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Mullagori Tehsil تحصیل ملاگوری ملاګوري تحصیل | |
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Country | ![]() |
Region | ![]() |
District | Khyber District |
Government | |
• Tehsil Chairman | Vacant |
• Member of Provincial Assembly,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | Adnan Qadri (PTI) |
Population (2017) | |
• Tehsil | 40,188 |
• Urban | 0 |
• Rural | 40,188[1] |
Time zone | UTC+5 (PST) |
Mullagori Tehsil is a subdivision located inKhyber District,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is located among the Tahtara hills on its west side andPeshawar on its east side. The population of Mullagori Tehsil is 40,188 according to the2017 census.[1] The population mostly belongs to theMulagori tribe of thePashtuns. Thistehsil is situated to the north of theKhyber Pass in the Tahtara range. Their area extends from a little west of Chauki Sparsang to the crest of the Dabrai hill and from theKabul River on the north to Lakka Sar on the south touching the land of the Kuki khel (Afridis sub-tribe) and Zakha khel (Afridis sub-tribe), and a clan of theShinwari. Their neighbors on the west are theShalmanis and on the north, the TarakzaiMohmands.
The construction of the Mullagori military road in theKhyber Pass was initiated byCurzon, who found the concept appealing as it offered an alternative route to theKhyber Pass, providing strategic advantages for theBritish government in reinforcing positions atLandi Kotal and facilitating troop movements against theAfridis. Its completion in early 1905, at a cost of 404,000 rupees, was achieved without significant tribal opposition. In fact, theMullagoris,Shinwari, andShilmanis were rewarded for their cooperation with increased allowances.[2][3] The successful completion of the road encouraged Curzon to further improve communication routes betweenPeshawar and Landi Khana through the Khyber Pass.
In the 1920s, during the British colonial era, theKhassadar Force was established to safeguard strategic roads in various agencies, including Mullagori. This force comprised members from local tribes, tasked with maintaining security along designated routes. The Khassadar system provided allowances to tribes through whose territories the roads passed, ensuring cooperation and protection of vital infrastructures.[4]
Mullagori is characterized by hilly terrain interspersed with narrow valley strips. Key geographical landmarks includeLakka Ghar,Surghar, andTor Ghar Morgah. The upper part of Mullagori experiences water scarcity, limiting agricultural opportunities. The region is primarily barren, with sparse vegetation. Notable flora includesGurgury (Monotheca buxifolia), found in hilly areas ofNorthern Pakistan andAfghanistan, bearing small fruits locally known asGurgury.[5]
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Mullagori experiences extreme climates, characterized by severe winters and summers. The hot months of May through August see temperatures soaring, with June recording maximum temperatures around 40 °C and minimums around 26 °C. Winters, spanning from November to April, are particularly harsh, with December, January, and February being the coldest months. January typically sees maximum temperatures around 18 °C and minimums around 4 °C. The average annual rainfall in Mullagori is approximately 400 mm.
Mullagori is home to six main tribes: Afridi, Shinwari, Mohmand,Peshawari, Mullagori, and Shilmani. The Mullagori tribe predominates the area, lending its name to the tehsil. These tribes are known for their resilience and adherence to a code of honor passed down through generations. Key principles includeNanawati (seeking pardon),Tiga (Truce between 2 rival parties),Badal (retributive justice), andMelmastia (hospitality).
Mullagori tribesmen are described as tall, stout, fair-complexioned individuals with distinct features reflective of their mountainous origin.[6]As compared toShinwar andKuki khels (Afridis), theMullagories are relatively uneducated and, poor. However, they are well known for their unity and good spirit. They are also expert mountaineers and reign over every tribe of the Khyber range. Time after time, they have been victorious over both theKuki khel (Afridis) andZakh khel (Afridis). As a result, none of the Afridis care to be on bad terms with this small clan.[7]
TheKabul River traverses the territory of Tehsil Mullagori, entering fromKam Shilman and exiting into theMohmand District near theWarsak Dam area.[4]
Mullagori boasts significant mineral resources, including marble and soapstone.
Marble is abundant inKhyber District, with extensive deposits in various areas including Mullagori, Sultan Khel, Ghundai Sar, and Loe Shalman. Among these, the Mullagori marble deposits rank among the largest in the world, alongsideCarrara in Italy andMakrana in India.
At Shahid Mena, marble is associated with crystalline limestone beds, dolomite, quartzite,phyllite, andschistose rocks. The marble here is predominantly white with yellow, grey, and brown variations. It is medium to fine-grained and largely free from impurities, comparable to the quality ofMakrana andCarrara marble.[7]The reserves at Shahid Mena are estimated to be substantial, with significant workable marble deposits located at a depth of 10 to 12 meters. The area has been quarried for over a century, with more than 200 quarries currently operated by local Mullagori tribes.
InKambela Khwar, marble deposits consist ofmetamorphosed limestone along with dolomite, quartzite, and phyllite. The marble here is thick-bedded, generally white to yellowish-white with grey or greenish bands, and medium to fine-grained. The estimated reserves are considerable, but disputes among local sub tribes have hindered exploitation.[7]
Sabunay Marble deposits of villageMurad Dand are another recent discovery of marble deposits in Tehsil Mullagori.
Soapstone, the second-largest mineral found in the Mullagori tehsil, contributes significantly to the region's mineral wealth.[7]
Despite the rich mineral deposits, mining practices in Mullagori are often primitive and unsafe. Quarry workers primarily use basic tools like sickles, spades, chisels, and hammers, with minimal safety measures. This has led to numerous injuries and fatalities, with injured workers often lacking access to immediate medical care.
The principal villages of Mullagori tehsil includeLwara Maina,Paindi Lalma,Mianh Morcha,Sher Braj,Murad Dand,Tahtara, andNihar Ghara.
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Education facilities in Mullagori remains limited. The local populace, numbering nearly 50,000, faces challenges in accessing quality education, particularly for girls. The educational landscape comprises few high schools for boys and a scarcity of educational institutions for girls.
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