About Us
INTRODUCTION
The district Dir Upper is upper part of old Dir district. At the time of independence Dir was a state ruled by Nawab Shah Jehan Khan. It was merged with Pakistan in 1969 and was declared as a district in 1970. In 1996, it was bifurcated into Upper and Lower Dir districts. District Dir Upper consists of Dir, Sherignal and Wari Sub-Division with District Headquarter at Dir.
CULTURE
Painda Khel, sultan khel, kadi khel, Swati Katani and Kohistani Gujar, tribes populate district Dir Upper. The people of the district are very simple, hospitable and good pathans. They are known for their hard work. They all are Sunni Muslims. Poverty is wide spread. People live and die for their honor and dignity. They feel pride in taking revenge of their enemies but Jirga and hospitality is very dear to them.
DRESS AND ORNAMENTS
The common dress amongst male and female is Shalwar Kamees and Chadar. In winter warm coats, sweaters, woolen pakol (cap) are used by male. The female belonging to poor families uses bangles, rings, and charguls. Pazeb, ear- rings made of silver. The female of well -to -do- families use those ornaments made of gold.
FOOD
The staple food of common man in the valley is generally wheat and maize bread. It is taken with milk, butter, lassi, onion and challis. Boiled rice with vegetables is used at dinner. On marriage functions and occasion, pulao, kabab, sweet rice and meat are presented to the guests.
DWELLING
People of the remote areas lead a nomadic life. They have katcha houses made of stones, clay and wood. The occupants and their livestock's commonly use the rooms. In winter, most of the people migrates with their cattle's to the plan areas as well other districts, where fodder are available for their cattle's. Since the district is mountainous, the people usually live on their respective lands available for cultivation. Normal household consists of kut (bed), a wooden box, blanket, darri or matting.
Religion:
Majority of the people in the district are Muslims and belong to Hanifi school of thought. All the Muslim population offers prayers regularly and observes fast during Ramadan.
OCCUPATION
Farming daily wages, trade and working overseas are the main occupations of the people. Due to lack of employment opportunities, large number of people is either employed in private institutions or unemployed. A very small portion of population is employed in government departments. The women usually share the work with their men. They work side by side with men in the agriculture sector in addition to their household duties.
TOURISM SPOTS
Kumrat ,Sharingal, Sumat Shahi, Hatan Darra, Barawal, Lawari Top, Daubando Pass, Namcharr Usherai, Badogay, Jazz Banda , Zakhina , etc
LOCATION
The district lies between 350 - 04 to 350-46 north latitudes and 710 -32 to 720 -22 east longitudes.