Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), formerly known as the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), is one of the four provinces of Pakistan, located in the northwestern region of the country. Here’s a detailed overview:
- Capital and Largest City: Peshawar
- Area: 101,741 square kilometers (39,282 square miles), making it the fourth-largest province by land area.
- Population (2023): Approximately 40.86 million, the third-most populous province.
- Literacy Rate: 53% (third highest in Pakistan).
- Establishment: Originally established as NWFP by the British on November 9, 1901. It was renamed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2010.
- Bordering Regions: It shares borders with Afghanistan to the west and north, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to the east and northeast, Punjab to the southeast, and Balochistan to the southwest.
Geography and Climate:
- KPK’s terrain is diverse, featuring mountain ranges (Hindu Kush, Hindu Raj, Suleiman Mountains), undulating submontane areas, and plains surrounded by hills.
- The Kabul River bisects the province from east to west. The fertile Vale of Peshawar lies to its north.
- The historic Khyber Pass, west of Peshawar, is a strategically important route connecting Afghanistan and the Indian subcontinent.
- The climate varies significantly with elevation. The northern regions experience cold, snowy winters and pleasant summers with rainfall, while the southern parts have hotter summers, relatively cold winters with less severe conditions, and moderate rainfall.
History:
- KPK’s strategic location has made it a historical gateway to the Indian subcontinent, experiencing numerous invasions and cultural influences.
- The region was part of the Gandhara Civilization (1000 BC to 11th century AD), a center of Hindu and Buddhist learning.
- It was later ruled by various empires and dynasties, including the Mauryan Empire, Indo-Greeks, Kushan Empire, Turk and Hindu Shahis, Ghaznavids, Delhi Sultanate, and the Mughal Empire.
- The Durrani Empire and the Sikh Empire also briefly controlled parts of the region before the arrival of the British in 1849.
- The Durand Line, established in 1893, demarcated the border between British India (including NWFP) and Afghanistan.
- The province played a role in the independence movement, with leaders like Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Bacha Khan) advocating for Pashtun rights.
- After a referendum in 1947, the NWFP joined Pakistan.
Culture and Society:
- The Pashtun community forms the core of KPK’s identity, known for their strong values and traditions governed by Pashtunwali, a code of conduct emphasizing hospitality (Melmastia), honor, and justice.
- Pashto is the dominant language, along with Hindko and other regional dialects.
- Traditional music and dance, particularly the Attan, are integral to cultural celebrations. Instruments like the rubab, sitar, and tabla are common.
- Traditional attire includes the shalwar kameez for both men and women, often with waistcoats for men and vibrant embroidery for women. The Pashtun turban or pakol is a common headwear for men in rural areas.
- KPK boasts a rich culinary heritage, with popular dishes like Chapli Kebab, Peshawari Naan, Kabuli Pulao, and Dum Pukht.
- The province celebrates various cultural and religious festivals, including Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha, Jashn-e-Spring, and Pashtun Cultural Day.
- The tribal system still holds influence, especially in rural areas, with elders (Maliks) and Jirgas (councils of tribal leaders) playing roles in maintaining traditions and resolving disputes.
- KPK has a rich literary tradition, particularly in Pashto poetry, with prominent figures like Khushal Khan Khattak. The architecture reflects Mughal, Persian, and Central Asian influences. The region is also known for handicrafts like handwoven rugs, pottery, and embroidered fabrics.
Economy:
- KPK has the third-largest provincial economy in Pakistan, contributing about 10% to the national GDP and 20% to mining output.
- Forestry is a dominant sector, with KPK holding a significant share of Pakistan’s total forest area.
- Agriculture is also crucial, employing a large portion of the rural population. Key crops include wheat, maize, tobacco (Swabi), rice, and sugar beets, along with various fruits.
- Mining of marble (Buner) and gems (Peshawar, Mingora, Chitral) are important economic activities.
- Peshawar has seen some growth in manufacturing and high-tech investments, improving local job prospects. Trade is extensive, with renowned bazaars throughout the province.
- Tourism holds significant potential due to the province’s scenic beauty, historical sites, and cultural richness.
Government and Administration:
- The head of the provincial government is the Chief Minister. The Governor, appointed by the Federal Government, is the head of the provincial government.
- There is a directly elected Provincial Assembly.
For administrative purposes, KPK is divided into districts.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a land of diverse landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and resilient people, playing a significant role in Pakistan’s national identity and economy.
