Situated in the Lower Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Timergara is a place rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Graana.com has discussed everything that you need to know about Timergara, including weather, sports facilities and more.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or someone who enjoys exploring new places, this comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Timergara, Pakistan.
Overview
Timergara, situated on the eastern bank of the Panjkora River, serves as a city and an administrative centre for Lower Dir District and the recently established Central Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. About an hour away from Swat River, the city sits at an elevation of 823 meters (2,700 feet) above sea level. Notably, Timergara is home to excavated graves dating back to the Indo-Aryan era, spanning from 1500 BC to 600 BC.
Across the Panjkora River to the west lies the scrape site of Balambat, which has been continuously inhabited since the Indo-Aryan period, dating back to 1500 BC. Archaeological discoveries in this area include dwellings from 500 BC and evidence of fire altars, indicating a form of early Aryan religion centred around fire worship.
The region’s early political history is characterised by the rule of various groups, including the Scythians, Bactrians, and Hephthalites, with ruins and artifacts from these periods scattered throughout the area. According to the 2017 Census, Timergara tehsil has a total population of 520,700. Most of the city is situated along the banks of the Panjkora River, which isolates Balambat from the central part of the city.
Ethnicity
The majority of Timergara’s population is of Pashtun ethnicity, and the main tribal groups in the area include the Ibrahim Khel, Yousafzai, Umar Khel, and Utmankhel. Notably, several prominent religious figures have emerged from this region, including Timergara Babaje, Tor Baba (Abdur Rahim), and Jaloo Baba.
Abdur Rahim is also known as Tor Baba due to his reputation for piety, moved from Mandal in the late seventeenth century and made Timergara his home. He was a disciple of Shaikh Adam Binori, and his teachings had a significant impact on the local community. The Mandal clan within the Utmankhel tribe in Timergara, often referred to as Shaikhan, are the descendants of Baba Abdur Rahim Khan.
Timergara Weather
Timergara weather exhibits distinct seasonal patterns. Summers are characterised by hot and dry conditions, while winters are wet and cold. Temperatures undergo a sharp increase from May to June, with July and August being particularly scorching.
However, September brings a noticeable drop in temperature, especially during the night. From October onwards, temperatures decrease rapidly, reaching their lowest points in December and January. In January, the mean minimum temperature can drop as low as -8 °C.
Rainfall primarily occurs during the months of January, February, July, August, and December. As the cold weather transitions to milder conditions, occasional hailstorms and thunderstorms can occur. Timergara weather is also experiencing the effects of global warming and changing climate patterns.
In 2010, the region witnessed heavy floods in addition to snowfall, resulting in significant damage to the city’s infrastructure. Furthermore, in March 2014, the water level of the Panjkora River began rising again, posing a threat to the Balambat bridge.
Sports Facilities
In the village of Khungi Payeen, there is no public sports ground available. However, the residents have taken it upon themselves to create a beautiful sports ground along the riverbank. The makeshift ground is a hub for various sports activities, including football, cricket, and volleyball. Unfortunately, there are no proper facilities for professional sports in the area.
Despite the lack of formal infrastructure, Khungi Payeen has produced notable athletes who have excelled in various sports. Some of these outstanding individuals include Naseem Shah, Imran Khan, and Israr Ullah in cricket, Murtaza Ahmad in hockey, and Irfan Ahmad in badminton. These athletes have proudly represented Pakistan on the international stage and have also been part of provincial and regional teams.
The younger generation in the area possesses a strong passion for sports, including cricket, football, basketball, volleyball, and hockey. While there are no official sports grounds, residents have improvised by creating small playing areas along riverbanks and at the base of mountains. In addition to these grassroots efforts, there are two main sporting event sites, namely the Rest House Ground and FC Ground in Balambat, which cater to the sports enthusiasts in the region.
Health Facilities
The primary healthcare institution in the region is the District Headquarters Hospital in Timergara. Additionally, there are several private hospitals, and specialised healthcare facilities are also available for women’s medical needs. Notably, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), an international NGO, provides support to specific departments within the District Headquarters Hospital, including maternity, accident and emergency services, and the newborn unit.
Dr. Burhan Uddin (1942–2009) holds the distinction of being one of the first healthcare practitioners in this area. At a time when there were no hospitals, he played a crucial role in delivering essential primary healthcare services to the local population.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is Timergara located?
Timergara is located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, serving as the district headquarters of both the Lower Dir and Central Dir Districts.
What is the climate like in Timergara?
Timergara experiences a climate with hot and arid summers and cold and wet winters. The temperature can rise significantly from May to June, with the hottest months being July and August. Winters are coldest in December and January.
Are there any notable historical sites in Timergara?
Yes, Timergara boasts a rich history with excavated graves dating back to the Indo-Aryan period (1500 to 600 BC). Balambat, an excavated site, has been continuously inhabited since 1500 BC, featuring relics such as houses from 500 BC and fire altars.
What is the predominant ethnic makeup of Timergara?
The majority of Timergara’s population is Pashtun. The main tribes in the area include Yousafzai, Ibrahimkhel, Utmankhel, and Umarkhel.
Are there any prominent individuals from Timergara in the field of sports?
Yes, Timergara has produced notable athletes who have represented Pakistan at the international level in various sports. Some of these athletes include Naseem Shah, Imran Khan, Israrullah (cricket), Murtaza Ahmad (hockey), and Irfan Ahmad (badminton).
What healthcare facilities are available in Timergara?
The main healthcare facility in Timergara is the District Headquarters Hospital. Additionally, there are private hospitals and specialised healthcare facilities for women. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), an international NGO, supports various departments within the District Headquarters Hospital.
How do residents in Timergara manage sports activities despite the lack of proper sports grounds?
While there may not be formal sports grounds, residents have improvised by creating small playing areas along riverbanks and at the base of mountains. Two main sporting event sites, the Rest House Ground and FC Ground in Balambat, cater to sports enthusiasts in the region.
Who was Dr. Burhan Uddin, and what role did he play in healthcare in Timergara?
Dr. Burhan Uddin (1942–2009) was a pioneer healthcare practitioner in Timergara. He provided primary healthcare services to the local population when there were no hospitals in the area, making a significant contribution to the community’s well-being.
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