Charsadda District
General Information
| District Headquarters | Charsadda City |
|---|---|
|
Population |
1,835,504 persons |
|
Area |
996 km2 |
|
Population Density |
1,843 persons/ km2 |
|
Annual population growth rate 2017
2023 (%) |
2.20 % |
|
Male Population |
950,872 (52%) |
|
Female Population |
884,613 (48%) |
|
Urban Population |
292,426 (16%) |
|
Rural Population |
1,543,078 (84%) |
|
Rural Population |
1,543,078 (84%) |
|
Administrative Units/Divisions/Union
Councils/Villages |
Districts: 1. Charsadda 2. Shabqadar 3. Tangi Union Councils: 49 Villages Councils: 136 |
|
Main Towns |
Charsadda, Tangi, Shabqadar, Prang, Rajjar, Qazi
Khel Utmanzai, Umarzai and Sherpao. |
|
Literacy Rate |
50% |
|
Male Literacy Rate |
67% |
|
Female Literacy Rate |
33% |
|
Labour force |
Male: 365,000 Female: 84,000 |
|
Major Ethnic Groups |
Pashtuns |
|
Languages |
Pushto: 99.4% Others: 0.6% |
Geography and Climate
Topography
Rivers, Streams and Lakes
- River Kabul: This River forms the boundary between Peshawar and Charsadda. It enters the district in its southwest and flows along the southern boundary, crossing it in the extreme southeastern corner. The last section of River Kabul, below the point where all its tributaries join it, is locally known as Landai River. This river flows into the River Indus near Attock.
- The Swat River: This river enters the district near Adazai village, and flows in the southeastern direction till it joins River Kabul. This river, after flowing for some distance in the district, bifurcates into Khiali and Jindi Rivers, both of which flow into River Kabul near Jungle and Chak Nisata, respectively.
- The Kalpani River: This river drains the Hashtnagar plains.
- Other smaller rivers flowing through the district are River Shalam and River Naguman. Some smaller tributaries of River Kabul flowing in the district are River Budhanai and Shah Alam. Some of the minor streams or intermittent streams in the district are Hisara Nullah, Garo Khwar, Kand Khwar, Zag Khwar, Subhan Khwar, Pindiali Rud and Ambahar River. Some of the intermittent lakes/dhands of the district include Burhani Jor and Nur Khan Jor.
Forests
There are no designated Government-owned forests in the District, all forests are privately owned. The private plantations are located on various farms; there is one major farm forest along River Jindi in Sardaryab.
Soils
The fertile plain of Charsadda consists of alluvial deposits. Most of the plains are composed of light, porous sandy soil underneath which lies the sandy mixture of clay, often combined with beds of nodular limestone by gravel and sand.
Climate
The climate of Charsadda district is extreme. The summer season starts in May and lasts till September. June is the hottest month and is very dry. The average mean temperatures during this month are between 40 °C (maximum) and 26 °C (minimum). The months from July to September are the Monsoon months when the relative humidity reaches 64%. From October to mid-November, the weather is cool and pleasant. Winter lasts from December to February when the mean annual temperatures are 18 °C (maximum) and 4 °C (minimum). Spring is from February to April. There are two rainy spells in the district—the winter rainy spell is caused by western disturbances and reaches a high record in March and April. The summer rainfall is due to the Monsoons, with the highest amount of rainfall occurring in August. The average winter rainfall is higher than the summer. The mean annual rainfall in the district is 400 mm.
Culture, Heritage and Tourism
History
District Charsadda boasts a rich historical legacy dating back to ancient times. It was once part of the Gandhara civilization and is believed to be the site of the ancient city of Pushkalavati, mentioned in Hindu and Buddhist texts. The region has seen the influence of various empires including the Mauryans, Kushans and later the Mughals and British.
Architecture
The architecture of Charsadda showcases a blend of historical and modern influences. The old havelis and mosques depict intricate woodwork and stone carvings, highlighting the craftsmanship of the district. Some buildings date back to the Mughal and colonial eras, featuring grand courtyards, arched entrances and elaborate designs that reflect the area’s historical richness.
Historical Sites
Charsadda is home to several historical landmarks that narrate the district’s past. There are several archaeological sites related to the ancient Gandhara Civilization.
Bala Hisar mound, Bibi Syeda Dheri, Shar-e-Napursan, Shabqadar fort and Palatu Dheri are the important remains of Gandhara Civilization in the city. Ashoka, a king in the Gandhara dynasty, also built one of his stupas in Charsadda.
