazara by the Sikhs. Mir Painda Khan is famed for his staunch rebellion against Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Governors of Hazara. He was the son of Mir Nawab Khan, who defeated the Durranis and freed his kingdom from their influence. From about 1813, he spent a life long rebellion against the Sikhs. Mir Painda Khan relentless rebellion against the Sikh empire, cost him a major portion of his Kingdom, leaving only his twin capitals Amb and Darband. However, this deterred him less and appeared to increase his resistance against the Sikh government. The District Gazetteer of the North-West Frontier Province (p138) confirms, "Painda Khan, played a considerable part in the history of his time and vigorously opposed the Sikhs." General Abbott commented that "During the first period of Painda Khan's carrer, he was far too vigorous and powerfull to be molested by any neighbouring tribe, and when he began to fail before the armies and purse of the Sikh Government, he was interested in keeping upon the best terms with his northern neighbours of the Black Mountains." He is further described as a Chief renowned on the Border, a wild and energetic man who was never subjugated by the Sikhs. His son Jehandad Khan also followed his footsteps. "Of all the tribal chiefs of Hazara, the most powerful said to be Jehandad Khan of the Tanoli, whose land straddled both banks of the Indus and whose fellow-tribesmen were brave and hardy and accounted for the best swordsmen in Hazara". There was a long history of conflict between Jehandad Khan's family and the Sikhs, and the name of his father Painda Khan, was said to be "magic to the ears of the people of Hazara" because of the struggles he fought on behalf of his "poor circumscribed and rugged principality" against the Sikhs. When Sikh power was on the fall in 1845, Jehandad Khan blockaded the garrisons of no less than 22 Sikh posts in Upper Tanawal and when they surrendered at discretion, he spared their lives, as the servants of a fallen Empire. However in 1845 the local populace, taking advantage of the problems in Lahore (the capital of the Sikh Empire), rose up in rebellion. They drove the governor of Hazara, Diwan Mulraj, to Hasan Abdal in 1846. However, with the conclusion of the first Sikh War, Hazara along with Kashmir was given to Raja Gulab Singh. But in 1847 the Raja gave back Hazara to the Lahore Darbar in exchange for land near Jammu, and Hazara passed into British control.[3]

British era

Abbottabad in British India was the headquarters of Hazara Division, and named after Major James Abbott who settled this district in 1848 after the annexation of the Punjab. He soon after became the first Deputy Commissioner of the district between 1849 until 1853. Major Abbott is noted for having written a poem titled "Abbottabad", prior to his departure back to Britain, in which he wrote of his fondness for the town and his sadness at having to leave it. Abbottabad became and is still an important military cantonment and sanatorium, being the headquarters of a brigade in the Second Division of the Northern Army Corps[4]. The garrison consisted of four battalions of native infantry (Gurkhas) and four native mountain batteries[5]. In 1901 the population of the town and cantonment was 7764[4] and the income averaged around Rs. 14,900. This increased to Rs. 22,300 in 1903, chiefly derived from octroi. During this time chief public institutions were built such as the Albert Victor unaided Anglo-Vernacular High School, the Municipal Anglo-Vernacular High School and the Government dispensary.[5]. In 1911 the population had risen to 11,506 and the town also contained four battalions of Gurkhas.[6] In June 1948, the British Red Cross opened a hospital in Abbottabad to deal with thousands of patients who were being brought in from the Kashmir fighting areas.[7]

Geography

The city is bounded at all four sides by the Sarban hills, from which residents and tourists can see breathtaking views of the region and city. The location of the city and the hills allows Abbottabad to experience pleasant weather in the summer, and cold winters. The most of the people enters to Abbotabad using the Karakoram highway which passes through a small town named Salhad. Neighbouring districts are Mansehra to the north, Muzaffarabad to the east, Haripur to the west and Rawalpindi to the south. Tarbela Dam is situated just west of Abbottabad.

Topography

Abbottabad is situated in the Orash Valley lying between 34°09′N latitude and 73°13′E longitude at an altitude of 1250m.

