Introduction:

The city is quite new in a sense that it was built in 1823 after the flood, but this fact alone has preserved the old touch of city which has been lost in other cities. The old wall is still visible around the old city. The bazaars of the city all converge at one point which is called “chowgalla”, which literally means a place from where four ways are leaving out. Major bazaars include Topanwala bazaar, Bhatiya bazar, Muslim bazar, Kalan bazar and Bakhiri bazar. Like all other cities and towns of saraiki speaking belt, Dera Ismail Khan is also famous for a desert delicacy called sohan halwa. The shops of this delicacy are mostly situated in Topawaala bazar. Dates are grown here in abundance and are one of the major exports. Dera Ismail Khan takes its name from Ismail Khan, a Bloch 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 population is the mix of ethnic Balochi and pashtun segments, while a significant segment of Urdu speaking immigrants is also present. Urdu, the national language is understood and spoken by all, while Seraiki is the native language and language of people. Pashto is also spoken, but is mostly restricted to the Pashtuns only.Dera Ismail Khan, often shortened to D. I. Khan, or simply Dera is a city and capital of Dera Ismail Khan District, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. It is the 37th largest city in Pakistan and the fifth largest in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by population.

History

The town of Dera Gazi Khan was founded by Haji Khan and called after his son Ghazi Khan, who succeeded him, and who died in A.D. 1494, as reveals from the date written on his tomb at village Choratta. The Mirranis soon came into conflict with the Nahars and had ejected them in A.D. 1482.

This area is rich in ancient history, as proven by the excavation of Rahman Deri. Archeological relics at the Kafir Kot Fort and nearby temple provide evidence of Hindu Shahi rule. The 12th and 13th centuries saw the influx of Muslim-Pushtoon tribes from the Suleman Range. For the next few hundred years, tribes such as the Lodhi, Bilach, Paniala, Lohani, Dolat Khel, Marwat, Mian Khel and Gandapur settled in the area and jostled for position amongst themselves. In

1469, Sultan Hussain, the Governor of Multan, handed over the Indus frontier to a Baloch chief, Malik Shorab Khan. Shorab Khan established DI Khan, Dera Fateh Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan, naming them after his three sons. Although another account claims that the town was founded by the son, Ismail Khan, himself. The area traded hands again in the 18th century, when it came under the rule of Ahmad Shah Abdali, whose son Taimoor Shah then gave the Nawabi of DI Khan to the Sadozai Chief Nawab Muhammad Khan.

The Sikhs took it over in 1836 just prior to the death of Rangit Singh and appointed their own governor. In 1847-48 the first British Officer, Sir Herbert Edwards, visited the area. After the second Sikh war in 1849 the district was annexed by the British as part of the Punjab and remained so until 1901 when NWFP was created.

Historical buildings  of the area includes ;Bilot fort which is  30 miles from  Dera Ismail Khan on Dera Ismail Khan- Chashma highway, a sacred Sikh shrine  located in Chota Bazaar of Dera Ismail Khan as Guru Nanak visited this place during his fourth itinerary. At the site where he stayed a dharamsala was built by his devotees. It is a large building; its main gate opens in the Chota Bazaar. Inside this door there is a double storey square building, where Prakash used to take place. There are residential rooms around this building for pilgrims. Inside the darbar there is a thara sahib (pious seat) where Guru Nanak Dev Ji once sat. Presently the Government Higher Secondary School No. 3 is housed in this building. This dharamsala was maintained by SGPC before 1947 and presently it is in the hands of the Waqf department.

Etymology

In the local language, the word ḍerā means “tent, encampment”, and is commonly found in the name of towns in the Indus Valley such as Dera Ghazi Khan and DeraBugti. It is named after Baloch mercenary Ismail Khan, son of Malik SohrabDodai, who founded the town.”Dera Ismail Khan” thus means “Camp Ismail Khan.”

People of Dera Ismail Khan as well as Dera Ghazi Khan are known by the demonym Dērawāl. The majority of the population are Saraiki people.