Tourist Attractions
Among the many attractions in Charsadda, the River Kabul and River Swat offer breathtaking natural beauty. The Sardaryab picnic spot is a favorite among tourists for boating and enjoying local cuisine. The historic Bala Hisar Fort, though primarily associated with Peshawar, has ties to Charsadda’s history. The archaeological ruins of Bala Hisar and other Buddhist sites continue to attract history enthusiasts and
researchers from across the world. There are also several scenic and beautiful visiting spots such as Shrine of Yousaf Baba, Munda Headworks, Munda Dam, etc.
Agriculture & Allied Sectors
| Tobacco | 11,450 tonnes |
|---|---|
|
Wheat |
101,326 tonnes |
|
Maize |
50,252 tonnes |
|
Rice |
154 tonnes |
|
Barley |
44 tonnes |
|
Sugarcane |
1,647,855 tonnes |
|
Rabi vegetables |
7,994 tonnes |
|
Rabi fruit |
1,843 tonnes |
|
Kharif vegetables |
17,824 tonnes |
|
Kharif fruit |
6,183 tonnes |
|
Fisheries |
According to the Directorate General Fisheries, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Charsadda produced 384 metric tonnes of fish in 2022-23 in the non-trout category. A total of 521 fishing licenses were issued in the same year, reflecting how fishing is a significant sector in Charsadda. |
|
Agricultural Land Use |
According to the Director General Crop Reporting Services, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in 2022-23, Charsadda had: • Cultivated area = 76,196 hectors • Irrigated area = 68,292 hectors • Irrigated area as % of cultivated area = 89.6 % |
|
Livestock & Dairy Industry |
There are two recognized slaughter houses and 343 poultry farms in Charsadda. According to Livestock Baseline Survey, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 2021, Charsadda has a livestock population of 1,517,217 (Cattle, Buffaloes, Sheep, Goats, Poultry, Camel, Horse, Donkey, Mules and other). |
Major Fruits
Apricot, citrus, plum, strawberry, pears, melon, musk melon, watermelon, banana, persimmon, mango, guavas, peach, grapes, dates, pomegranates, apples and persimmon.
Major Vegetables
Potato, tomato, cabbage, brinjal, okra, lotus roots, chilies, garlic, onions, coriander, peas, and spinach.
Industry & Manufacturing
Major Fruits
According to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zone Development and Management Company and the Directorate of Industries, Commerce, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there are a total of 196 running industrial units in Charsadda (including large scale industries and MSMEs). They are classified as follow:
• Snacks Factory = 3
• Concrete Factories = 2
• Concrete Products Industry = 22
• Cottage = 15
• Flour Mills = 16
• Food Industry = 8
• Furniture Industry = 1
• Gur Ganis/ Jaggery Production Units = 22
• Ice Cream Factory = 5
• Ice Factory = 3
• Plastic and PVC Pipes = 1
• Marble Factory = 95
• Stone Crushers = 2
• Storage = 1
Industrial Clusters
Footwear (Chappal) Cluster: Charsadda Leather Cluster is located at a distance of 40 Km from Peshawar. It deals with making Peshawari Chappal and other footwear. People all around KP are seen as wearing these traditional slippers. Many thousands of male and female are involved in footwear manufacturing. The Charsadda Chappal Makers Association is the largest representative body of this cluster. The cluster has also started making handmade shoes, bags, belts and small leather accessories. The cluster is located in the main market of Charsadda in
commercial centers including Ghafoor Market, Umer market, Haji Shamshad Paracha Market, Sher Dil Khan Market, Zour Bazar, Mian Ajmal Shah Market, Zafar Plaza and Fida Market.
Cloth Weaving Cluster
Matta Mughal Khel weaving cluster is located in Matta Mughal Khel village in District Charsadda. The cluster is a potential sector that could generate employment opportunities for people of the area. At present, there are around 55 units in the Matta Mughal Khel, with a total strength of 288 power looms & hand looms. Weaving products produced by the cluster include both handmade and machine made (Power Loom) products. These include Khaddar, shawls (both & female), cloth and scarves etc.
Services Sector
Tourism and Hospitality Sector
Charsadda has significant potential in the tourism and hospitality sector. The region is home to several historical sites, including the ancient city of Pushkalavati, which dates back to the Gandhara civilization. Despite its cultural significance, the tourism industry in Charsadda remains underdeveloped, with limited infrastructure to support visitors. There are few hotels and guesthouses available and the hospitality industry is still growing. Developing eco-tourism, heritage tourism and better accommodations could enhance the district’s appeal to both domestic and international tourists.