Climate

Abbottabad's climate is cold during winters and mild during summers with humid temperatures during June and July. During the winter, the temperature may drop to below 0°C and snowfall is common, especially in January. Most rainfall occurs during the monsoon season in summer, stretching from May to August, and can sometimes cause flooding.

Demographics

Languages

According to the 1998 Census, of the 81,000 who resided in Abbottabad, Hindko was spoken by 94.26% of the population, followed by Potohari at 2.30%, Pashto at 2.22% and Urdu at 1.05%.[9] Although the first language of most people in Abbottabad is Hindko, Urdu is understood and spoken fluently by majority of the residents and commonly used in the markets, offices and formal functions. English is widely used in business and education.

•Ethnicity

The majority of the residents identify themselves as either Awans,Tanolis, Jadoons,Sattis, Qazis, Karlals, Sadozai, Kashmiris,Mughals, Abbasis, Qureshis, Utmanzai, Syeds and Gujjars.

Government

Abbottabad is the headquarter (capital) of Hazara Division and Abbottabad District. The District Nazim, Commissioner, Inspector General, Forest Conservator all reside in Abbottabad. Abbottabad is divided into localities, towns, colonies and neighbourhoods.

Localities

•Old City

oMir Pur Kalan

oMir Pur Khurd

oUpper and lower Salhad

oKunj kehal-Abbottabad

oKehal

oKanshipura

oKarimpura

oUpper and Lower Malikpura

•Cantonment

•Kakul

•Mandian

•Supply

•Jhangi

Towns

+ Dobather (muhalla Batangi di Mohri)

•Banda Phugwarian

•Musa Zai Colony

•Mian De Saree(Kala Pul)

•Pool Gulab Road Mir Pur

•Jadoon Town

•Azam Town

•Bilal Town

•Gulfam

•Jalal Baba Town

•Jubilee Town

•Jinnahabad

•Narrian

•Hassan Town

•swati town

•Mohsin town

•qasim town

•Karlal Town

•Sardar Town

•Gulfam Town

•Nawaz Town

Mir pur

Colonies

•Civil Officer Colony

•Jadoon Colony

•Habibullah Colony

•Hassan Town

•Kaghan Colony

•Karral Colony

•Kashmir Colony

•Khushal Khan Colony

•Magistrate Colony

•Qazi Colony

•Sardarabad

•Shahzaman Colony

•Sir Syed Colony

•Tauheed Colony

•Madinah colony

[edit] Neighbourhoods

•Banda Phugwarian

•Namli Maira

•Nawanshehr

•Shaikulbandi

•Balkasar

•Dobather

•Jhangi

•Banda Lamba

•Majhote

•Malikpura

•Sagal

•Baghnotar

•Nagri Bala

•Bandi Maira

Suburbs

•Bainnoora

•Baingojri

•Chamed

•Ghori

•Kothiala

•Sharwan

•Saljot

•Qalandarabad

Tourism

Abbottabad has been attracting tourists to the city since the colonial era, as it is a major transit point to all major tourist regions of Pakistan such as Nathiagali and Naran. According to the Imperial Gazetteer of India, "the town is picturesquely situated at the southern corner of the Rash (Orash) plain, 4,120 feet (1,260 m) above the sea"[5]. Like much of the mountainous Northern Areas, tourism is one of the important sources of income in Abbottabad. In the summer when temperatures rise to well above 45 degrees Celsius in Punjab and NWFP, a large number of tourists travel north to Abbottabad. The Karakoram Highway, which traces one of the paths of the ancient Silk Road, starts from Hasan Abdal on the N5 and heads north passing through the city eventually reaching Khunjerab Pass. The Karakorum Highway is a major attraction itself for its views. The Karakoram, Himalayas and the Hindu Kush ranges can be approached from Abbottabad and it continues to be a transit city for tourists, serving as a base for visiting numerous nearby places, such as Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu and Indus Kohistan, of the Karakoram Range.[10]

