Isakhel ( ) is a town of Mianwali District in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The town is the headquarters of Isakhel Tehsil, an administrative subdivision of the district.[ Tehsils & Unions in the District of Mianwali - Government of Pakistan ][ Location of Isa Khel - Falling Rain Genomics]
Isakhel is an important town located in the west of Mianwali District. It is named after Isa Khan, a chief of the Pashtun Niazi tribe. Until November 1901, Isakhel was the tehsil headquarters of Bannu District. However, after the North-West Frontier Province was created from Punjab Province, Bannu District was included in the North-West Frontier Province without the Isakhel Tehsil. Isakhel became part of the newly formed Mianwali District of the Punjab. Isakhel was also the residence of the Khan's from the same family called the sons of Khanzaman Khan Niazi, who used to own substantial agriculture land.
After land reforms were implemented by Ayub Khan, substantial land was taken by the government from Khan's.[ district gazetteer of Mianwali district 1915]
History
The town of Isakhel is an old settlement with historic importance dated back to 1100
Anno Domini. During its tribal years, the town was under the chieftainship of various powerful rulers, mostly from the Malik, Awan, or
Niazi tribes. However, the town was reformed in about 1830 by Ahmad Khan, ancestor of the present Khans of Isakhel
and it takes its name from Isa Khan Niazi, a religious teacher and noble governor in Sher Shah Suri's court. The municipality was created in 1875. The present Khans of Isakhel still reside there. In 1901, during
British Raj, when the tehsil became part of Mianwali, the population of the town was 7,630.
[ Isa Khel Tahsīl - Imperial Gazetteer of India, v. 13, p. 370] The income and expenditure during the ten years ending 1902-3, averaged Rs. 4,400. In 1903-4, the income was Rs. 5,100, chiefly derived from
octroi; and the expenditure was Rs. 4,600. During that time, a small cattle market was held weekly. The town contained a dispensary and a municipal vernacular middle school.
[ Isa Khel Town - Imperial Gazetteer of India, v. 13, p. 371.]
Independence
The predominantly Muslim population has supported the Muslim League and the Pakistan Movement.
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