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'Chakwal' (Urdu: 'چکوال') is the main town in Chakwal District, Punjab, Pakistan and is located 90 km south-east of the federal capital, Islamabad. As noted in District Gazeteer Jhellum 1904, the city is named after Chaudhry Chaku Khan ^[1], chief of the Mair Minhas Rajput tribe from Jammu, who founded it in 1525 C.E during the era of the Mughal Emperor, Zaheerudun Babur. It remained a small but central town of Taluka ''Dhan Chaurasi'' for many centuries. In 1881, during the British era, it was declared the Tehsil Headquarter. It was finally upgraded to district status in 1985 C.E by the President of Pakistan, General Zia ul Haq.

Contents

History

Martial Traditions

Education

History

Higher / Technical Education

Schools

Newspapers and Magazines

Libraries

Tourism

Prominent personalities from Chakwal

Army

National Politics

Religious Personalities

Civil Service

Journalits, Poets, Writers, Actors etc.

Sports

References

History

The area of Dhanni (Chakwal Tehsil) for a long time in history was an uninhabited part of the Jammu state of the Dogra, Rajputs. Although the powerful tribes like Ghakkars and Janjuas ruled the adjoining territories in Potohar, Kahoon valley and the ancient Thirchak Mahal, Dhanni remained a hunting ground for the Rajas of Jammu.
As the tradition goes, in the year 1190 C.E, Raja Bhagir Dev, a Jamwal prince, while on a hunting expedition fell in love with a muslim woman belonging to a tribe of wandering Gujjar grazers. In order to marry her, he converted to Islam and consequently was asked by his father to stay away from Jammu and settle in this tract along with his men. Raja Bhagir Dev was named Muhammed Mair after conversion to Islam and his descendants as Mair-Minhas Rajputs. The Mairs preferred pastoral rather than agricultural pursuits for the next few centuries; but remained confined to this area.
When around 1525 C.E, the Mughal King Babur stopped by in this area on his way to Kashmir , his army was ambushed by the hostile tribes from the adjoining areas. However, the herds owned by the Mairs came in their way and Babur's Army was awaken, hence the hostile Rajputs had to run away. The next morning, the Mughal King summoned the chief of the tribe, Raja Sidhar and offered him two thirds of the land of Dhanni, if he provided labour to help the Kassar tribesmen to drain the water from the great lake which then covered all the eastern part of the tehsil, up to the ridge followed by the Bhon-Dhudial road.
Raja Sidhar, chief of the Mair-Minhas tribe and Gharka Kassar, chief of the Mughal Kassar tribe took up the job along with their respective tribesmen. They drained the lake water by cutting through Ghori- Gala, by which the Bunha torent now escapes. Subsequently, they proceeded to take up the country. The Emperor also awarded them the title of Chaudhry, and administration of the newly formed Taluka, which eversince is called 'Dhan Chaurasi' or 'Maluki Dhan'.
Chaudhry Sidhar, settled villages named after his sons Chaku, Murid and Karhan and as Chaku Khan became the chief, he decided to settle in Chakwal, the village named after him and make it the center of administration of the Taluka. Whereas, Kassar chiefs founded the villages of Bal-Kassar and Dhudial^[2].
The following few lines about the origins of Chakwal are noted in the District Gazetter Jhelum 1904, "'Chakwal has from time immemorial been the seat of administration in the Dhanni Country. It is said to have been founded by a Mair-Minhas Rajput from Jammu, whose descendants are at the present day proprietors of the land in the neighbourhood. It is still the Headquarters of tribe'"
This story is also confirmed by the Hindu family of Gadihok, who happened to be "Qanoongoes" of the area throughout the Mughal era and carry many pertinent certificates by the Mughal Emperors. The Gadihoks claim that Dhanni was named "Malooki Dhan" after their forefather, Malook Chand who happened to be with Babur during settlement of the area and prepared all the paper work; but they agree that the area was given to Mairs and Mughal Kassars مغل کسر/ مغل قصر,while the Gadihoks only received a certain portion of the revenue as an 'inam'.