[

Places of interest

•Mera jani (highest peak of Hazara)

•Banda Phugwarian & Dobather (Beautiful villages surrounded by Shimla Hill)

•Namli Maira

•Nathia Gali

•Ayubia

•Thandiani

•Ilyasi Masjid

•Shimla Pahari

•Lady Garden

•Harnow (Harnoi)

•Bagnotar

•Khanka Mahboobabad Shareef Havelian

•Jhangi Khoja

•Paswal

Sports

•Abbottabad Cricket Stadium

•Cricket Stadium, Ayub Medical Complex, Abbottabad

•Abbottabad Hockey Stadium

•Jehanghir Khan Squash Complex

•Kunj Football Ground

Economy

The economy of Abbottabad mainly relies on tourism as well as income generated from the various military and educational institutes.

Education

Abbottabad attracts people from all over Pakistan to its high standard educational institutions. Abbottabad is sometimes referred to "The City of Schools" and is home to a number of schools, colleges and training institutes.

Military institutes

•Pakistan Military Academy

•Army Physical Training School

•Army School of Music

•Regimental Training Centers of the Pakistan Army

oBaloch Regiment

oFrontier Force Regiment (PIFFERS)

Post-secondary institutes

•F. G. Boys Public High School, Abbottabad Cantonment

•COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad

•Government Postgraduate College #1, Abbottabad

•Government Postgraduate College #2 , Mandian Abbottabad

•Hazara University - Abbottabad Campus

•Government College of Management Sciences, Abbottabad

•The Muslim College of Commerce and Management, Abbottabad

•Government College of Technology, Mandian Abbottabad

•University of Science & Technology Abbottabad Campus

Medical institutes & hospitals

•Ayub Medical College

•Ayub Teaching Hospital

•Cantonment General Hospital (CGH)

•Women Medical College

•Women Institute of Learning, Abbottabad

•Abbottabad Women & Children's Hospital

•Combined Military Hospital (CMH-Abbottabad)

•Frontier Medical College

•Shaheena Jamil Hospital

•Abbottabad International Medical College

•National Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS)

•Abbottabad District Headquarter Hospital LPC

Engineering institutes

•COMSATS Abbottabad

•University of Engineering and Technology (Peshawar) - Abbottabad campus

===Schools and colleges=== [11]

•Federal Government Boys Public High School, Abbottabad Cannt.

(F. G. Boys Publich High School, Abbottabad Cantonment)

•Abbottabad Public School

•Abbottabad Jamia Public School

•Advanced Islamic Public School

•Al-Imtiaz Academy

•Army Burn Hall College

•Army Public School

•Sikandria Public School - Masroor

•Banat Taleem-ul-Quran High School & College

•Beaconhouse Abbottabad Public Schoo * islamic international public school nawan shehr

•Gateway International Public School

•Government Centennial Model Secondary School for Boys, Abbottabad

•Government Centennial Model Secondary School for Girls, Abbottabad

•Government High School #1, Abbottabad

•Government High School #2, Abbottabad

•Government High School #3, Abbottabad

•Government High School, Nambal

•Government Primary School, Nambal

•Government Polytechnical Institute, Abbottabad

•Fauji Foundation Model School

•Al Quran Public School SirSyed Colony Mandian Abbottabad.

•Frontier Force School

•F.G. School for Girls

•F.G. School for Boys

•Iqra Abbottabad Academy

•Iqra Public School

•Iqra Model Public School

•Maria Montessorri School System, Abbottabad

•Modern School System

•Modernage Public School & College

•Pakistan Grammar School

•Pakistan International Public School

•Pine Hills Public School & College

•Present Times Public School & College

•Rose Valley Public High School

•Sir Syed Model Public School

•The City School Abbottabad

•Wisdom House Public School

•The Muslim School & College

•Hamdani Public School

Transportation

Roads

•N-35

Public transport

Abbottabad's main public transport consists of modified Suzukis, which can accommodate anywhere from 8 to 13 people at one time. Taxis are also available as well as wagons which connect Abbottabad to the surrounding cities and towns (ex. Nathiagali, Sherwan, Dhamtour, Haripur, Mansehra) in the region. Abbottabad is also served by Daewoo Express, a national bus service which connects over 50 cities in Pakistan.

