“IN ALL OF US THERE IS A HUNGER, MARROW DEEP, TO KNOW OUR HERITAGE – TO KNOW WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE CAME FROM. WITHOUT THIS ENRICHING KNOWLEDGE, THERE IS A HOLLOW YEARNING. NO MATTER WHAT OUR ATTAINMENTS IN LIFE, THERE IS STILL A VACUUM, AN EMPTINESS, AND THE MOST DISQUIETING LONELINESS.” — ALEX HALEY
COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY AND ANCESTRY OF MIANWALI’S TRIBES AND CLANS
Historical Migration and Settlement of the Niazi Tribe in Bannu, Isa Khel, and Mianwali
️ Mahmud of Ghazni and Early Conquests
According to historical sources, Mahmud of Ghazni conquered the upper half of present-day Mianwali District and Bannu, driving out the original Hindu inhabitants. This created a demographic vacuum, facilitating the settlement of Pashtun tribes migrating from across the border into the region.
Phases of Pashtun Immigration into Bannu and Mianwali
1️⃣ The Bannuchis
Approximately 500 years ago, the Bannuchi tribe displaced the Mangals, Hannis, and some Khattak settlements. They settled on the marshy but fertile lands on both sides of the Kurram River, forming the earliest wave of Pashtun presence in Bannu.
2️⃣ The Niazis
Around 150 years later, the Niazis, a Lodi-Afghan tribe, migrated from Tank and expanded across the plains sparsely inhabited by pastoral Jats. Their advance eventually pushed them into the region known today as Marwat, Isa Khel, and later Mianwali.
3️⃣ The Marwats
A younger offshoot of the same Lodi tribal lineage, the Marwats followed the Niazis into Marwat within 100 years. After a series of battles, they forced the Niazis eastward across the Kurram River, into what is now Isa Khel and southern Mianwali.
⛰️ Origin and Migration of the Niazis
Originally settled in the hills of Salghar, the Niazis—descendants of the Lodi Afghans—were expelled by the Ghilzai tribe and migrated southward to Tank, where they remained for generations as traders and transporters, much like the Lohani Pawindahs today.
Around the late 15th century, they migrated northwards and settled along the Kurram and Gambila Rivers, about 15 miles below Bannuchi territory. They lived peacefully for about 50 years as graziers and cultivators until displaced again by the Marwat Lohani tribe.
Settlement in Isa Khel and Mianwali
After being driven across the Kurram at Tang Darra, the Niazis found refuge in the valley beyond and gradually settled in:
-
South Isa Khel – where the Isakhel sub-clan became agriculturists.
-
Kamar Mushani region – where the Mushanis initially led a pastoral lifestyle.
-
Sultan Khel and surrounding villages – where parts of the Sarhangs settled.
One faction of the Sarhangs continued drifting for generations and later established permanent settlements Cis-Indus (west of the Indus River) after the fall of Muazzam Nagar, a Ghakkar stronghold, around 1748.
⚔️ Fall of the Ghakkars and Niazi Ascendancy
The Ghakkars, historically dominant in northern Mianwali, lost power after the destruction of Muazzam Nagar by a lieutenant of Ahmad Shah Abdali. Although Akbar had granted jagirs to Ghakkar chiefs and they held sway through Jehangir’s reign, their rule weakened during internal turmoil.
By the mid-18th century, the Ghakkars were expelled across the Salt Range, and the Niazis took full control of Isa Khel and parts of Mianwali.
️ Timeline Summary
| Period | Key Event |
|---|---|
| ~1000s | Mahmud of Ghazni clears the region of Hindu rule |
| ~1500s | Bannuchis settle in Bannu |
| ~1650s | Niazis migrate from Tank into Marwat |
| ~1700s | Marwats displace Niazis into Isa Khel |
| ~1748 | Ghakkar stronghold Muazzam Nagar destroyed |
| ~1750s | Niazis consolidate rule in Isa Khel and Mianwali |
Ethnic and Tribal Migrations in Mianwali: A Historical Overview
This page outlines the key immigration waves and tribal settlements in the region of Mianwali, including Isa Khel Tehsil, Thal, Kachhi, and surrounding areas. The tribes discussed here have shaped the cultural and social fabric of the district for centuries.
The Khattaks / Bhangi Khels
-
The Khattaks, among the earliest settlers in Isa Khel Tehsil, arrived before the Niazi tribe.
-
A group known as the Bhangi Khels, a strong sub-tribe of Khattaks, migrated and settled in the Bhangi Khel tract about 400 years ago.
-
They remained mostly in the foothills of the Maidani Range and were never expelled by the Niazis, maintaining a continuous presence in the region.
