ABOUT MARDAN

Mardan is one of the most important and populous districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, known as the “Gateway to the Gandhara Civilization,” and holds a distinguished place in history, culture, and economy. Mardan geographically located in the fertile Peshawar Valley and surrounded by Swabi, Buner, Malakand, Charsadda and Nowshera districts. Its moderate climate and highly productive soil make it one of the leading agricultural regions of the province, contributing significantly to food production and economic activities.

The district is home to a population of over 2.74 million, predominantly belonging to Pashtun tribes who are well known for their hospitality, cultural values, and traditions. Pashto is the primary language spoken across the region, while Urdu and English are also widely understood. Administratively, Mardan comprises of five tehsils – Mardan, Takht Bhai, Katlang, Rustam, and Garhi Kapora – along with more than seventy union councils that facilitate governance and service delivery at the grassroots level. The district administration, under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner, ensures law and order, development planning, and efficient service provision.

Historically, Mardan has an unparalleled significance as the custodian of the Gandhara Civilization.The district is home to world-famous archaeological sites, including the UNESCO-listed Takht Bhai Buddhist Monastery, the Buddhist remains at Jamal Garhi dating back to the 1st–5th centuries CE, and the Ashokan rock edicts at Shahbaz Garhi from the 3rd century BCE. 

These renowned sites, stands as a global symbol of the district’s heritage and attracts tourists, historians, and researchers from around the world. These ancient ruins, along with other cultural remains, highlight the district’s diverse past shaped by Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic influences, reflecting the richness of civilizations that once flourished in this region.

The economy of Mardan is largely agrarian, with wheat, sugarcane, maize, and tobacco being the main crops. The district is also famous for its guava, oranges, and plum orchards, while tobacco cultivation and processing contribute substantially to the local economy. In addition to agriculture, industrial and small-scale enterprises are steadily expanding, supporting employment generation and economic stability.

Mardan is also an educational hub, housing prominent institutions such as Abdul Wali Khan University and the University of Engineering and Technology Mardan, alongside numerous prominent colleges and technical centers that play a vital role in the academic and professional development of the youth.

Culturally and socially, Mardan represents a vibrant and dynamic community rooted in traditions of hospitality, Pashto music, poetry, and folk art. The district has consistently demonstrated resilience and remains committed to peace, progress, and development.

The vision of the District Administration is to promote sustainable growth through improved public services, preservation of historical heritage, advancement in education and health care, agricultural modernization, industrial development, and the promotion of tourism. Together, these efforts aim to ensure that Mardan continues to thrive as a district of cultural pride, economic vitality, and regional significance.