Rail

Railway service is not available in Abbottabad city. The nearest railway station Hawalian Railway Station is situated in District Abbottabad. This Railway station is about thirty minutes drive from Abbottabad city. One railway reservation office is situated in Abbottabad near to Fwara Chok to facilitate the people of Abbottabad for advance booking of railway tickets.

Events

Automotive

Apart from its cultural, educational and military importance, this city also has the credit of holding the popular "Automotive" car exhibition and car racing event which promotes professional racing, safe driving and charity in Pakistan. The most recent event was held on 14 August 2008 at Ayub Medical College where more than 2000 people came to see the custom designed and modified from many parts of Pakistan. Dr. Ehsen Naveed Irfan, organizer of the event, called it "a positive effort in progression in the field of car racing in Pakistan". The local press called it a good and safe effort which provided the best entertainment on the Independence day of Pakistan. There are many sports clubs that are working to promote their respective sports. One of them is District Badminton Association of Abbottabad. In the month of June, the same Association arranged the provincial championship. Peshawar District Won Men's singles and Doubles and Boys singles competition. District Abbottabad won Ladies singles and doubles titles.

Notable people

•Athletes

oAbdur Rehman - a former player of Pakistani national team hockey (an Olympian)

oNaeem Akhter - a former player of Pakistani national team hockey (an Olympian)

oYasir Hameed - a Pakistani national team cricket player, and recipient of "Fakhr-e-Hazara"

oQanita Jalil - a Pakistani female national cricket player

oSheraz Awan - Chief Master of Karate Budokan International Pakistan, General Secretary of

NWFP Karate Federation

•

o[Dildar khan abbasi -former player of N.W.F.P HOCKEY team

oHammad Zahid - a former player of NWFP Basketball team (Several time color holder)

•Religious

oMolana Ghulam Goos Hazarvi

oMolana Muhammad Ishaq Lodhi (R.A)Khateeb-e-Hazara till 1972

oQazi Muhammad Nawaz(R.A)Khateeb Ilyasi Masjid

oMolana Shafiq-ur-Rehaman (R.A)Khateeb-e-Hazara

•Politicians

oLeader of the freedom movement Pir Syed Mahmood Shah Mphaddis Hazarvi

oJalaluddin Khan- Former Interior Minister and Senior Leader of The All-India Muslim League

oAbdul Jamil Khan- (Dr A J Khan) Former Federal Minister and Director General Health of Pakistan

oSheikh Sheraz Mohiuddin- was born in Kunj Qadeem and he became a very popular among the local community and was elected Councilor in 1923.

oSardar Ghulam Nabi Khan- popularly known as Chief Sahib, former MPA and Provincial Minister

oAyub Khan Tanoli- former Provincial Minister of Law, Education and Health

oSardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan Abbasi- former Chief Minister of NWFP

oSardar Haider Zaman Khan- Abbottabad District Nazim

oSardar Sajjad Ahmed Khan- Ex Candidate of PF-48 Abbottabad, Welare and Islamic person

oSardar Mohammad Yaqoob - former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly

oIqbal Khan Jadoon - former Chief Minister NWFP

oAmanullah Khan Jadoon - former Federal Minister of Petroleum & Gas

oCol. Gulam Mustafa Khan Jadoon - former Abbottabad District Nazim

oOmar Asghar Khan - former Federal Minister and founder of SUNGI, PILER and SEBCON

oAbdullah Muntazir - former spokesperson of Jamaat-ud-Dawah

oNoor-ud-din Qureshi - founder of the All India Muslim League in Hazara in 1936

oHaji Ghulam Mustafa Khan Jadoon (cheif leader of Sippah-e-Sahaba Hazara Range)

oMir zaman khan abbasi pakistan movement worker[muslim league] n.w.f.p

Military and civil service

oAsghar Khan - first Pakistani Commander-in-Chief of Pakistan Air Force

oMajor General (R) Raza Khan Tanoli

oCapt Retired Sardar Lal Khan (RA)- retired from British Army in 1945.He was very closed with All india Muslim league. He had sacrificed too much for the establishment of Pakistan. when pakistan came into being he served in Police, CIA and Wapda, He was first army captin from the karlal (sardar)tribe and Union Council Nagri Bala of Abbottabad.