The Awans of Mianwali
-
The Awans occupy the eastern parts of Mianwali, particularly Khudri, Pakhar, and Awankari, east of the Dhak Spur of the Salt Range.
-
Historical continuity suggests they have lived in this region for at least 600 years, possibly since the Arab invasions in the 7th century.
-
Despite their claim of Arab ancestry, linguistic and cultural evidence suggests Rajput origins, having possibly migrated from the east and intermarried with lower castes.
-
The ruins of Raja Sirkapp’s fort near Nammal and oral traditions support a Rajput heritage, along with the preservation of names like Sig Singh, Nar Singh, and Bhag Singh.
-
The Awan possessions once extended westward but contracted due to the expansion of the Niazis, who settled across the Salt Range up to the Kalabagh hills, marking the frontier between Pathan and Awankari regions.
Jat and Baloch Migrations
Jat Immigration
-
Prior to the 15th century, the lower parts of Mianwali had scattered Jat tribes, subsisting on cattle-rearing.
-
The Indus Valley was a dense jungle teeming with wild animals including tigers.
-
A large-scale Jat immigration from Multan and Bahawalpur occurred in the early 15th century, including clans like Siyars, Chhinas, Khokhars.
-
They moved up the Indus valley, occupying lands near the Thal and Kachhi, with many settling as far north as Kundian.
-
These lands were divided into “Hads”—early land estates—and are the foundation of present-day Mauzas (villages).
-
The Chhinas and Bhidwals became prominent Jat tribes.
-
Chhina region: From Behal and Notak across to Mankera and Haidarabad.
-
Bhidwal region: Karluwala and Mahni, near the Jhang border.
-
Baloch Immigration
-
The Baloch migration followed the Jats and was more military in nature, involving large bands under tribal leaders.
-
They took political control, often participating in small regional conflicts.
-
While initially rulers, they did not secure lasting proprietary land rights.
-
Over time, individual Baloch settlers acquired wells and small plots of land, often subordinate to Jat and Sayyad landowners.
-
Prominent Baloch settlements include:
-
Magassi tribe in eastern Thal (Dhingana, Haidarabad)
-
Zurranis of Dab in Mianwali
-
Mamdani Balochs of Khansar
-
Biluch Pathans
-
Some Biluch Pathan families migrated from the Paniala Hills, crossing the Indus River.
-
One group became dominant in Piplan, while others moved into Jandanwala and the Thal.
-
Though few in number, these Biluch Pathans left a lasting footprint in southern Mianwali.
Summary of Tribal Settlement Zones
| Tribe | Primary Area(s) Settled | Period (Approx.) | Notable Sub-Tribes/Clans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khattaks | Foothills of Maidani | ~400 years ago | Bhangi Khels |
| Awans | East of Salt Range | 600+ years ago | Sig Singh, Nar Singh lineage |
| Jats | Kachhi, Thal, Kundian | 15th century | Chhinas, Bhidwals |
| Baloch | Southern Kachhi, Thal | Post-15th c. | Magassis, Zurranis, Mamdanis |
| Biluch Pathans | Piplan, Jandanwala | Unknown | – |
The Niazi Tribe – History, Demographics & Legacy
Niazi Male Population (1931 Census)
According to the Census of India 1931, the total male population of the Niazi tribe was recorded as 24,500, distributed across the following regions:
| Region | Male Population |
|---|---|
| Mianwali District | 19,500 |
| Kohat District | 2,500 |
| Bannu District | 2,000 |
| Dera Ismail Khan | 500 |
| Total | 24,500 |
Most Niazis resided on both banks of the Indus River, particularly in Isa Khel and Mianwali Tehsils of Mianwali District.
ISA KHELVIES
FAMALIES TREEs
IN THIS SECTION
FAMILY TREE OF PEOPLE LIVING IN OR FROM
ISA KHEL HAVE BEEN INCLUDED
THIS SITE HAS LARGEST ONLINE LIBRARY OF FAMILY TREES WITH PICTURES ABOUT ISA KHELVI CLANS AND THEIR HISTORY INFORMATION AND WE’RE CONSTANTLY ADDING MORE. SO, THERE ARE ALWAYS NEW DISCOVERIES WAITING FOR YOU.