Language:

The main language of the district is a dialect of Saraiki. Its local name was “Hindko”, but the term “Saraiki” has gained popularity in recent decades, alongside a growing identification with the goals of the Saraiki language movement.[5] In the census of 1998, 72.5% of the population reported their first language as Saraiki, while Pashto (primarily spoken in the north-west) accounted for 22.0% and Urdu represented 3.26%.

Geography:

The district of Dera Ismail Khan is bounded on the east by the Bhakkar and Dera Ghazi Khan districts of Punjab. Eastern portions of the district along the Indus River are characterized by fertile alluvial plains, while lands farther from the river consist of clay soil cut by ravines from rainfall. The district is bound on the southwest by a thin strip of South Waziristan district of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, which separates DI Khan from the Takht-e-Sulaiman Mountain in neighbouring Baluchistan province. In the northwest is the northwest by Tank District.

DI Khan is separated from the Marwat plains of the Lakki Marwat district by a spur of clay and sandstone hills that stretch east from the Sulaiman Mountains to the Indus River known as the Sheikh Badin Hills. The highest peak in the range is the limestone Sheik Badin Mountain, which is protected by the Sheikh Badin National Park. Near the Indus River is a spur of limestone hills known as the Kafir Kot hills, where the ancient Hindu complex of Kafir Kot is located.D I khan is also considered the center of Pakistan because of its location between Bhakkar of South Punjab, Mianwali of North Punjab, Zhob of Balochistan and South Waziristanof Pakistan tribal belt.

Climate:

Dera Ismail Khan has a hot desert climate (Köppen BWh) with sweltering summers and warm winters. Rain mainly falls in two distinct periods: in the late winter and early spring from February to April, and in the monsoon in July and August.

Transportation:

Roads

Yarik Toll Plaza of Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway that serves as south terminal of the motorway.

The city is connected to Bannu via the highway, which further connects it to the provincial capital of Peshawar via Kohat and Darra Adam Khel. Another road connects D. I. Khan to Mianwali through Chashma Barrage, and another connects the city to Zhob. The third major road connects it to Bhakkar in Punjab, situated on the eastern bank of the Indus River. A bridge on the Indus River was constructed in the early 1980s, before which the approach to Bhakkar was made through a boat bridge. Another road connect it to district Tank which further leads towards Jandola-AngoorAdda areas of South South Waziristan district at North west and Pezu on eastern side.

1. I. Khan is at the terminus of the Hakla–Dera Ismail Khan Motorway— a 280-km, four-lane controlled accessmotorway that is to extend from the Hakla Interchange on the M1 Motorway, near Islamabad to D. I. Khan.

Air:

The city is served by Dera Ismail Khan Airport, though no commercial flights operate to the airport. The closest major airport to Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan is Dera Ismail Khan Airport (DSK / OPDI). This airport is 10 km from the center of Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. If you’re looking for domestic flights to DSK.

Historical Places:

It’s an old city. Many historical sites are found in the city: old bazaars, ancient settlements and graveyards. Moreover, Rehman Dheri is a Pre Harrapan site located near the city. It is the oldest site found almost in 4000 BC. Pottery and other tools were also found in it. I could not find any picture of it to give a better understanding of the site. It is seldom visited by archaeology lovers.

Cusines:

Dera ismail khan has many of its famous foods which are liked by the outsiders even. To mention a few are sohan halwa, sobat, thadayi, pulao and zarda. In the month of ramazan, sobat is the main course in almost every house here. Moreover, it is a dish of gatherings; it is made when people get together for any picnic or party. Sohan halwa is presented as a souvenir to the visitors here and people take it as gift when visiting other cities.

Festivals:

Every festival is celebrated with full zeal and zest until interrupted by any terrorist activity! Both eids are greeted with full religious fervor and people visit their relatives and neighbors after the eid prayers.

