Mian Ali, who founded Mianwali in Ghakar times, is said to have been a holy man from Baghdad. He gained ascendancy over the Pathan settlers in the country by encouraging them to throw off the yoke of the Ghakars. His promises of success were fulfilled, and the Ghakars were driven out of the country about the middle of the last century. His son Sultan Zakaria was the spiritual guide of the peasantry for many years and is credited with possessing miraculous gifts. To him succeeded his son Muhammad Ali, a less known man. In 1847 Muhammad Ali’s three sons, Chirigh Ali, Murad Wand (or Ali), and Ghaus Ali, were in power. They rendered Lieutenant H. Edwardes valuable assistance in settling a blood feud which had until then cost many lives annually. From that time, the family exerted all its influence on our side. After annexation, an investigation into its revenue-free holdings was made and continued until, in 1864, revenue to the amount of Rs. 1,200 a year was released in equal shares to the three heads of the house, with the condition attached that each grant was “to be reconsidered on the death of the representative of that branch.” By mistake, the sanction has hitherto been taken as equivalent to a perpetuity grant. Historically, All Major Rulers Of South Asia Governed This Area In Their Turn. Mughal Emperor Babur Mentioned Isa Khel while fighting against the Pakhtuns As Part Of His Campaign To Conquer Punjab during The 1520s (Ref. Baburnama). Before the invasion of Nadir Shah in 1738, there is little to relate concerning the history of the northern part of the district. The upper half of the district was ruled by the Ghakkars, who became feudatories of the Mughal empire, of which the district continued to form a part until the invasion of nadir shah. In 1738 a portion of his army entered Bannu, and by its atrocities, so cowed the Bannuchis and Marwats that a heavy tribute was raised from them. Another portion of the army crossed the Darra Pezu and worked its way down to Dera Ismail Khan. Contingents raised from the neighbourhoods of Bannu and Dera Ismail khan marched under nadir shah’s banner to sack of Delhi. In 1739 the area west of the Indus was surrendered by the emperor of Delhi to Nadir Shah and passed after his death to Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Places to Visit
PAF Base Mianwali
PAF Base Mianwali is a Pakistan Air Force airbase located between 32°33′47″ N latitude and 71°34′15″ E longitude. Enter this airbase with prior permission.
Kalabagh Dam
Kalabagh Dam is situated at historical town Kalabagh, about 40 kms from Mianwali city.
Chahshma Barrage and Lake
Chahshma Barrage and Lake are the prime attractions of Mianwali district situated in the south of Mianwali city.
Namal Lake
Namal Lake is one of the favorite destinations of youngsters placed at the base of Namal Mountain.
Thal Desert
Thal Desert is situated between Indus and Jhelum River.
Kalabagh Old Town
Kalabagh Old Town is a historical ancient town houses many archeological sites.
National Art Gallery
National Art Gallery is located in Islamabad, about 240 kms from Mianwali is open on all the days of week from morning 11 to afternoon 1 and 2 PM-7 PM.
