Razmak

Razmak is one of the three sub-divisions of North Waziristan Agency in Pakistan, the other two being Miranshah and Mirali. Inhabitants are Uthmanzai Wazirs. Razmak is further sub-divided in three Tehsils. Tehsil being the lowest administrative unit in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan. The three tehsils of Razmak are Razmak, Dossali and Garhyom. Dossali is a low lying area with a permanent population and a hot and dry climate as comapared to the other Tehsils i-e Razmak and Garhyom. Garhyom is also a hilly and cold area but Tehsil Razmak is hilly and colder. It is pleasant in summers, but snow clad in the winters. Its height above sea level is 6666 ft.Razmak is known as 'Mini London' due to its beauty and potential to become a major tourist destination if security situation improves.

People

The population is migratory and owns land also in other parts of the North Waziristan Agency where they migrate when it gets too cold. The main tribes that inhabit Razmak sub-division are Toori Khel, Boora Khel and Dirdooni. The dynamics of the society are governed by oligarchy. The elders of the tribes and families are the unelected leaders. The main elders of the area are Noor Baqi Jan, Zuman Alikhel, Nawaz Shakhimar in Toori khel, Shahzada and Saudal in boorakel, Hakeem Jan in Dirdooni.

Folklore

The story of Faqeer of Eppi is a folklore of the area, Faqir of Eppi was a religious leader of the area in the 1930s who rebelled against the British. It is said that the troops were after him and when they fired at him their bullets melted midway and fell on ground, that is said to be the origin of many grey hard pebbles lying on the hills of Razmak where the Faqir was hiding.

Toori Khel

Toori Khels live in the mountains of Razmak. Used to climbing hills on foot, they are tough and hardy fighters. Toori Khels are further divided into Shogi, Khushali and Madikhel subtribes. Tehsil Razmak is occupied by the Shogi and Khushali subtribes. Shogis are further divided in nine subtribes. As per “Nikat” the traditional tribal distribution, every thing in tehsil Razmak is distributed equally among these two tribes. Cadet College Razmak is also located here.

Boora Khel

Boora khel are involved in trade and business, many of them drive trucks and buses down in the rest of Pakistan. They have apple orchards on the hills of Razmak.

Dirdooni

Dattakhel tehsil is occupied by the Dirdooni subtribe. They are peaceful people who usually cooperate with the government and follow strict tribal discipline.

Garyum tehsil

Garyum is probably the most underdeveloped of the three tehsils with a few roads and schools. Inhabited mainly by Madikhel and Shogi subtribes.

Transportation

Means of transportation in the area are travelling on foot or 4x4 vehicles.

Religion

The religion of the people is Islam. They adhere very strictly to their traditions and see any change as an intrusion and inherently bad. Their code of conduct “pushtoonwali” is their religion. Anything against pushtoonwali is declared and accepted as unislamic.

Education

There are many schools in the area but literacy rate in the area is low. Schools are usually owned and managed by the local elders and have been granted to them and are being funded by the government as a bribe. The interest of education in the general population is evident and most of the youth understands the importance of education.