Batagram District

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Batgram district (Urdu: بٹگرام) is located in Hazara Division of NWFP, Pakistan. It has a total land area of 1301 Square Kilometer. The estimated population of Batgram in 2004-2005 was 361,000. With 277 inhabitants per Square Kilometer, it has a decent population density as well. Batgram got its separate identity as a district in July 1993 when it was upgraded from a Tehsil and separated from District Mansehra by an executive order. It has geographical borders with District Kohistan, Tribal Area of Kala Dhaka, District Shangla and Malakand Division. The district consists of two sub-divisions or Tehsils which are Batgram itself and Alayee or Alai. It is one of those few districts of NWFP, where 100 % of the residents speak Pashto. It was in 1956, when a famous Jirga took place in the valley of Tikrai and decided to join Pakistan.

This district has world fame for its beautiful mountains, thick forests, fertile lands and enchanting streams. Most of the population is rural and depends upon agriculture for their day to day living. As a recent phenomenon, fishing has also become a mode of earning due to some modern scientific techniques. Another distinctive feature of this district is the notable presence of Shahra-e-Resham or Silk route and hence which is helping the infant industrial base to thrive.

Batgram, received a major setback in the infamous Pakistan Earthquake of October 2005 when more than 4,500 innocent lives were lost. Practically most of the District was economically shattered and currently the district is in the process of reconstruction.