However, the Janjua's calim that the area was called "Malooki Dhan" after their ancestor, Raja Mal Khan. The Kassars have a similar calim and they say that the area was actually "Baluki Dhan" named after their ancestor Bal Kassar and it was only due to a lithographic error that was noted as Maluki instead of Baluki in Ain-e-Akbari. In contrast to all the afore mentioned claims, "Ain-e- Akbari" indicates Gakkhars as the rulers of the land.
The following account about the ownership of Dhanni seems most plausible.
It is generally accepted by all that Mair Minhas Rajput, Mughal Kassar and Kahut Quriesh were the three landowning tribes that were originally settled in this tehsil by the Mughal Emperor Zaheerudin Babur and were the only three land owning tribes in Dhanni till the time of its annexation by the British. The main concentration of the Mair-Minhas Rajputs being in the center (Haveli-Chakwal), North-East (Badshahan), West (Rupwal) and South West (Thirchak-Mahal). The Kassars in the northern part of the tehsil, the area called 'Babial' and 'Chaupeda' and the Kahouts in 'Kahutani' in the South East.
These tribes and especially the Mair-Minhas Chaudhrials of Chakwal rose to further prominence during the short rule of Sher Shah Suri who handed them the control over the adjoining territories, as far as Swan River in Potohar and Pind Dadan Khan plains in the South.
However, after the Mughal King Humayun returned to India with the help of the Persians, he handed over the entire Potohar including Dhanni to the Gakhars, who had helped him escape from India during Sher Shah's revolt. The Gakhars moved the Capital of the Taluka from Chakwal to a neighbouring town called 'Bhon' and stationed their 'Kardars' there. Consequently, the village of Bhon grew bigger than Chakwal in the Mughal era.
The Mair-Minhas and Mughal Kassar tribes again rose to power after King Aurangzeb's death. They had supported his son Moazzam Shah in his quest for power and in return he re-appointed the Mair-Minhas chief Gadabeg Khan as the Taluqdar and Chaudhry of the entire 'Dhan Chaurasi', whereas rule of the Kassar Chaudhrys was confirmed in Babial and Chaupeda 'illaqa'.
Their rule over Dhanni continued during the Sikh era as one of Mair chiefs, Chaudhry Ghulam Mehdi had invited Sardar Mahan Singh to this side of river Jhellum. Also, their Dogra cousins Raja Gulab Singh and Dhian Singh were very powerful in the Lahore Durbar, so the influence of Chakwal Chaudhrials during the [Sikh era] was considerable and hence Chakwal once again became the center of activity in the area.
It was during that era that Dhanni breed of horses became very popular and even Maharaja Ranjeet Singh's personal horses were kept in the stables of the 'Chakwal Chaudhials'. In 1849 C.E, they supported the Sikhs at the battle of Challianwala and hence their Jagirs were confiscated by the British and even the lands in their headquarter, Chakwal were distributed among their tenants. Consequently, Chakwal started growing as a city and was declared a tehsil Headquarter in 1881 C.E.

Martial Traditions

Chakwal is known for furnishing some of the finest soldiers to the British and later on to the Pakistan Army. It is a remarkable fact that the first native Indian to get Victoria Cross, Subaidar Khudadad Khan, the first Indian to get commissioned and to become a General in British Indian Army, Muhammed Akbar Khan, the first Indian Commander of Cavalry, Brigadier Muhammed Zafar, the first Engineer in Chief of the Pakistan Army, General Muhammad Anwar Khan and the great General Iftikhar Khan, who was designated to become the first local Cnc of the Pakistan army but died in an unfortunate aircrash all belonged to Chakwal. It is also a worth mentioning fact that the later four were all real brothers and belonged to famous Mair-Minhas tribe of Chakwal.
After the creation of Pakistan, Chakwal has produced more Army men and Generals than any other city in the country which includes valiant Generals like Tajmmal Hussain Malik and a long list of officers mentioned in the list that follows.