The day of 14^th august is celebrated as another eid over here. The river side is laden with pickups and qingchis (local transport) of people coming from far off areas to enjoy the famous pulao and qulfi ( local ice-cream). Houses are decorated with small flags and candles are lit to remember the day of independence.

Marriages are of special importance here, to both the families. Dowry, a cursed custom but still very popular here. The bride’s dowry is put on display and people specially come to see how much the poor parents have poured in for the groom! The mehndi is not set up on that huge scale as it is in our big cities but the nikkah and walima are quite big a celebration. The most important part of the elite’s weddings here is the mausiqi event (singing programme). Local singers are called in and the occasion goes on all night. The events of weddings are separate for males and females and bride and groom are also attended separately.

Not even a cricket match can hold such an audience as does the cultural show held in ratta kulachi stadium does. Sometimes it is the Mela Aspaan and sometimes a full cultural show. The festival embodies the very culture of city and holidays are also announced by the district government. It is as long as three days some times less. People from far off places swarm in to watch the catchy events at the festival.

Education:

There are many educational institutions in the region some of these are highlighted.

• College of Information Technology
• Gomal University Two campuses in Dera Ismail Khan
• Qurtuba University
• Gomal Medical College
• University Wensam College
• Punjab College Meraj Campus
• Dar-e-Arqam School Dera Ismail Khan
• The City School Dera Ismail Khan
• Government College of Technology Dera Ismail Khan campus
• Beaconhouse School System

Overseas Pakistan Foundation School

• Educare School
• Knowledge Home

Food:

• Sobat is a famous dish in Dera Ismail Khan.
• Sohan Halwa of Dera Ismail Khan is considered best in all Pakistan.
• Dhakki Date is famous for its taste and size in whole Pakistan and also transported to many other countries such as India. Bahria Town Islamabad is filled with Dhakki’s date.

Sports:

Football is a famous game in Dera Ismail Khan. Other games including Cricket, Hockey, Badminton and many more.Ali Amin Khan has also provide platform to better sports in this region.In 2017 he had introduced a Tennis ball cricketleague.league was named as Dera Premiere League and the teams from different geographical regions of Pakistanhad competed. Season two will also be held soon in 2018.DPL become the Pakistan’s biggest Tape ball cricket tournament. Cricket team of Dera Ismail Khan being Dera Ismail Khan cricket team. Some cultural games(Kabaddi,mailay and most popular is”Kodi”which is played by three sportsmen called Pehlwaan one runs while two other have to catch him in a big circular ground encircled by spectators) are still popular among native Saraiki people since decades.

Administration:

The district is subdivided into five tehsils which contain a total of 47 Union Councils:

Dera Ismail Khan                21

Kulachi                                 4

Daraban                                4

Paroa                                     7

Paharpur                              11

New tehsil has been included in district by merger of FATA that is Darazinda so now it has 6 tehsils.

Sportsmen:

• Wasim Tareen
• Jaffar Khan
• Mohammad Irfan
• Arif Khattak
• Ghulam Mohammad
• Mohammad Naeem

Division:

Dera Ismail Khan Area

DI Khan is spread over an area of 7326 sq.kms bearing a population of 1,627,132 persons. A population growth of approximately 90% has occurred in the district in 19 years.

The economic and business development potential of the Dera Ismail Khan is enormous; a district situated in the west bank of the Indus River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has abundant land where different crops and fruits are produced employing thousands of households. Research and development and introduction of modern farming techniques can enhance production yield.

Cluster based strategy for local minerals of the area needs to be developed in order to introduce new modern techniques and get full potential. There is huge potential for expansion in embroidery sector by developing linkages of the local artisans with fashion designers and fashion institutes of Pakistan and enhancing their capacity.Dera Ismail Khan also presents investment opportunities in for local and foreign firms in Oil & Gas sector in“D.I.Khan East, West Block&Khushal Block”.

