Akazai

The Akazai is a Pakhtoon/Pashtoon/Pathan tribe. It is one of the division of Isazai clan of the Yousafzai tribe which is one of the most powerful, famous and respected tribe of Pashtoons. Colonel Wylly, Harold Carmichael, 1858–1932, has described these great people in just one sentence; leaving no space for further descriptions and definitions. According to him; "The Yousafzai is an agriculturist, generally fine, well-limbed man, of a good physique and appearance with great deal of race-pride, well dressed and cheery, while his hospitality is proverbial".^[1]

Origin

The Akazais are amongst The Black Mountain (Tor Ghar) Tribes; a division of the Isazai clan of the great Yousafzai tribe.^[2] They are the descendants of Aka the son of Isa (Isazai) and the grandson of Yusaf/Yousaf/(Yousafzai).^[3] The Akazais are further divided into four sections; each section having two or more sub-sections.^[4]

The sections and sub-sections

Demographics

The major population (approximately 35,000) of the Azakai tribe occupy the western slopes of the Tor Ghar; known as Black Mountain. Tor Ghar is a Pushto word. They inhabit a portion of the crest and western slopes of Tor Ghar; to the north of Hassanzais having on the east a part of Agror and Piriarey; to the north Chagharzais (Nasrat Khel and Basi Khel) and to the west the Indus. The southern face of Machai Sar (Peak) belongs to Akazais, which is the highiest peak of Tor Ghar. Their main villages are Kand (Upper and Lower), Bimbal and Bilianrey. Other Akazai villages are Darbanrey, Kanar, Bakrey, Laid, Lashora, Bakianra, Moraata, Torum and Larey. During the Sikh Rule and up to 1868 Akazais held the village of Shahtut in Agror valley (Oghi Tehsil).^[5] Some people who migrated from there are now living in Tehsil Oghi of Mansehra District (adjoining Tor Ghar), Malikpura - Abbottabad, Khalabat Township Haripur, Karachi and Rawalpindi.

Fighting against the British

The area of Tor Ghar had never been under the rule of British Rule. Akazis along with Hassanzais were active in fighting against the British.^[6]
The fighting character and bravery of the tribe has been described by Sir William Wilson Hunter in the following words:-^[7]

The Indian British government sent four major expeditions to Tor Ghar to suppress The Black Mountain (Tor Ghar) Tribes during different times:-^[5]

• Expedition against Hassanzais - 1852-53 (The force comprised 3800 troops commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Mackeson,C.B. In this expedition five soldiers were killed and 10 wounded.)^[8]

• Expedition against Black Mountain Tribes - 1868 (The force comprised 12544 troops commanded by Major General Wilde. In this expedition 55 soldiers were killed and 29 wounded.)^[8]

• Expedition against Black Mountain Tribes - 1888 (The force comprised 9416 troops commanded by Major General J. McQueen. In this expedition 25 soldiers were killed and 57 wounded.)^[8]

• Expedition against Black Mountain Tribes - 1891 (The force comprised 7289 troops commanded by Major General W.K. Elles. In this expedition 9 soldiers were killed and 39 wounded.)^[8]

• Akazais provided 1000 fighting men for famous Ambela Operation of December 1863^[9]

After the creation of Pakistan on 14 August 1947, Tor Ghar was given the status of Tribal Area which had been administered by provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (The then North West Frontier Province or N.W.F.P.).

Culture and traditions

Like all other Pashtuns, Akazais have maintained their cultural identity and individuality. They lead their lives strictly in accordance with code of ethics of Pashtoonwali which comprises Manliness, Goodness, Gallantery, Loyalty and Modesty. Akazais have also maintained the great Pashtoon customs of Jirga (consultative assembly), Nanawati (delegation pleading guilty), Hujhra (large drawing room) and Melmasteya (hospitality).^[10]

Language

Pushto is the basic language of Akazais. Being away from the urban centres and less interaction with people from other languages, Akazais of Tor Ghar speak the purest form of Pushto. Due to migrations to other areas of Pakistan for better prospects of life and marriages in non-Pushtoon families, some Akazais have adopted other languages like Hindko and Urdu etc.

Recent developments

On 28 January 2011, Tor Ghar became the 25th District of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa. Judba is the Capital of this newly born district with following tehsils:-

• Judba.
• Kandar Hassanzai.
• Mada Khel.

Most of the Akazai areas come under the Kandar Hassanzai tehsil.

References