MIANWALI district is divided geographically by the Salt Range mountains which enter from the south-east of the district and pass to the NWFP on the north-west. The area to the north-east of these mountains, the most under developed area of the district, is collectively called AWANKARI, and comprises of four Union Councils:-
Chakrala is the largest village and cultural and political headquarter of the area. It was founded by Narapeer about seven centuries ago. Even today, newly wed couples visit the shrine of Narapeer for prayers.
Ban Hafiz Jee, the cmmercial hot-spot, is located at the centre of this area on Rawalpindi road. The Salt-range makes the boundary in the south-west and river Gambhir in the north. Administered under district Mianwali but geographically, culturally and ethnically it is part of Attock and Chakwal. Dominantly populated by Awan tribes, all descendants of a single ancestor, this is one of the oldest civilizations of the district. There exist centuries-old vaults on hills and the oldest path used by Mughul convoys known as Luni Road, inviting archaeologists for research.
Salt Range is rich in mineral resources including Uranium, Iron ore, low to medium quality Coal, Sulpher, common Salt, Silica sand, Potters� clay, China clay, Gypsum, Marble and Lime stone. This hidden treasure is waiting to be explored for minerals on a higher scale with modern technology. Erection of an industry based on these minerals in this area can revolutionize the lives of the inhabitants in terms of improved employment and better living conditions.
Namal lake, a picturesque historical lake, is 25km from Mianwali on Rawalpindi road (which links Islamabad to Karachi). Spread over 5.5 sq km, it is the most beautiful place of Namal Valley. The hill torrents and rains fill this lake round the year. It dried up last year due to a drought-like situation in the country, which is the first incident of its kind during the past 100 years. In 1913, to meet the scarcity of drinking and irrigating water in the newly established district headquarters at Mianwali, British engineers built a dam on this lake and from here they irrigated lands up to Mianwali city. Construction of Thal canal and installation of tube-wells has reduced utilization of its waters.
Namal Lake is an ideal abode for the migratory birds in winter season when thousands of water fowls, including Russian ducks and Siberian cranes, land in the lake water. There exists a century-old rest house standing on the northern edge of Namal Lake. Once a picnics spot for the British officers, it is now altogether neglected. At the banks of Namal Lake, there are two well-known shrines of Hafiz Muhammad Azeem alias Hafiz Jee and Peer Khaki Shah. The shrines of Narapeer in the village Chakrala and Maulana Allah Yar at Murshadabad, attract thousands of spiritual followers from far and near annually.
This area needs greater attention of the government, NGOs and investors. Tourism development and mineral-based industrialization are the only means to provide employment and to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants.