THE KHYBER AGENCY ----A BRIEF HISTORICAL RETROSPECT

From the vantage of history the Khyber Agency will always remain, in appearance, an awe-inspiring and exhilarating spectacle. Though one may peruse any number of expositions, by various writers, of the virtues, professional or otherwise, the urge to know more about the area and its inhabitants is unlikely to diminish. Suffice it to say that in the overall context of the tribal areas of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP), this particular agency has been a source of perennial interest for critical and friendly quarters alike. By any measure the tribal drama is deeply rooted to a volatile past set upon a harsh, forbidding and savage landscape. Generally, the environ of markedly adverse features have been resistant to winds of change, these strong features continue to impinge upon tribal way of life wherein ‘Survival of the Fittest’ has yet to lose its meaning, value and significance. Consequently, the society as a whole lives hard and frugally and, has ever remained ‘stand by’ to ensure that its culture and traditions are free from infringement or exploitation. However, these considerations apart, every encounter with this tribal reality guarantees that interest and excitement will be breathlessly sustained even if held up to the mirror of history. Hence, there exists a genuine need to develop an understanding of the tribesmen and their sociology for the mutual benefits of the quarters concerned.

The historical features of the Khyber encompass such a broad sweep of time that it renders an apt summarisation a rather difficult proposition. At varied time intervals the area has borne witness to dramatic scenes and occurrences in strange settings, consequently on many an occasion, it is found perched atop a historical crossroad, which, for its size and population, may apparently seem a rather strange or perplexing phenomenon. The list of events is inexhaustible and, therefore, these will remain beyond the scope of this study. However, irrespective of the volume, the worth and value of this compilation remain intact to serve a useful purpose as per the author’s intentions.

With his characteristically unhurried and strikingly assertive style, Major (Retd) Muhammad Nawaz Khan has made yet another valuable contribution. Precision being his forts, he has managed to fare well in his effort to further sharpen the senses and vision of quarters interested in the Khyber scene. A true son of the soil, he has been carrying out pains taking research into every facet of life within the confines of the NWFP, the insular tribal areas inclusive. He is an avowed missionary, who maintains an abiding interest in affairs of the Pakhtunkhwa.

Every endeavour of Major Nawaz manifests a burning desire to eulogise the Pathans’ history to benefit and inspire the new generation of students of history. He remains in the forefront of those who boisterously acclaim that by any estimate the tribesmen in particular have since carved a reputation and an enviable status in hearts of their teeming mass of admirers all over the globe. He writes about anything that arouses his interest. In a distinct and lucid manner, he pays lavish tribute to a handful of people whose deeds of valour and sacrifices, just to maintain their ancient ethos, full all vested quarters with an emotion of admiration that can only be described at the cost of much difficulty.

This particular story is easy to assimilate but nevertheless will act as a stimulant to stir one’s emotions to the highest pitch. It surely makes a fascinating reading, for which the author needs to be singled out for a well-deserved praise. Overall, it is a job well done.

Major (Retd) Muhammad Shafiq
Peshawar, May 1995