Dera Ismail Khan Cantonment Board:

Cantonment Board Dera Ismail Khan (CB D.I.Khan) is an autonomous body working under Military Lands and Cantonment Department, Ministry of Defence, Government of Pakistan. With ever increasing population of the Cantonment, CB DIK was established 1891 upon bifurcation of D.I.Khan Cantonment into two Cantts i.e. Main Cantt and Fort Iqbal Cantt. CB D.I.Khan aims at providing high-quality services with access to all which can make a decent living place to live in and to leave a sustainable world for future generations.

Finance & Planning (F&P):

Finance & Planning came into existence after devolution of powers at the district level in order to ensure meaningful & sustainable development at the grass root under District Government Ordinance 2001 & function under rule 4(2) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, District Government, Rules of Business, 2001.
Responsibility of Finance Wing in the district is budgeting (Salary & Non Salary) of the devolved departments and approval of the Annual Developmental Programme(ADP) .

The Finance Wing also keeps record of the monthly expenditure of both (Salary & Non Salary Budget), monthly receipts of the departments (Health & Education) reconciled by the District Accounts Officer, Re-Appropriation of the Budget and Revised Budget for the district. The Finance Wing also deals WAPDA related matters for government buildings in the district.The Planning Wing is the policy decision-making stakeholder in the field of development in the district. It is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the overall development plans of the district. The function of ADP compilation, allocation of funds & recommendation for approval are important activities of the wing.

Economic Scenario of the district:

One of the most famous products of this district is “Dhakki date”, which is exported to Middle East, United States, and Europe. This date or khajoor is grown in the nearby village of Dhakki 49km away on Chashma Road. This district also produces wheat, sugar cane (ganna), Good rice, and a very famous variety of mango called langra. The most desirable langras are grown in village of Panyala. Nowadays D I Khan is increasingly exporting another type of dried date called chooara. The majority of chooara are produced in Dhakki, Mitrah Abad and Saidu Wali. Saidu Wali is the village of D I Khan situated in Tehsil Pahar Pur about 58 km from D I Khan near Dhakki and Pahar Pur. There are also coal mines in the village of Saidu Wali on the edge of CRBC Canal. The bazars of the city all converge in one area, called Chowgalla (literally “intersection”) Major bazars include Topanwala bazar, Bhatiya bazar, Muslim bazar, Kalan bazar and Bakhiri bazar.Like other cities and towns of the Saraiki-speaking belt, Dera Ismail Khan is also famous for a desert delicacy called sohan halwa. Shops selling this sweet are primarily situated in Topawaala bazar. Dera Ismail Khan is also famous for its lacquered woodwork, glass and ivory ware, mats, and sarongs. Newer industries within the city include sugar, soap, textile and oil milling. Radio Pakistan is also situated in D.I.Khan., telecasting Saraiki and Pashto programs. CRBC Canal is the major canal which provides water for irrigation.

Dera Ismail Khan Health Sector:

Dera Ismail Khan, commonly referred to as DI Khan, is a city located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The city is well-known for its educational and healthcare facilities, making it a popular destination for those seeking quality healthcare services. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in Dera Ismail Khan, as well as recent health initiatives and challenges facing healthcare in the area.

Dera Ismail Khan Chamber of Commerce and Industry:

The Dera Ismail Khan Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a local organization of businesses and companies in D. I. Khan with the intention to develop and further the interests of local companies and businesses in Pakistan. Many businesses are international operating companies with offices in Pakistan.Members of a Chamber of Commerce are usually international and local operating companies, such as lawyers, property developers, tourism companies, airlines, manufacturing companies, import and export businesses, banks, finance companies, legal advisors, IT and electronics manufacturers etc.Chambers of Commerce main activities are, among others, safeguarding business interests and sharing business experiences and business interests, contact with governments, civil society, local media and the press and organzing trade shows and events.

