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News: Many people died, and several houses were destroyed in an explosion that occurred recently in the Tirah Valley of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
About Tirah Valley
- Location: Tirah Valley is a mountainous tract in west-central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan.
- It is positioned between Khyber Pass and Khanki Valley.
- Expanse: It covers about 600–700 square miles and comprises five main valleys: Maidan, Rajgul, Waran, Bara, and Mastura.
- Rivers: The region is watered by the Mastura, Khanki, and Khurmana rivers, which originate near Mount Mitta in the Spin Range.
- At Mount Mitta, the Spin Range splits into several branches, creating the valleys of Tirah at elevations of 5,000–7,000 feet (1,500–2,100 metres).
- Strategic position: It is situated close to the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, making it strategically sensitive.
- It has historically served as a corridor between South Asia and Central Asia, contested by the Mughals, British, and modern Pakistan.
- It is noted for its fertile valleys, terraced agriculture.
- It possesses fertile alluvial soil, with walnut and mulberry trees and extensive summer pastures.
- Mountain passes: It is characterised by high mountain passes – Sampagha, Tseri Kandao, and Saran Sar.
- Tribes found: Pashtun tribes mainly Afridis and Orakzais.
- Also, includes minority Sikh traders and Hamsaya communities.
- Strategic importance: Tirah Valley has historically been difficult to control and has served as a critical zone between South Asia and Central Asia because of its location and rugged terrain