Education

History

Government College, Chakwal is a well known institution of the country and has produced many well known Generals and Civil Servants. It was the first College to be established in a Tehsil Headquarter after creation of Pakistan. Raja Muhammed Sarfraz Khan (M.L.A 1929-58, Chairmain District Council Jehllum) played an important role in the development of the area during the British era and in earlier years after Independence by patronizing schools and playing an instrumental role in establishing the Government College Chakwal in 1949. Consequently, a considerable number of Chakwali youth were able to find their way to the top as Army Officers and Civil Servants. Currently, Chakwal has the second highest literacy rate in the country. After Independence a Government College for Girls was also established.

Higher / Technical Education

In the last few years, quite a few initiatives have been taken for the progress of Chakwal both in Public and Private sectors. University Of Engineering, Taxila has established a temporary campus in the city and work is underway for the construction of purpose built Campus. A new Government College for Women is also being established in Balkassar.
In the private sector, a poly-technical college called Swedish Institute of Technology has been established by an educational group of that name, which owns a nation-wide chain. Two commerce colleges affiliated with University of The Punjab have also been started in private sector called CSC College of Commerce and Myer's College of Commerce. An Allama Iqbal Open University study center by the name Raja Sarfraz Khan Institute is also operational for the last few years.
A campus affiliated with virtual university called Global Institute has also been established in Chakwal.

Schools

Arya Samaj founded the first ever school in Chakwal at the start of the 20th Century. It was followed by a Khalsa School. Islamia school was the first school established by a society of muslims. The land was donated by the Chaudhrial of Chakwal. Khan Bahdur, Raja Aurangzeb Khan. Later, his son Raja Muhammed Sarfraz kept patronizing the school which has a now a long list of noted alumni. The Government School for boys was established in 1930's. In the 1960s Yousaf Saigol, a business tycoon and owner of the the famous Saigol Group built the first modern school in his native village Saigolabad.
Jinnah Public High School was founded in early 70s. Many old students of Jinnah Public School are in Pakistan Armed Forces, telecom and IT companies. Late Principle Mrs. Akram Sultana dedicated her whole life and effort to make this school an example for all private institutes.
After Chakwal was declared a district in 1986, a modern District Public School was established in the late 80's by the government.
Lately, quite a few good private schools have been established in the private sector. Fauji Foundation, Khursheed International, The Educators, Bahria Foundation and Noble House School are providing decent education in purpose built campuses.
A Cadet College was established in Kallar Kahar by General Nazar Hussain in 1997. The College has produced execellent results and is already in the league of top Cadet Colleges in Pakistan.
In 1999, Myers College was founded by Raja Yassir H.Sarfraz, a grandson of famous philanthropist/politician, Raja Muhammed Sarfraz Khan as the first school offering Cambridge International Examinations. The school is patterned after English public schools and has a beautiful Campus with colonial style architecture. It has produced wonderful results at the Cambridge examinations and after completion of its 100 acre campus it aspires to join the league of nationally acclaimed public schools.
A Grammar School called Chakwal Grammar was founded by the well-known Chakwal Group of Industries. It has a beautiful purpose built Campus. Recently, the famous school-busniness chain, City School has also established a small Campus in Chakwal and intends to offer O'Levels education.

Newspapers and Magazines

Considering Chakwal's small population, the number of local newspapers being published from here is relatively large. ''Dhan Kahoon'' is the oldest and most popular local newspaper. However, ''Chakwal Point, Chakwal Nama, Press Forum, Aasar, Dhudial Nama, Bab-A-Chakwal'' and ''Total'' are also published in significant quantities.
An English newspaper called, " The Revolution " is also published from here launched by the youngest editors in District Chakwal [Basharit & Haroon]
Monthly "Aabadiyat" is the first and so far the only and Urdu magazine being published from here and covers all spheres of life.

Libraries

Chakwal has quite a few public and private libraries, the largest of these is the Allama Iqbal Library located at the committee park. However, most of the volumes over there are in Urdu. The Government College for boys also has a library of reasonable size and is open for Public. In the private sector, Myer's Library located at Myers College, Kot Sarfraz Khan has a huge volume of both English and Urdu books.