oJustice Sardar Raza Khan - Retired senior Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan

oQazi Mohammad Farooq - former Chief Justice of The Peshawar High Court

oAslam Khan Tanoli - SP CID, Karachi

oShoukat Ali Awan (Home Secretary Balouchistan 2004-2010)

'Others¡

oPeer Syed Mohyuddin Mahboob Hanfi Qadri Sajjada Nasheen Khanka Mahboobabad Shareef Havelian, Author, Researcher, Scholar, Spiritual Leader

oAli Imran Shaheen - editor of "Weekly Ghazwah Lahore" and a leader of Jamat-ud-Dawah Pakistan

oAbdul Wahid Mir - Director General Students' Quality Circles Pakistan & Director of Pak-Irish Rehabilitation Center

oSyed Mehboob- a Pakistani writer, columnist and researcher

oNaseem Hijazi- A well known novelist. Famous for his history novels such as, Aur Talwar Toot Gai, Muhammad bin Qasim etc

oSardar Najmul Hassan Sadiq- MS Computer Science, currently doing PHD in Computer Science, a well known young sardar of Makol Bala

Murree in Pakistan - July 2009 by Saffy H

18 31

To some Murree maybe a tacky and over-crowded hill-station in Pakistan but for many Murree is a heaven in summer. Some people may have experienced 45-50 degrees Celsius so therefore Murree’s cooler high altitude climate provides much needed relief from the sweltering heat.

Murree is a great place for families as it is very close to Islamabad, Rawalpindi aad not very far from Lahore too. It is one of the most accessible hill-stations for the bulk of Pakistan’s population. Other than the groups of adolescent men who come to stare at the girls Murree is very family friendly. Most people enjoy walking around Mall Road at night. During the day people walk up to Pindi Point from where one can see the twin cities below, and Kashmir Point.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murree

Murree city (Punjabi, Urdu: مری) is a popular hill station and a summer resort, especially for the residents of Islamabad, and for the cities of the province of Punjab, Pakistan. Murree is also the administrative centre of Murree Tehsil, which is a sub-division of Rawalpindi District and includes the Murree Hills.

Murree is located along Islamabad-Kohala highway N75, some 30 km (19 mi) northwest of Islamabad.

The name Murree is derived from 'marhi', "high place"[2] although there is a popular belief it is named after the virgin Mary.[3]

Murree is one of the largest resort towns in the Galyat area of Pakistan, and is the capital city of Murree Tehsil (which is an administrative division of the Rawalpindi District). It is situated on the southern slopes of the Western Himalayan foothills as they ascend to the northeast towards Kashmir. During British Rule in the nineteenth century, its altitude was established at 7,000 feet (2,100 m), but its actual altitude has now been determined as 2,300 m (7,500 ft) above sea level[4].

Murree is accessible by road from the centre of the Islamabad and Rawalpindi areas. It is still associated with Britain; many British fruits (including cherries, raspberries and strawberries) thrive locally. There is a church, built in 1857, located at the centre of the town, which is still used as a place of worship. Many houses around the church are still standing, functioning mostly as hotels. Old traditional restaurants have been replaced by fast food shops and newer restaurants. Some old places of accommodation, such as the Rich Villa Inn and Gulberg Hotel, have completely disappeared. A typical hotel usually provides a motel type accommodation with breakfast and communication access. Newly built hotels are also accessible.