Banking Services
The banking sector in Charsadda has expanded over the years, with several national and private banks operating within the district. Major banks such as the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Habib Bank Limited (HBL) and United Bank Limited (UBL) have branches in the area, providing essential banking services to businesses and individuals. However, the penetration of banking services in rural areas remains a
challenge, with many residents relying on informal financial networks. Increasing the number of bank branches, improving digital banking services and enhancing financial literacy could further strengthen the sector.
Financial Services and Institutions
Apart from commercial banks, Charsadda has access to various financial services and institutions, including microfinance banks and cooperatives. Organizations such as the Khushhali Microfinance Bank and First MicroFinance Bank provide credit facilities to small businesses and farmers, helping boost local entrepreneurship. However, the availability of financial services is still limited, particularly for small-scale enterprises and women entrepreneurs.
Educational Infrastructure
Charsadda has a growing educational sector, with numerous public and private institutions catering to students at different levels. The district has a literacy rate of 50%, with a significant gender disparity—67% for males and 33% for females. There are 31 Government Higher Secondary Schools and 115 Government High Schools in Charsadda. The district is home to important higher educational institutions such as Bacha Khan University, which plays a vital role in higher education. Additionally, there are several colleges and schools providing primary and secondary education. However, rural areas still face challenges such as a lack of proper school facilities, shortage of trained teachers and limited access to higher education.
Health Infrastructure
The health sector in Charsadda comprises government hospitals, private clinics and basic health units (BHUs). The District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) provides essential medical services while rural health centers cater to communities in remote areas. Despite these facilities, the health sector faces issues such as inadequate medical equipment, shortage of healthcare professionals and lack of specialized treatment options. Expanding healthcare infrastructure, increasing investment in medical services and ensuring the availability of qualified doctors and paramedics can significantly improve health outcomes in Charsadda.
Trade & Commerce
|
Major Markets & Trading Centers |
Charsadda District hosts several prominent markets and trading
centers that serve as commercial hubs for the region. Key
marketplaces include Charsadda Bazaar, Omerzo Bazaar, Tangi
Bazaar, Ghafoor Market and Dhere Shabqadder Bazaar. Among
these, Omerzo Bazaar is particularly renowned for its vibrant
trade activities. These markets facilitate the exchange of a wide
array of goods, ranging from agricultural produce to
handcrafted items, playing a vital role in the district’s economy. |
|
Major Exports |
Charsadda District has established itself as an exporter,
particularly in the leather and handmade footwear industry. The
district’s skilled and cost-effective labour force produces high
quality leather products that are in demand internationally,
especially in Gulf countries with significant expatriate
communities from KP. This export activity not only boosts the
local economy but also positions Charsadda as a potential hub
for leather and footwear products in the region. |
|
Major Commodities Traded |
The trading landscape of Charsadda is diverse, encompassing
various sectors. Agriculture plays an important role, with the
district producing significant quantities of cereals and cash
crops, including tobacco, sugarcane, wheat and maize. These
agricultural products are essential commodities in local markets
and contribute to trade with other regions. Additionally, the
district is known for its leather and handmade footwear
industries, with products being exported to Gulf countries. The
presence of a trained and affordable labour force further
enhances the quality and competitiveness of these goods. |
Trade and Logistics Infrastructure
|
Road Networks |
Charsadda district boasts a well-developed road network that
facilitates efficient transportation and trade within the region.
The district encompasses a total of 411.3 kilometers of metalled
(paved) roads, ensuring efficient connectivity between urban
centers and rural areas. These roads link Charsadda to
neighboring districts such as Peshawar, Mardan and Nowshera. |
|
Railways |
The railway infrastructure in Charsadda is relatively limited.
Charsadda Railway Station, situated in the district’s main town,
serves as the terminus of the Mardan–Charsadda Branch Line.