Economic PotentialAgriculture/Horticulture:

D.I khan is an agriculture based district with total reported agricultural area of 730,575 hectares out of which total cultivated area is 233.100 hectares. Total irrigated area of the district is 119,915 hectares in which canal commanded area is 104,080 hectares, irrigated through tube well is 15546 hectares and irrigated by other sources is 289 hectares.  The major crops grown in the district are cotton, maize, rice, sugar cane, gram, wheat, barley, rape seed and mustard. Agriculture is the major economic activity and main source of earning for people of the area.

D.I Khan is also known for its horticulture crops as these crops serve as source of earning and livelihood for many communities. Among horticulture crops dates is known as the most significant and high earning item. Many verities of dates are produced in D.I khan as Gulistan, Basra, Mujahidi and etc but Dhakki dates are well known in our country and abroad for its quality and taste. According to estimates and statistics of Export promotion Beauru 11,000 tons of fresh and dried dates are produced in district D.I khan and major portion of the dates are exported to India and Saudi Arabia through Sukkhar and Karachi.  Other important horticulture crops are mangoes and citrus. Different types of vegetables are grown in canal irrigated area i.e. Pahar Pur, Ratta Kulachi and in many other areas. Vegetables grown in the district are garlic, ladyfinger, Mungbean, onion, potato, bringel, turnip, carrot, tomato and chilies among others.

Forestry:

At present about almost 9% of the land is under forest in D.I khan covering 4208 hectares. Most of the forests are sub-tropical and are wide spread in upper sides of the district. Species grown in district D.I Khan includes: Acacia, Eucalyptus, Sires, Sheshum, Khagal Sukh chain, mazri etc.

Livestock, Fisheries and Dairy development:

Livestock and dairy is also known as one of the most significant and highly contributing sector of the district. The reduction in agriculture output has increased the dependency on livestock in recent years. The local cattle breeds are Lohani, Dani and mix breeds which are comparatively less-productive and are being changed by artificial insemination with Frezien breed to improve milk/meat production. Similarly the local goats are being crossed with Beetal goats to increase their milk/mutton production.

Industrial Sector of DI Khan:

There is enormous potential for industries and industrial production in DI Khan yet this area has been kept neglected. Currently very few industries are in operation in the district and most of the units are on a very small scale with out modern machinery and other technical infrastructure.

Industrial estate D.I Khan was established in 1990, profile of which is given as under;

Small Industries:

Besides the industrial units established at DI Khan, there also exist some potential clusters which can be developed in proper industries. These include;

Embroidery Cluster:

Embroidery work is done in almost every village, town and small colonies of the district D.I Khan since many years. Embroidery work is known as desert delicacy of D.I. khan, consisting of over 1,000 independent and home based (Formal & Informal) businesses. It is good source of income for more than 10,000 individuals (direct and indirect). Approximately 400 females are directly involved in the production of embroided clothes, dupattas, bed sheets, sofa covers and many other types of embroidery work in the main city of D.I Khan and all other surrounding villages and towns where as more than 1,000 people are indirectly involved in the preparation, distribution and sales. Handicrafts and embroideries produced in D.I khan are sold in local and domestic markets where as a small portion is exported to middle east countries indirectly by middle men. Most known types of embroideries are, Cross Stitch, Ari, kacha tanka, Tar kashi, Shadow work, sheesha, Ribbon work, Kinari, Moti tanka, Thilla work, Arr (kundi), Lace (Dori), Kacha Kasheeda, Corner & Gota work.

Dates Cluster:

Dates produced in D.I Khan are known for its better quality all over Pakistan and in international market as well. District D.I Khan is one of the largest producers of fresh and dried Dates in Pakistan and on top in NWFP. Total approximate area under Dates cultivation is approximately

256,000 sq. acres/100,000 hectares, with approximate total production of Dates in Dera Ismail Khan, reaches 11000 tons. There are many varieties of Dates produced in D.I Khan but Dhakki Dates are well known beside all other varieties. Approximate yield of Dhakki-Dates per annum ranges from 6,500 to 7,000 tons that is 75 % of the total production of Dates in the area and dried Dates production ranges from 800 tons to 1,000 tons per annum approximately. Approximate production of regional varieties in Dera Ismail Khan is 3000 tons that is 25% of total production in Dera Ismail Khan and its surrounding areas.