Tourism

Chakwal offers a unique landscape to its visitors. Although its natural beauty is by no means breathtaking; its simplicity makes it graceful and sometimes stunning . The Canyons in Thirchak-Mahal tract are bound to impress its visitors. In the winters, the beautiful yellow beds of "Surson" , clear blue sky and sunshine provide ideal spots for picnics. There are many man-made and natural lakes around the city in Kallar Kahar, Dhok Talian, Kot Raja, Khai, Khokar Zer and Dharabi providing ideal places for family hangouts.
The famous temple-fort of Katas Raj is nearby and so are Salt Mines in Khewra.
Chakwal has a well connected road network including road to Jhelum and Lahore via Sohawa road, road to Pind Daden Khan via Choa Siaden Shah road, road to Sargodha via Bhon and Khushab, road to Rawalpindi via Mandra and to Mianwali via Talagang Road. It is connected to GT road between Peshawar and Lahore via Sohawa and Mandra, Indus Highway via Mianwali, and M2 Motorway via Kallar Kahar and Balkassar exits. The travelling distances and time has reduced considerably to Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sargodha and Faislabad since the commissioning of M2 Motorway

Prominent personalities from Chakwal

Although Chakwal's main identity is its Army men, it has produced some world famous personalities in all fields. The Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh belongs to Gayah-Bigal a small village in Chakwal. Gurbux Singh Olympian (Gold Medal 1964) and Captain of Indian National Hockey team is also from Chakwal district. The famous Dutta family in Indian film Industry belongs to a village called Bhaon in Chakwal and includes top actors Sunil Dutta, Sanjay Dutta, the musician O.P Dutta and the famous film director J.P Dutta. The owners of Obroei Hotels International, the multi-millionaire Obrei family also belongs to Bhaon. Famous Pakistani Industrialists, the Saigols belong to a village called Saigolabad in Chakwal. The Khawjagan of Chakwal, who own Chakwal Group of Industries belong to the old Chakwal city.
The Tamman family, Sardars of Tamman, who are influential personalities in the district and have been a part of the National Assembly since the creation of Pakistan.
Ayaz Amir is another personality, Chakwal is known for these days. Ayaz Amir regularly writes in Dawn and his articles reflect his bold thoughts.
Follwing is an evergrowing list of famous Chakwalians.

Army

Generals and Decorated Officers Only

★ General Muhammed Akbar Khan, First Muslim Officer/General of British/Pakistan Army

★ General Muhammed Iftikhar Khan(Designated to become the first CnC of the Pakistan Army, died in an aircash in 1949)

★ General Muhammed Anwar Khan (First EnC of the Pakistan Army)

★ Brigadier Muhammed Zafar (First Indian Commander of Cavalry)

★ Air Marshal Nur Khan Tamman

★ Lt General Abdul Majid Malik (former Federal Minister)

★ General Abdul Qayyum

★ General Muhammad Farooq Malik (DG Artillery)

★ General P.D. Khan

★ General Abdul Razzaq Khan

★ General Faiz Jilani (retired)

★ Major General Muhammad Muzaffar Kahut (Chief Pathologist AFIP)

★ General R D Bhati

★ General Tajjamul malik

★ General Ashraf Janjua

★ General Safdar, former Governor Punjab

★ General Dr Riaz Chohan

★ General Nazeer Hussain

★ General Dr Asad Malik

★ General Sheraz Lodhi

★ General Dr Shahida Malik

★ Genereal Imtiaz Shaheen

★ General Afzal Muzzafar

★ General Mehboob ul Muzaffar

★ General Yaqoob Chaudhry

★ AVM Altaf Hussain Shah

★ Subaydar Khudadad Khan, Victoria Cross

★ Subaydar Muhammad Shah Kahut , Victoria Cross

★ Subaydar Mohammad Nazir (Talagang)

National Politics

minister level only

★ Manmohan Singh (Prime Minister of India)

