Dera Ismail Khan

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Information:

Dera Ismail Khan (Urdu: ڈیرہ اسما عیل خان) is a city in North West Frontier Province, Pakistan. The town is situated on the west bank of the Indus River.

Dera Ismail Khan takes its name from Ismail Khan, a Baluch chief who settled here towards the end of the 15th century in 1469 A.D. according to most accounts. His descendants ruled the city for 300 years. "Dera" means a place people gather for activities. The old town was swept away by a flood in 1823, and the present town stands four miles back from the permanent channel of the river. The new town, laid out by Durrani chiefs, was constituted a municipality in 1867.

The town is situated near the right bank of the Indus, which is here crossed by a bridge of boats during half the year. In 1901 it had a population of 31,737. It takes its name from Ismail Khan, a Baluch chief who settled here towards the end of the 15th century, and whose descendants ruled for 300 years. The old town was swept away by a flood in 1823, and the present town stands 4 m. back from the permanent channel of the river. The native quarters are well laid out, with a large bazaar for Afghan traders. It is the residence of many Mahommedan gentry. The cantonment accommodates about a brigade of troops. There is considerable through trade with Afghanistan by the Gomal Pass, and there are local manufactures of cotton cloth scarves and inlaid wood-work.

There is also a small gauge train to DI Khan which also passes through Bannu but it is virtually unused and most of the stations along the way are closed. Now, there are almost no signs of the rail tracks as the material has been sold out in the markets. Most of the stations have been converted to living quarters. The station at Lakki Marwat is venue to football matches and the building itself is part of a restaurant now.

Dera Ismail Khan is also home to one of the twenty or so universities of Pakistan; the Gomal University. The university is spread over acres of land outside the city and is a small village in itself. There is also a local domestic airport. Amongst food products, DI Khan is famous for the dates it produces.

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