Currently, this station does not offer extensive connectivity to major cities. However, there are proposals to integrate it into
the Peshawar Circular Railway network, which would enhance
regional rail connectivity and potentially stimulate economic
growth. |
|
Airports |
Charsadda district does not have its own airport. Residents and
businesses rely on the nearby Bacha Khan International Airport
in Peshawar, approximately 30 kilometers away. This proximity
allows for relatively convenient access to domestic and
international flights, supporting both personal travel and
commercial activities. |
|
Communication |
The communication infrastructure in Charsadda includes a
network of 25 telephone exchanges, providing more than 7000
landline connections across the district. Mobile network
coverage is extensive, with multiple service providers ensuring
reliable connectivity for the majority of the population. Internet
services are available, though the penetration rate varies
between urban and rural areas. Postal services are operational,
facilitating mail and parcel deliveries within the district and
beyond. |
|
Power Supply & Renewable Energy Potential |
Electricity distribution in Charsadda is managed by the
Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO). While specific
details about the number of grid stations are not readily
available, the district experiences a substantial electrification
rate, with 90.5% of households having access to electricity.
Given the region’s climatic conditions, there is potential for
renewable energy projects, particularly solar power, which
could further enhance energy sustainability and reduce
dependence on traditional power sources. |
|
Digital Connectivity & Internet Penetration |
Digital connectivity in Charsadda is on an upward trajectory,
with increasing internet penetration facilitated by both landline
and mobile broadband services. Urban areas enjoy more robust
and faster internet connections while rural regions are gradually
gaining improved access. The expansion of 3G and 4G services
by various mobile operators has played a significant role in
bridging the digital divide, enabling more residents to
participate in the digital economy and access online services. |
Development Projects
|
Ongoing Projects |
• Establishment of Children & Maternity Hospital
Charsadda • Enhancing the Research capabilities of Research Laboratories of Bacha Khan University Charsadda • F/S, Construction & BT of Rroad i/c Bridge from Pir Qala to Major Qala and Shabqadar Bazar to Kangra, Charsadda (14 Km) • Dualization of Naguman Shabqadar Section of Provincial Highway S-1A, District Charsadda (13 KM) • Improvement / Construction of Canals,Channels, Drainage system and Flood Protection Structures in District Charsadda |
|
Planned Projects |
• Construction of Food Grain Godown in Charsadda • F/S for Establishment of Charsadda Medical College, District Charsadda • Construction of Building for Leather Technology Institute at Charsadda (Land Acquired) • Conservation of Heritage / Development and Improvement of Heritage Skills in District Charsadda |
Social Issues, Environmental Concerns and Infrastructure Gaps
|
Social Issues |
Charsadda district faces several social challenges, including
poverty, limited access to quality education and inadequate
healthcare services. The district has a high population density,
putting pressure on its resources and infrastructure. Gender
inequality remains a concern, with limited opportunities for
women in education and employment. The frequent natural
disasters, particularly floods, have displaced many families,
exacerbating socio-economic hardships. Additionally, issues
such as unemployment, a lack of vocational training
opportunities and a growing population contribute to social
instability. Traditional social structures and cultural norms also
influence social mobility, often limiting the potential for
progressive change in the region. |
|
Environmental Concerns |
Environmental degradation in Charsadda is a pressing concern,
primarily due to deforestation and unsustainable land-use
practices. The removal of vegetation in catchment areas has
increased soil erosion and reduced the land’s natural ability to
absorb rainfall, intensifying the severity of flash floods. The
2010 floods, for example, were exacerbated by such
environmental mismanagement, leading to extensive damage to
agriculture and infrastructure. Moreover, the encroachment
upon natural waterways has disrupted local ecosystems, further
contributing to the district’s environmental challenges. |
|
Infrastructure Gaps |
Charsadda district faces many infrastructure gaps that hinder its
economic growth and quality of life. The road network, though
extensive, suffers from poor maintenance, limiting connectivity,
especially in rural areas. Frequent flooding damages roads,
bridges and public infrastructure, disrupting transportation and
access to essential services. The district also has inadequate healthcare facilities, with a shortage of well-equipped hospitals
and medical staff, forcing residents to travel to nearby cities for
treatment. Educational institutions lack proper facilities and
many schools are either overcrowded or in poor condition.
Additionally, the district experiences irregular electricity supply
and limited clean drinking water access, making daily life
difficult for residents. |
List of Manufacturers/Traders from Charsadda
| Sr.No | Exporter/Name | Address/Location | Telephone / Mob |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
Arshman Leather Garments |
Main Bazar, Charsadda |
03329441915 |
|
2. |
Friends Collection Company |
Ghani Khan Road,
Charsadda |
03336307977 |
|
3. |
Flying Craft Paper & Steel
Mills |
Nowshehra Road,
Charsadda |
03219005900 |