★ Sardar Muhammad Hayat Khan Tamman (Ex-Adviser to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Federal Minister, Railways)

★ Major General Amir Gulistan Janjua (Governor NWFP)

★ General Abdul Majid Malik (Federal Minister)

★ Sardar Muhamed Ashraf Khan (Provincial Minister 1960-69, 1977)

★ Major Tahir Iqbal (Federal Minister)

★ Sardar Ghulam Abbas (Provincial Minister 1994-96, District Nazim 2000-present)

★ General Ali Iqbal Minhas (Bhoan Village)

Religious Personalities

Nationally Renowned personalities only

★ Sahibzada Peer Abdul Raheem Nakshbandi (Senior Vice President MMA Pakistan)

★ Ameer Muhammad Akram Awan (Shaikh of Naqshbandia Owaisiah Sufi Order)

Civil Service

Nationally Renowned personalities only

★ Justice Qazi Muhammad Gul (Justice Pakistan Supreme Court and ex-Law Secretary of Pakistan. Also served as Chief Election Commissioner for Azad Jammu and Kashmir)

★ Raja Allahdad Khan (Chief Secretary, NWFP 1955/59)

★ Raja Ahemad Khan (Chief Secretary, Baluchistan 1974/80)

★ Malik Afzal Kahut Secretary Establishment Government of Pakistan

★ Chaudhry Ata Hussain, Inspector General of Police Punjab

★ Zia Mehmood Mirza, Justice, Supreme Court of Pakistan

★ Raja Shahid Hussian, Federal Secretary

★ Malik Muhammad Munir Kahut, D.I.G Punjab Police

★ Malik Mushtaq,Kot Qazi, Federal Secretary, OMG service, Islamabad

★ Chaudhry Fida Hussain, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor Pakistan Navy

★ Raja Pervez Akhtar, Director General FPSC

★ Raja Muhammad Irshad, Deputy Attorny General of Pakistan

★ Raja Ishaq Mallal, former Registrar Modarba SECP

★ Chaudhry Khizar Hussain (Late) Member Board of Revenue and Commissioner Income Tax

★ Saaki Muhammad Kahut(Judge-Session Court)

★ Mumtaz Ahmed Mughal MA LLM Civil Judge(former assistant district attorney chakwal and bar member)

★ Malik Ahmad Shah Kahut-Thnedar Police

Journalits, Poets, Writers, Actors etc.

National Level only

★ Colonel Muhammad Khan, author of the Urdu Classic,"Bajang Amad"

★ Brigadier Gulzar Ahmed, Writer

★ Zameer Jaffri, famous poet

★ Malik Muhammad Akram Awan,Writer & Poet

★ Ayaz Amir, Journalist

★ Sunil Dutt, Famous Bollywood Actor, Member of Lok Sabha

★ Nisar Qadri, PTV actor

★ Qumar Iqbal Soofi, Spritualist, author of "Rohaneat, Danish Aur Hakeekatain"

★ O.P Dutt, Famous Bollwood Music Director

★ Madan Mohan, Famous Bollywood Music Director

★ Prof. Dr. Tahir Mehmood, Department of Biochemistry, University of Sargodha.

★ Sultan Shahryar Khan ,Vice President,United Bank Limited.

★ Mahmood Hamdani, Resident Editor, The Nation, Islamabad

Sports

★ Gurbux Singh,Olympian(Gold medal 1964),Captain Indian Hockey team.

★ Saleem Shirwani, Olympian, Hockey Captain.

★ Colonel Zafar Ali Zafri, Olympian, Hockey Player.

★ Mudassar Ali Khan(SirPak), Olympian, National Hockey Player.

★ Abdullah Nazir(SirPak), Olympian, Athletics 800m.

References

1. Ibbetson, D: "Punjab settlement report", page 87. Punjab Government Press, 1862
2. Ibbeyson, D: "Punjab settlement report", page 88. Punjab Government Press, 1862


★ District Gazeteer Jhelum, 1904

★ Government College Chakwal, Yearbook, 2005