About Us
The Pothohar area is made up of the districts of Rawalpindi, Attock, Jehlum and Chakwal
About The Pothohar Association UK
Pothoharis commenced arriving to live in the UK
in the early 1950s and were spread all over the country. Prior to this smaller numbers travelled to the UK for education, business or while serving in the armed forces. Larger numbers began arriving in the 1960’s, encouraged by the immigration policies of the time.
Many Pothoharis had also settled in British Dominions in East Africa since the 1930’s, followed by greater numbers after the 1947 Partition. In the late 60’s and early 70’s many of them started moving to the UK in particular after the expulsion of Asians from Uganda in 1972.
Many Pothoharis had also settled in British Dominions in East Africa since the 1930’s, followed by greater numbers after the 1947 Partition. In the late 60’s and early 70’s many of them started moving to the UK in particular after the expulsion of Asians from Uganda in 1972.
Pothohar is a region embracing four districts , Rawalpindi , Jhelum , Chakwal and Attock.
The history of this region dates back to ancient civilizations. Evidence has been found that the Indus Valley Civilization also occupied this area. Taxila, home to the World’s oldest University, is a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and many remains and artifacts are kept in the museum and archaeological sites in the area. This area is close to the Gandhara Valley Civilizations. Throughout the Ages it has come under the control of Aryans, Maurya Empire, Persians and Alexander the Great. Other than this, the influence of Ghakhars, Sher Shah Suri, Mughals and recently Maharaja Ranjit Singh and later the British Raj. Important historical places in this region include Punja Sahib, the Rotas Fort, Mankiala Stupa and Katas Raj Temple.
Families that have ancestral roots in the region are usually referred to as Pothoharis and from here they spread to many parts of pre Partition India such as Peshawar, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Sargodah, Lyalpur ( now Faisalabad), Nankana Sahib, Lahore and Karachi and many other prominent towns and cities which are now in Pakistan. From the early 20th century many also travelled abroad to places such as Iran, Burma, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia with a significant number travelling to East Africa.
Pothoharis are industrious, enterprising, and academically advanced occupying high office in business, education, and politics. Amongst them, two former Prime Ministers of India, Inder Kumar Gujral and Dr Manmohan Singh; Writers such as Prof Mohan Singh and Kartar Singh Duggal; and many more notable names in society, business and politics.