F.R. Kohat

The administration of the tribal area F.R.Kohat is looked after by the deputy commissioner Kohat district. It is bounded on the north by the Tribal area adjoining to Peshawar district, on the east by Nowshera district and south by Kohat district and on the west by Orakzai agency. It is located between 33˚33’ and 33˚46’ north latitudes and 71˚21’ and 71˚50’ east latitudes. Its total area is 446 square kilometers. The British turned this area into a primary unit of political administration in view of its strategic importance as the only route, which opens, up the southern districts of N.W.F.P to Peshawar. Above all the region has international fame for its armament industry, known the world over.

Physical Features

The area is composed of a variety of landforms. The western part is higher and more complex where average height of the hills is around 1500 meters. The highest point of the area is located near western border with a height of 1,198 meters. In the eastern half, the height of the hills decreases and hills flanking the narrow plain area are about 600 meters high. The important peaks are Zaiuddin, Mahr Ali Sar, Sargashi ridge and Tambal Peak. On the hills chiefly grow the “Kikar” and “Gurgura”. The land as a whole is barani, except the Tor Sapar area, which is under well irrigation, and a few areas in Sani Khel and Akhor limits, which are watered from springs, and wells respectively. Common products are wheat, Barley and Bajra.

Race and Tribes

The Adam Khel are said to have been descendents of one Adam, the grand son of Karran’s younger son Usman, nicknamed “AFRIDA”. The other three grandsons of Usman, were Oola, Aka and Miri. Oola’s family is known as Khyber Afridis comprising Mir Ahmed Khel (Malik Din Khel and Kamber Khel), Sepaya, Zakakhel and Qamar Khel, while that of Aka named after him as Aka Khel. The third son Miri, not having sufficiently prospered in life submerged his name with that of his elder brother and that is why his descendents are now found in a subsection of Aka Khel Clan.

The main clans of FR Kohat are Galai khel and Jawaki branching from Adam Khel. Galai Khel divides into Tor Sapar, Zarghun Khel, Sheraki and Bosti Khel. Jawaki divide into Haibat Khel, Kimat Khel, Bazid Khel and Ashu Khel. Bosti Khel is the famous clan of Ajab Khan of “Ellis Fame”.

History

FR Kohat was given the status of a sub-division in the year 1981. Previously a political tehsildar used to look after its affairs. The region is governed by a special law, based on local customs and conventions. The Adam Khel clan was formally altogether under the political control of the deputy commissioner Kohat, but in 1896 and 1897 the control of the Jinakor subdivision of the Hassan Khel division of the clan, and of the Kandau and Kandar sections of the Ashu Khel division, was transferred to the deputy commissioner Peshawar, and in 1923, that of Jawakis of Tirah and the Kala Khel section of the Ali Khel sub-division of the Ashu-khel, to the political agent, Khyber.

Climate

The area has warm summers and cold winters. Summer season starts in May and lasts till October. May, June and July are the warmest months.  Winter season starts in November and lasts till April. December, January and February are the coldest months.

Occupations

The main trade of the people is the manufacture and sale of rifles and revolvers, carried out by certain karigars or blacksmiths, living in the limits of Zarghun Khel section. Of late they have improved their workmanship to a great extent. Some of the Adamkhel Afridis are running transport business.

Places of Interest

Dara Adam Khel

This is the most important valley, also called Kohat pass. The Kohat Pass in FR Kohat has claim second only to the Khyber as a historic highway of invasion. The road to Kohat runs across this area. It has the world famous informal arms industry. The Darra became a gun factory in 1897. In return for turning blind eye to this illegal Pakhtun enterprise, the British were guaranteed safe passage along the main roads. All sorts of weapons, from pen-pistols and hand-grenades to automatic rifles and anti-aircraft guns are made in Dara. It is also the birth place of famous Ajab khan.

Tor Sapar

It is the most fertile part of the FR Kohat.

In F.R. Kohat there are --- Lungi holders (Safedresh).
In F.R. Kohat there are --- Khassadars ranging from the ranks of Subedar Major (junior commissioned officer) to the Sepoy (a constable, or foot soldier).