Murree has expanded since 1947 at a rate much greater than that which its infrastructure can sustain. Securing water and electricity has been a constant challenge. The jam-packed bazaar has caught fire a number of times in the last century, and the growth of tourism and a construction boom have had an adverse effect on the local environment.

Murree was founded in 1851 by the Governor of Punjab, Sir Henry Lawrence, and was originally established for the British troops garrisoned on the Afghan frontier[4] as a sanatorium.[5]

The permanent town of Murree was constructed at Sunnybank in 1853. The church was sanctified in May 1857, and the main road, Jinnah Road, formerly known as The Mall (and still commonly referred to as), was built. The most significant commercial establishments, the Post Office, general merchants with European goods, tailors and a millinery, were established opposite the church. Until 1947, access to Jinnah Road was restricted for "natives" (non-Europeans).

Until 1876, Murree was the summer headquarters of the Punjab local government; after 1876 the headquarters were moved to Simla.[5]

The railway connection with Lahore, the capital of the Punjab Province, made Murree a popular resort for Punjab officials, and the villas and other houses erected for the accommodation of English families gave it a European aspect. It was described in the Gazetteer of Rawalpindi District, 1893–94 as follows:

The sanatorium of Murree lied in north latitude 33 54' 30" and east longitude 73 26' 30", at an elevation of 7,517 feet (2,291 m) above sea level, and contained a standing population of 1,768 inhabitants, which was, however, enormously increased during the [May-November] season by the influx of visitors and their attendant servants and shopkeepers. It is the most accessible hill station in the Punjab, being distant from Rawalpindi only a five hours' journey by tonga dak. Magnificent views are to be obtained in the spring and autumn of the snow crowned mountains of Kashmir; and gorgeous sunset and cloud effects seen daily during the rains [July-August]. Part of the station, especially the Kashmir end, are also well wooded and pretty.[4] Murree also can boast of a world class educational establishment the *Lawrence School, Ghora Gali

In 1901 the population of the town was officially 1844, although if summer visitors had been included this could have been as high as 10,000.[5]

In the hot season it was the headquarters of the 'Lieutenant General of the Northern Command'. The Commissioner of the Rawalpindi Division and the Deputy-Commissioner of Rawalpindi also resided here during part of the hot season, for which period an Assistant Commissioner was placed in charge of the subdivision consisting of Murree Tehsil. The site was selected in 1850 almost immediately after the annexation of the Province, and building operations commenced at once. In 1851 temporary accommodation was provided for a detachment of troops; and in 1853 permanent barracks were erected. The garrison generally consisted of three mountain batteries. In 1873, 1874, and 1875 Murree was the summer headquarters of the Punjab Government. It was connected with Rawalpindi town by a service of tongas.[6]

The houses crown the summit and sides of an irregular ridge, commanding magnificent views over forest-clad hill-sides into deep valleys studded with villages and cultivated fields. The neighbouring hills were covered during the summer with encampments of British troops, while the station itself is filled with European visitors from the plains and travellers to Kashmir. A fine view of the snowy peaks of Kashmir is to be had on a clear day, and the crest of Nanga Parbat (26,182 feet) can sometimes be seen. The municipality was created in 1850.[6]

The income during the ten years ending 1902-3 averaged Rs. 49,500, and the expenditure Rs. 48,200. In 1903-4 the income and expenditure were Rs. 5r,400, chiefly from octroi, and Rs. 54,400 respectively. The income and expenditure of cantonment funds averaged Rs. 10,000 between 1893 and 1903. The chief educational institutions are the Lawrence Military Asylum for soldiers' children, and the St. Denys' and Convent English schools for girls. The station contains the Lady Roberts Home for invalid officers and a branch of the Alliance Bank of Simla. The Murree Brewery was the only industrial concern of any importance.[6]

