Messages from Leaders
Inspirational words from key officials on the significance of the Gazetteer and Bannu's development.
Dr. Shahzad Khan Bangash
Chief Secretary, KPK
In today’s world, the realization of the vision of good governance is dependent upon data-driven and evidence-based policymaking. Instead of a generalized approach, there is a need to devise indigenous solutions that are tailor-made according to the unique circumstances of different areas. The district gazetteer, in this regard, has always remained an important document since it provides a holistic view of the district by touching upon its history, culture and issues. The gazetteers compiled by the Deputy Commissioners during the British era almost a century ago, though an integral part of our history and culture, are outdated as many significant changes have taken place in all spheres of life. This necessitates the updation of such important documents.
Shahab Ali Shah
Additional Chief Secretary, KPK
District Bannu is one of the most important districts and a central trade hub for the entire Southern Region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. District Administration Bannu has revived a century-old tradition by publishing an exemplary District Gazetteer this year. I hope this will also set an example for other districts of KPK to issue the new editions of their respective gazetteers. Such publications should make a prominent contribution to preserving the heritage of the province in a wholesome way. As an authentic source of information regarding different aspects of Bannu, I am sure this document can bridge the gap between development policies and desired results to be achieved in the region relevant to its specific needs.
Shaukat Ali Yusafzai
Commissioner, Bannu Division
It was once a mandatory task as well as a celebrated tradition of the ICS officers to document the details of their districts. Unfortunately, this practice has remained ignored for too long which makes this effort by District Administration Bannu a special one. This effort should also inspire other Deputy Commissioners and their sub-ordinates to follow suit and focus their efforts towards documenting different aspects of their districts in the form of gazetteers. The time and effort involved in this endeavor cannot be overlooked and the District Administration Bannu must be given due appreciation and credit for it.
Capt ® Muhammad Zubair Khan Niazi
Deputy Commissioner, Bannu
Gazetteers are important tools used in a wide variety of planning and development workflows. The British depended on the data and statistics catalogued in the gazetteers for efficient administration in the subcontinent before the Partition. In essence, the gazetteers were geographical dictionaries containing a comprehensive demographic, economic, social and cultural database of the districts. Unfortunately, the tradition of updating district gazetteers was discontinued after the Partition. The District Administration Bannu has tried to fill this gap and document all the important aspects of Bannu by redeeming the lost tradition of compiling gazetteers in the province of KPK. I am sure this document is going to be very beneficial not only for the future administrators of District Bannu but also for anyone who is interested to explore the rich history of this historical place.
