Abbottabad
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| Abbottabad | |
|---|---|
| Name | Abbottabad |
| Settlement type | City |
| Coordinates | 34, 09, N, 73... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Pakistan |
| Subdivision type1 | Province |
| Subdivision name1 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
| Subdivision type2 | Division |
| Subdivision name2 | Hazara Division |
| Subdivision type3 | District |
| Subdivision name3 | Abbottabad District |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1853 |
| Founder | Major James Abbott |
| Elevation m | 1256 |
| Population total | 208,491 |
| Population as of | 2017 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Pakistan Standard Time |
| Utc offset | +5 |
| Postal code type | Postal code |
| Postal code | 22010 |
| Area code | 0992 |
Abbottabad. Abbottabad is a major city in the Hazara Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northeastern Pakistan. Founded in the mid-19th century during the British Raj, it is situated in the Orash Valley and is renowned for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and educational institutions. The city serves as the administrative capital of Abbottabad District and is a significant tourist gateway to the nearby Himalayas and Karakoram ranges.
History
The region around the city has ancient roots, with historical connections to the Gandhara civilization and later influences from the Durrani Empire. The modern city was formally established in 1853 by Major James Abbott, a British military officer and administrator, after whom it is named. Abbottabad grew as a key military cantonment and sanatorium for the British Indian Army, playing a role in the geopolitical contests of the Great Game. Following the Partition of India in 1947, it became part of Pakistan and later gained international notoriety in 2011 as the location where Osama bin Laden was killed by United States Navy SEALs during the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).
Geography and climate
Abbottabad is located in the Orash Valley at an elevation of approximately 1,256 meters, nestled between the Himalayas to the north and the Murree Hills to the south. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons, characterized by cool, sometimes snowy winters and warm, monsoon-influenced summers. Notable nearby natural features include the Harnoi stream, the Ilyasi Masjid spring, and the Thandiani hill station, which offers panoramic views of the Nanga Parbat peak.
Demographics
According to the 2017 Pakistan Census, the city's population was recorded at over 200,000 inhabitants. The primary ethnic groups are the Hindkowan people and Pashtuns, with Hindko and Pashto being the most widely spoken languages, alongside Urdu and English. The majority of the population adheres to Islam, with significant communities belonging to the Sunni and Shia denominations, and smaller numbers of Christians and Hindus.
Economy
The city's economy is primarily service-oriented, with significant contributions from tourism, education, and healthcare sectors. It hosts numerous public and private institutions, including the University of Engineering and Technology campus and the Ayub Medical College. Abbottabad is also a major commercial hub for the surrounding agricultural region, known for producing fruits like apricots and peaches. The presence of the Pakistan Military Academy in nearby Kakul also contributes substantially to the local economy.
Culture and landmarks
Abbottabad is known for its colonial-era architecture, lush parks, and vibrant bazaars such as the Jinnah Road market. Key cultural and historical landmarks include the St. Luke's Church, the Ilyasi Masjid built over a natural spring, and the Abbottabad Clock Tower. The city hosts various cultural events and is a base for trekkers heading to destinations like the Kaghan Valley and Naran. Local cuisine reflects the region's heritage, featuring dishes like chapli kebab and peshawari naan.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the city include former Prime Minister of Pakistan Shaukat Aziz, renowned poet and scholar Ahmed Faraz, and cricketer Shoaib Akhtar. The city was also the final residence of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Other distinguished figures include military officer and politician Nawabzada Abdul Ghafoor Khan Hoti and physicist and educationist Abdus Salam, the first Pakistani Nobel laureate.
Category:Cities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Category:Populated places established in 1853 Category:Abbottabad District