- ABDUL MAJEED KHAN OF THE BUMBRAS CLAN, KAMALIA
- ABDULLAH KHELS
- AHMED APPO ASHRAF AZMAT KHEL
- AWANS CHAKRALA
- AYAZ KHELS
- AZIZ KHELS
- BANDO BHARAM BHADIN ZAI KHEL
- BUMBRAs
- DILOO KHEL
- EASAB KHEL
- HAIBAT KHEL
- JUNGI KHEL
- KALLUEs SAJRAs
- KHANIKHELS
- LUNDO LUNGAR KHEL
- MIRZO KHELS
- MUHAMMAD KHAN -isa khel
- MUHAMMAD KHAN BUMBRA JARANWALA
- MUMOO KHELs
- NAURANG KHEL
- PAHARDAY PARRALY KHEL
- ROHSAN KHEL
- SABOO SARWAR KHEL
- SARFRAZ KHELs
- SATTER KHELS
- SHAH NAWAZ KHELS
- USMAN KHEL
- ZAKOW KHEL
- ZULFIQAR KHELS
ABDUL MAJEED KHAN OF THE BUMBRAS CLAN, KAMALIA
ABDULLAH KHELS
AHMED APPO ASHRAF AZMAT KHEL
AWANS CHAKRALA
AYAZ KHELS
EASAB KHEL
KALLUEs SAJRAs
KHANIKHELS
LUNDO LUNGAR KHEL
MUHAMMAD KHAN -isa khel
MUHAMMAD KHAN BUMBRA JARANWALA
ROHSAN KHEL
SARFRAZ KHELs
SHAH NAWAZ KHELS
ZAKOW KHEL
A.o.A
Friend! I want to add my shajra-e-nasb. Can you tell me about procedure? I’ll be very thankful to you for this favour.
Sami Khan Nourang Khel, Isa Khel
Dear friend,s = You may contact me for any information regarding,”Shajra”Cultural information and Hiistory of Essa khel. Thanks:M Bilal khan Cell#03325417829
A.o.A
Friend! I want to add my shajra-e-nasb. Can you tell me about procedure? I’ll be very thankful to you for this favour.
Sami Khan Nourang Khel, Isa Khel
Dear friend,s = You may contact me for any information regarding,”Shajra”Cultural information and Hiistory of Essa khel. Thanks:M Bilal khan Cell#03325417829
You done realy good job.You try to be a fair with all esakhel tribe.
You done realy good job.You try to be a fair with all esakhel tribe.
Good Site
Good Site
YOUR VALUABLE WORDS : Surprisingly you have missed the very important section of the Isakhel family tree.Khanikhel is the most significant sub-tribe of Isakhel zakokhel.Similarly fatehkhel another tribe of which the khanzamekhel to belongs are also missing.Please add the same.
DEAR QAMAR N ALL MIANWALIANS
I WANT TO ADD EACH N EVERY MIANWALIAN BUT I CAN ONLY POST THE DATA WHICH I HAVE. NOW I REQUEST U PLEASE SEND ME SAJRA N I WILL POST IT WITH OUT ANY DELAY
THANKS FOR COMMENTS
YOUR VALUABLE WORDS : Surprisingly you have missed the very important section of the Isakhel family tree.Khanikhel is the most significant sub-tribe of Isakhel zakokhel.Similarly fatehkhel another tribe of which the khanzamekhel to belongs are also missing.Please add the same.
DEAR QAMAR N ALL MIANWALIANS
I WANT TO ADD EACH N EVERY MIANWALIAN BUT I CAN ONLY POST THE DATA WHICH I HAVE. NOW I REQUEST U PLEASE SEND ME SAJRA N I WILL POST IT WITH OUT ANY DELAY
THANKS FOR COMMENTS
Dear brother, It is a great pleasure that you have tried to introduce your tribe on media line. I pray for your ancestors and family till Hussain. If you work to explore the tree of all Niazi tribe through reference books,,,,; it will be a memorial job on you part.Muhammad Ayub Khan- Bahrain
Dear brother, It is a great pleasure that you have tried to introduce your tribe on media line. I pray for your ancestors and family till Hussain. If you work to explore the tree of all Niazi tribe through reference books,,,,; it will be a memorial job on you part.Muhammad Ayub Khan- Bahrain
ap ny is site py work theek sy nahi kia
khan zaman khel mein 8 khelian hain jin ka ap ko shayad kise ne nahi btaya….i m sorry apki site adhoori hai
ap ny is site py work theek sy nahi kia
khan zaman khel mein 8 khelian hain jin ka ap ko shayad kise ne nahi btaya….i m sorry apki site adhoori hai
brother you have done a good job. but ap ki website se lagta ha ya website only pathans k liye ha. isa khel men aur b bahot se famlies rehti hain. khas tor par nawab kala bagh. but un k mutaliq ap ki website pe bahot kam data ha. malik nafees arain. News one t.v channel islamabad.
