Saidu Sharif
| Saidu Sharif | |||
| State : |
 Pakistan
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| Province : | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | ||
| Coordinates : |
34 ° 46 ' N , 72 ° 22' E
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| Height : | 950 m | ||
| Time zone : |
PST ( UTC + 5 )
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Saidu Sharif (Urdu: سیدو شریف) is the administrative capital of the Swat district in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in northern Pakistan with around 70,000 inhabitants .
location
The city of Saidu Sharif, surrounded by mountains over 1000 m high , like the larger neighboring city of Mingora , is located in a branch of the Swat Valley about 250 km (driving distance) northwest of the Pakistani capital Islamabad . The city of Peshawar is only about 150 km southwest.
population
The predominantly Muslim population consists of Pashtuns and members of other tribal groups from northern Pakistan. Many have immigrated in the last few decades.
Economy and history
Agriculture formed the livelihood of the local population for centuries. In the city, which has been growing ever faster since the 1950s, trade, craft and service companies of all kinds have settled. The city and the entire Swat Valley are repeatedly hit by earthquakes; however, the newer concrete construction can withstand most vibrations.
Attractions
- About halfway to Mingora is the Swat Museum , which is dedicated to the history and diverse culture of the Swat Valley.
- The Allah-O-Akbar Masjid is located in the city center.
- The mausoleum of Akhund Abdul Ghaffur (commonly known as Saidu Baba ), a Koran scholar ( mullah ) and freedom fighter against the British and Sikhs who died in 1878 , is located in the city center.
- The historically significant excavation sites of Butkara are located about 3.5 km to the northeast.
