Makhad
Makhad is a hilly historical town in Attock District in the Northern part of Punjab province, Pakistan. It is one of the last towns separating the Punjab from the rugged North-West Frontier Province (NWFP). The separation is marked by a fast flowing Indus River. The little town of Makhad has steep streets with flights of steps and is the home of Pir Makhad. This was the last point reached by the British Indus flotilla of steamboats which once plied the river. (Shaw 1998)
Though a historically significant town and having the rugged beauty much of Northern Punjab or Potohar region is famous for, Makhad will be one of the many towns that will be completely submerged if the much controversial Kalabagh Dam is built.
Makhad is famous in the region for originating a popular dessert, which is known as Makhaddi Halwa.
The Piracha tribe, which is one of the largest in Pakistan and today scattered all over the country and even India, is said to have become a large clan in Makhad in the 10th century. See Piracha for more about this.
From Islamabad, Makhad can be accessed by road by reaching Pindi Gheb via Fateh Jang.
See also
Reference
- Shaw, Isobell (1998), Pakistan Handbook pp 363.