Dates cluster D.I khan has a tremendous potential for growth and can contribute to the economic uplift of the area to a higher level. But at the same time this cluster faces many limitations and challenges regarding lack of information about customers and markets, modern harvesting, processing, packaging techniques and importantly lack of infrastructure for producing good quality fresh dates. Beside other growers members of the Dates Cooperative society are also producing dried dates as it can be sold out in less time and they can have small amount of money to feed their families.

Specialities of Dera Ismail Khan:

• D I khan is also considered the center of Pakistan because of its location between Bhakkar of South Punjab, Mianwali of North Punjab, Zhob of Balochistan and South Waziristanof Pakistan tribal belt. There are many educational institutions in the region some of these are highlighted.
• It has all types of soil textures but most of soil is sandy/loamy sand, loam/silty loam and silty clay loam. Figure 1 is the map showing soil texture of Dera Ismail Khan city. Dera Ismail Khan is situated at the bank of river Indus.
• Agro-based industry in considered as the arm extension of the agriculture products and D.I Khan Produces variety of agricultural products including famous Dhakki dates, Chooara (dried dates), sugar cane, wheat and a famous quality of Langra mangos.
• Like all other cities and towns of saraiki speaking belt, Dera Ismail Khan is also famous for a desert delicacy called sohan halwa. The shops of this delicacy are mostly situated in Topawaala bazar
• The Dera Ismail Khan mine is one of the largest gypsummines in Pakistan. The mine is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The mine has reserves amounting to 90 million tonnes of gypsum.
• DI Khan is considered the only safe and settled area during militancy (Talibanization)where the affectless from FATA migrated to DI Khan city, which became over populated
• Rich heritage of handicraft.

Issues of Dera Ismail Khan:

• Paroa tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan is facing water shortage after last August devastating floods across the district.
• Floods have destroyed 132 drinking water and 97 irrigation channels in Dera Ismail Khan
• Secretary Wildlife, Climate and Forestry Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Syed Nazar Hussain Shah has said trees are being planted in the Province to tackle the challenges of climate change.
• The state of key education indicators in Dera Ismail Khan is far from being satisfactory. Enrolment, literacy, and school completion rates are low. Pupil-teacher ratio is high and many primary schools in rural areas lack basic facilities. Correspondingly, the number of out-of-children in the district is not negligible.
• Soil erosion
• Climate change has a negative impact on rice crops

Water Resources of Dera Ismail Khan:

The stratification or zoning of water of different chemical qualities to some extent governs the local availability of useful water. Generally, the ground water of poorest quality is found in the shallow zone, and quality improves with depth. The central part of the District, in a belt reaching from the vicinity of Tank southward to the Indus River near Dera Ghfizi Khan District, contains highly mineralized water and few aquifers. The mineralization of water in this belt is due primarily to large concentrations of sodium and sulfate and thus differs from the main part of the Punjab region where highly mineralized waters are generally chloride waters. Radical changes in water quality, both horizontally and vertically, are common in the District. Changes in chemical quality of water from large-capacity wells near areas of highly mineralized water are taking place, and further changes may be expected as withdrawals continue and increase in magnitude. Under present conditions, surface-water supplies are fully utilized, and ground water is the largest supply available for development-other than that from the Indus River.

Small Investment Projects for the District:

• Embroidery Stitching Unit
• Dates Processing Unit
• Fish Farming
• Honey Bee Keeping

Embroidery Stitching Unit:

Description:

Embroidery work is done in almost every village, town and small colonies of the district D.I Khan since many years. This skill is one

of the main source of earning for many families and 90% women are involved in this cluster. Initially only women were

involved in “Handicrafts and Embroidery” all over the city as they have enough time beside their routine home work but  with the passage of time their male counter part also start taking interest as they can help in creating innovative designs, finishing any order in less time and can serve as the distributor at same time. Embroidery work is known as desert delicacy of D.I. khan consist of over 1,000 independent and home based businesses (formal, informal, order based, random selling) and source of income for more than 10,000 individuals (direct and indirect). Approximately 400 females are directly involved in the production of embroided clothes, dupattas, bed sheets, sofa covers and many other types of embroidery work in the main city of D.I Khan and all other surrounding villages and towns where as more than 1,000 people are indirectly involved in the preparation, distribution and sales.