03336080854
brother you have done a good job. but ap ki website se lagta ha ya website only pathans k liye ha. isa khel men aur b bahot se famlies rehti hain. khas tor par nawab kala bagh. but un k mutaliq ap ki website pe bahot kam data ha. malik nafees arain. News one t.v channel islamabad.
03336080854
where are maamun khel incomplete info boss
DEAR ASAD ULLAH KHAN NIAZI
AOA
THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENTS DEAR PLEASE CHECK
http://786isakhel.com/?page_id=1146
I AM POSITIVE THAT U WILL GET THE ANSWER BUT EVEN THEN IF SAME IS NOT AVAL OR REQUIRE UPDATION PLEASE LET ME KNOW I WILL DO IT . BHAI I STARTED THE WORK NOW IT U TO MAKE IT RIVER FROM DROP N KEEP IT FLOWING
THANKS
where are maamun khel incomplete info boss
DEAR ASAD ULLAH KHAN NIAZI
AOA
THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENTS DEAR PLEASE CHECK
http://786isakhel.com/?page_id=1146
I AM POSITIVE THAT U WILL GET THE ANSWER BUT EVEN THEN IF SAME IS NOT AVAL OR REQUIRE UPDATION PLEASE LET ME KNOW I WILL DO IT . BHAI I STARTED THE WORK NOW IT U TO MAKE IT RIVER FROM DROP N KEEP IT FLOWING
THANKS
Dear admin,
Sir as u are from Mianwali and u know it really well. I wanted to know regarding a famous man named Afzal Malik. He was murdered, he has son named Ali Malik who is a young 26 year old boy and supposedly the chief of the tribe now. Afzal maliks son and his brother were also murdered. I would be really thankful to you if you would be able to tell me about the family.
Dear admin,
Sir as u are from Mianwali and u know it really well. I wanted to know regarding a famous man named Afzal Malik. He was murdered, he has son named Ali Malik who is a young 26 year old boy and supposedly the chief of the tribe now. Afzal maliks son and his brother were also murdered. I would be really thankful to you if you would be able to tell me about the family.
ASALAM-O-ALIKUM
Bhai jan ap ny bhot achi web site lounch ke hai dakh kar dil kush ho jita hai khas kar jab koi apna gar isa khai sa door ho mager bahi ya to gulat hai k app na sirf un ka bura ma likha hai jo khail hain mager isa khail ma hum hashmi bhe hain aur bhe boath log hai un ka koi ziker nahe ya to theek nahe pls un ka baray ma bhe kuch lakh do pls
thanks
tariq hashmi
ASALAM-O-ALIKUM
Bhai jan ap ny bhot achi web site lounch ke hai dakh kar dil kush ho jita hai khas kar jab koi apna gar isa khai sa door ho mager bahi ya to gulat hai k app na sirf un ka bura ma likha hai jo khail hain mager isa khail ma hum hashmi bhe hain aur bhe boath log hai un ka koi ziker nahe ya to theek nahe pls un ka baray ma bhe kuch lakh do pls
thanks
tariq hashmi
its a great effort n i really like everthing in it…can u put isub khel’s shajra????….
AOA
DEAR ALI KHAN
WHY NOT I WILL WAIT
THANKS
its a great effort n i really like everthing in it…can u put isub khel’s shajra????….
AOA
DEAR ALI KHAN
WHY NOT I WILL WAIT
THANKS
Hello,
I am trying to find my ancestors. I belong to IsaKhel in pakistan but came to india after partition. I would be obliged if you could trace my ancestors.My last name is Ghodekhel.
Thanks in advance for your help!
S Ghodekhel
DEAR
THANKS FOR VISIT AND COMMENTS PLEASE SEND ME MORE DETAILS ABOUT YOURSELF.YOUR FATHER NAME ,DATE OF BIRTH ,MOHALLA ETC THEN I CAN LET YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT
THANKS
Sent you an email with info.
Thank you very much for your help. Appreciate it!
Hello,
I am trying to find my ancestors. I belong to IsaKhel in pakistan but came to india after partition. I would be obliged if you could trace my ancestors.My last name is Ghodekhel.
Thanks in advance for your help!
S Ghodekhel
DEAR
THANKS FOR VISIT AND COMMENTS PLEASE SEND ME MORE DETAILS ABOUT YOURSELF.YOUR FATHER NAME ,DATE OF BIRTH ,MOHALLA ETC THEN I CAN LET YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT
THANKS
Sent you an email with info.
Thank you very much for your help. Appreciate it!
Sorry someone’s name was already existing when wrote the mssg
Sorry someone’s name was already existing when wrote the mssg