Dhanyal

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Dhanyal / Dhanial is one of the largest tribe living in Potohar plateau and Lower Himalayas for the last eight centuries. This tribe traces their lineage to Ali Ibn Abi-Talib. Most of the Dhanyals are settled in the cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and in Murree Hills. Other branches of the tribe live in Kashmir, Abbottabad, Sialkot and Hazara.

Dhanyals are famous for their bravery. Members of this tribe were recruited into the armies of the Mughal Empire, British Empire and after Independence, into the Pakistan Army.

After independence however the Dhanyals in urban areas have turned to other fields such as education, medicine, engineering, business and social sciences. The literacy rate of this tribe is 100%.

[edit] History

The name 'Dhanyal/Dhanial' is derived from Mohazzam Shah which was the name of chief and famous Sufi saint of Lower Himalayas who shifted from Dhanni (old name of Chakwal) in late 12th century. Forefathers of Mohazzam Shah ruled Multan state for about 190 years. They were Alvis and were shifted into Multan from Iraq in around early 8th century. Mohazzam Shah had supported Shahabuddin Ghouri to curb the activities of [Rajput]s who aggressively attack muslim army of Shahbuddin Ghouri. Due to influence of Mohazzam Shah aias Hazrat Baba Dhanni Pir, many non-Muslims of this area converted to Islam. Mohazzam Shah sacrefices his life with the battle of Hindu Dogra Rajputs in Kashmir in 13th century. Mohazzam Shah was the spiritual leader of Dhanyal, Satti and Abbasi tribes in the area of Murree Hills, plain area of Potohar and Kashmir.

Hazrat Baba Dhanni Pir's shrine is situated in Mouri Sayyaedan, a valley on Lehtrar Road, Islamabad. An Urs (annual death anniversary) is held every year in April at his shrine.


Notable Dhanyals

  • Sardar Bahadur Capt. Tikka Khan (Late),OBE, A.D.C to the Commander-in-Chief British Indian Army, Staff Officer of King George V, (Karore)
  • Khan Mohammad Khan (Late) (Zaldar Rawalpindi Division) (Senior member jury ,District court)(Head of panchiat) (Tomair)
  • Col.(R)Zareef Khan (Late), Military Cross,Col. Commandant 19 Punjab Regt., British/Pak Army, (Karore)
  • Maj.(R)Sharif Khan (Late), British/Pak Army, (Karore)
  • Air Marshell (R) Najeeb Akhter ((Kiyah))
  • H/Lieut (R) Rahim Dad Khan, (Late), British Army, (Simly)
  • Lt. Col (R) Muhammad Yousuf Khan, (Late), Pak Army,(Simly)
  • Muhammad Irshad, former Deputy Attorney General Pakistan, (Peyont).
  • Pervez Akhtar, currently Director General, Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), Pakistan, (Penahattee)
  • Former Deputy Commissioner Saidzaman Khan (Late), (Nanyah)
  • Brig (R) Muhammad Hanif Khan (Late), (Ariary)
  • Major (R) Dr.Muhammad Ishfaq Ph.D (Poet,Writer & Columnist in Daily Urdu News) (Badala)
  • Brig (R) Muhammad Ajmal (Bassand)
  • Muhammad Latif, GM, HRD, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (Pind Begwal)