Riasat-e-Pakhtunkhwa

Riasat-e-Pakhtunkhwa was a kingdom founded by the Yousafzai’s in the 15th century, after their expulsion from Kabul.

In the late 15th century, the Yousafzai tribe, originally from Kabul, faced betrayal by the Timurid governor Ulugh Beg II.

In 1484, he invited their elders to a feast and treacherously massacred 700 of them, sparing only Malak Ahmad Khan, the son of Malak Sultan Shah.

After this tragedy, Malak Ahmad Khan led the Yousafzai to the Dilzak lands, seeking refuge and rebuilding their strength. He married into the Dilzak family.

His sister, Shahida Bibi, was also married to Sultan Awais Jahangiri Swati.

These alliances allowed the Yousafzai to launch a successful campaign, capturing Swat and establishing a foothold in the region.

They then expanded their territory, incorporating regions like Malakand, Dir, Buner, Swabi, and Mardan. Thana, in Malakand, became their capital.

Their influence grew, leading to a significant peace treaty with the Mughal emperor Babur. In 1519, Babur married Bibi Mubarika, daughter of the chief, Shah Mansur, ensuring mutual security.

That is how, under Malak Ahmad Khan’s leadership, the tribe not only survived but thrived, laying the foundation for a powerful kingdom that would influence the region for centuries.