Dates Processing Center:

Introduction:

Dates are a traditional part of our Islamic Culture as our Holy Quran defined it in its more than twenty verses. Our Holy

Prophet (PBUH) urged Muslims to eat dates as it is the world’s only 100% complete and balanced diet. It could be used as a primary energy source for attaining the maximum energy for every age group in order to retrieve lost energies.

The total area under Date palm cultivation in NWFP is 1240 Hectares with a total annual production of 8148 tons approximately. Majority of it is in the Southern part of the Province, particularly in D.I.Khan. At present the income from an acre of date palm ranges from Rs. 70,000 to 90,000 that is 8 to 10 times higher than other field crops. Dates produced in D.I Khan are known for its quality all over Pakistan and in international market as well. District D.I Khan is one of the largest producers of fresh and dried Dates in Pakistan and on top in NWFP. Total approximate area under Dates cultivation is approximately 256,000 sq. acres/100,000 hectares, with approximate total production of Dates in Dera Ismail Khan, reaches 11000 tons. There are many varieties of Dates produced in D.I Khan but Dhakki Dates are well known beside all other varieties. Approximate yield of Dhakki-Dates per annum ranges from 6,500 to 7,000 tons that is 75 % of the total production of Dates in the area and dried Dates production ranges from 800 tons to 1,000 tons per annum approximately. Approximate production of regional varieties in Dera Ismail Khan is 3000 tons that is 25% of total production in Dera Ismail Khan and its surrounding areas.

Fish farming (Aquaculture):

Introduction

The business model of small-scale poly culture of carp

fishes, which are herbivorous fish species for household and local sale for consumption. The proposed technology has proven tract record in the region which reduces the costs of adaptation and innovation. Farming of aquatic species is inherently more efficient than livestock and has a smaller environmental footprint Integrated livestock-fish farming; integrated Aquaculture with Agricultural vegetable gardens can become economic engine on the farm generating almost three times the annual net income from the integration of activities on the farm. At current market prices, aquaculture provides a more lucrative use of land than alternative activities; for example, a hectare of land devoted to aquaculture (carp) would generate at least 43 percent higher income for all factors engaged directly or indirectly in fish production than would a hectare of land under crop cultivation

Business Process Flow:

Honey Bee Keeping:

Introduction

Honey is a sweet substance produced by honey bees from the nectar of blossoms. Honey consists essentially of different sugars, predominantly glucose and fructose etc. Honey, a pure,

natural sweetener prepared by bees from nectar collected from wild and cultivated flowers, was the first sweetener known to man.

Honey Cluster of NWFP is spread over in different districts of the province. The belts of Swat, Naran, Kaghan and southern districts like Peshawar, Mardan, Karak, Kohat, Haripur, FATA and other adjoining areas have tremendous potential for fostering the honey-industry. The total numbers of the bee keepers entrepreneurs (farm) in NWFP is about 3500 and the direct employment in these farms are 17500 people.

Business Process Flow:

Conclusion:

My city, Dera Ismail Khan is a very beautiful, culture rich area of Khyber Pakhtoonkhuwa.In local language we call it Dera phullan da Sehra (Dera is floral veil). In the recent year, shai sunni riots has made my city unpopular in the eyes of others, but this is a conspiracy. People of my city are peace lovers and they are very much disturbed by these problems. Business is at halt and celebrations are haunted by the fear of any blast or target killing. Law and order situation is not much satisfactory but moving toward normalization.