In the summer of 1857, the local tribes of Murree and Hazara, including the Dhond Abbasi and Tanoli, planned to attack the British Army. The campaign was led by the chief of the Dhond Abbasi tribe, Sardar Sherbaz Khan, and by Malik Nawab Bahadur Khan of the Tanoli tribe. They fought respectably against the British Army, giving the British considerable difficulties. The British Army eventually signed an agreement with the local Abbasi tribe, which was refused by the Tanoli tribe, thereby dividing the opposition to the British. The British Army later ignored the agreement to take control of Murree again.[7]

After the British forces' occupation of Murree and Abbottabad, many English soldiers and administrators opted to spend the summers there because of the cooler climate. The British settled in and raised families. Some prominent people who were born here include:

•Bruce Bairnsfather - a famous cartoonist during world War I

•Francis Younghusband - an army officer and explorer. He established the Bible Society in the Christian High School in Geryal Murree. The society did in depth research into the local languages. This society translated a chapter of new testament book Loqas in Dhondi that was noted by the compilers of the "Linguistic Survey Of India".[8]

•Reginald Dyer - officer responsible for the Amritsar Massacre

Murree belongs to a sub-tropical continental highlands climatic type, situated in the outer Himalayas. This type of area has cold, snowy winters, relatively cool summer and frequent fog. Precipitation is received year round, with two maximas, first one during winter and second one at summer, July-August.[9] Total mean precipitation annually is 1,789 mm (70.4 in)[10]

The main tribe of Murree are the Dhond Abbasi, other tribes are the Kethwal Rajputs, the Dhanyals,Awans, Jasgam and the Satti.

As well as being tehsil headquarters, Murree is also a Union Council, it is bounded to the north by Darya Gali and Rawat, to the west by Ghora Gali, to the south by Numbal and Mussiari, and to the east by Ghel and Charhan.

The earliest records of newspapers being sold in the Murree Hills are from 1936 during British rule. Today there are four daily newspapers (Daily Ousaf, Daily Musalman, Daily Azkar, and Daily Nawa-i-Hazara) published in Islamabad but edited by people in Murree Hills and Circle Bakote, including well-known local political personalities of Jhika Gali and Mussyari. There are also two weekly newspapers, the Hill Post and the Hill News.[citation needed]

The Murree Union of Journalists was founded in 1983. The first president of the union was Salim Shwalvi, a well-known journalist from Kashmir.[citation needed]

Imtiaz ul Haq is the senior most journalist in Murree, working with leading news papers and tv network founding member of murree press club and president of union of journalists (MURREE)[citation needed] Raja Afzaal Saleem is the Joint Secretary of Murree Union Of journalists and reporter of ATV.

The government of Punjab is at the brim of initiating the “New Murree Project” to promote tourism.[11] The location selected for this project is Patriata after considering the other three, Ban, Barian and Charihan. This project will cover 4,111 acres (16.64 km2) of land, including 3,849 acres (15.58 km2) of the Murree Forest Division and 262 acres (1.06 km2) of the Rawalpindi North Forest Division.[11] The water for New Murree City will be supplied from River Jhelum.

Famous people from Murree include:

•Mohammad Khaqan Abbasi (former MNA of Dewal) [12]

•Shahid Khaqan Abbasi (MNA from Dewal)[12]

•Mirza Mohmmed Sharif Baig (A local Politician and Social Elder)

•Khawaja Abdur Rahman Wani (A political activist and renowned Builder)

•Nayyer Naeem (Senior Vice President Hotel & Resturent Assosiation & Social Worker)

•Sheikh Abdul Rauf[Late](Philanthropist,Owner of M/S Rauf & Sons Chemists)

•fazal elhi mughal(mughal sahb)promnet and famous awarad winner photographer of murree hill

•khawaja Muhammad Hanif (late)promnet advocate

Sheosar Lake, Deosai 04092105 by Adil Tanoli

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First look at Deosai. It was beautiful. Sheo means blind in Shina, sar=lake. Its because it neither has a source nor an outlet. Going to Deosai was a dream come true. And I have acquired a new dream since then. "Going there again". (Two pic pano)

Murree in Pakistan - July 2009 by Saffy H

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