Makhad

Makhad (Urdu: مکھڈ ) is a hilly historical town in Attock District in the Northern part of Punjab province, Pakistan. It is one of the last towns separating the Punjab from the rugged North-West Frontier Province. The separation is marked by a fast flowing Indus River.

This was the last point reached by the British Indus flotilla of steamboats which once plied the river (Shaw 1998).

In 19th century Jhirk was the busiest river port and centre of commercial activity in Sindh. It also served as the headquarters of the Indus Flotilla, the most modern navigational system of those days.

Karachi Port near Karachi was connected to Jhirk the head quarter of Indus flotilla , which was in Jhirk town near Kotri and then it will go up to Mithankot Rajanpur district near Dera Ghazi Khan and then to the last point Makhad Attock. This part of Indus flotilla was called Punjab flotilla and the Indus flotilla Interchangeably.

British Indus flotilla of steamboats .which once plied the Indus river is described by (Shaw 1998).

Hassan Ali Effendi the famous educationist who was instrumental in Establishing Sindh Madrasatul Islam used to Work at Indus Flotilla in his early years while learning English. Quaid-i-Azam was one his student at Sindh Madrasatul Islam Karachi.

Makhad estate had been under the control of Khans of Makhad (Sher Ahmad Khan). The town is also home of Pir of Makhad. From Islamabad, Makhad can be accessed by road by reaching Pindi Gheb via Fateh Jang on GT road.

Though a historically significant town and having the rugged beauty much of Northern Punjab or Potohar region is famous for, Makhad will be one of the many towns that will be completely submerged if the much controversial Kalabagh Dam is built. Makhad is famous in the region for originating a popular dessert, which is known as Makhaddi Halwa.

The Piracha tribe, which is one of the largest in Pakistan and today scattered all over the country and even India, is said to have become a large clan in Makhad in the 10th century.

See also

• Ferashas
• Bhanda Peeraan

References

• Shaw, Isobell (1998), Pakistan Handbook, p. 363.

External links

• Attockonians
• Makhaddi Halwa

Coordinates: 33°8′0″N 71°44′0″E / 33.133333°N 71.733333°E / 33.133333; 71.733333