CLIMATE OF KOTLI SATTIAN

The climate of the Subdivision Kotli Sattian differs considerably on account of differences in altitude and relief on the heights. The climate is cold in winter and mild in summer. In depths and valleys, it is mild in general. On the whole, the subdivision experiences cool and mild summers and cold winters.

Precipitation in winter is normally in the form of snow and sleet. Hailstorms are frequent during the winter and they also occur often during the monsoon season. But the precipitation during the summer is mostly in the form of rain. The subdivision receives a very high amount of rainfall averaging 60.53 inches with the mean annual number of rainy days at 89.3. The rainfall is received both from the monsoon and western disturbances.

July is the wettest month of the year receiving 14.26 inches of rain with a mean number of rain days at 15. It is followed very closely by August, which receives an average rainfall of 14 inches. The driest month of the year is November which receives only 0.87 inches of rainfall with only 1.7 days of rain.

Murree is the rainiest place of Pakistan with mean annual rainfall of about 1,484 mm (164cm). Kotli Sattian is geographically a part of Murree and Kahuta Hills. It was declared a subdivision in 1990 by breaking up 40 villages out of both subdivisions. Patriata is located on almost border of Murree and Kotli Sattian subdivisions. Patriata is the highest point of Murree Hills which consequently is the highest point of Punjab as well. Patriata hills (Including some parts of Kotli Sattian subdivision) are the rainiest region of Pakistan.

SIMLY DAM

The Simly Dam is about 80 meters high earthen embankment dam on the Soan River, 30 kilometers east of Islamabad, Pakistan.  It was developed by the Capital Development Authority, Planning for the dam began in 1962 and it was not completed when expected in 1972 due to project delays. It was completed in 1983.

Simly Dam lies between Islamabad and Kotli Sattian. The water of this dam is stored and supplied to the Federal capital for drinking purposes. The water stored in this dam is fed by melting snow and the natural springs of Murree and Kotli Sattian hills. Angling and boating are also allowed on the lake, but you need to have permit for fishing from Capital Development Authority, Islamabad. 

The dam is tucked away in a nice sleepy area, where there are hardly any passer byes leave aside tourists. It is such a shame that this place could be developed into such a beautiful little family picnic abode but probably since it is outside the jurisdiction Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) limits, therefore CDA does not seem to be interested in developing it.

There is only one guest house in Simly Dam, operated by CDA, Islamabad. Before you plan to stay here, you need to have permission to stay and visit this beautiful guest house from CDA head office located in Islamabad.

About 100 meters before the Simly Dam, a road leads to Patriata via Karor and Bunn.

The Kotli Sattian region is quite favourable for the construction of dams for small purposes. However, the government does not initiate any plan in this region. Lakes can be easily constructed with nominal cost and labour. The natural fountains and streams connected with these fountains have ample water, which is always pure and fresh. The gift of nature can be stored in small dams and lakes and thereafter the pure water be supplied to the Islamabad. Moreover, such constructive stops on the part of the government will enrich the beauty of the region and consequently prove the best tourist spots, adjacent to Islamabad and easily approaching to all.

Photo by : Khizer Bajwa

ICE NEEDLES IN KOTLI SATTIAN

Needle ice is a phenomenon that occurs when the temperature of the soil is above 0 °C (32 °F) and the surface temperature of the air is below 0 °C (32 °F). The subterranean liquid water is brought to the surface via capillary action, where it freezes and contributes to a growing needle-like ice column.

                                             ICE NEEDLES IN KOTLI SATTIAN HILLS

GEOLOGICAL FORMULATION OF KOTLI SATTIAN

The mountainous tract is a part of Siwalik terrains which is formed of anticline. Mr. Wynne, in his Geology of Neighborhood of Murree Hill Station- Vol. III, page 66, has given a very good description of geological formation of Murree and it's surroundings. Relying on the referred books, the geological data of the subdivision is prepared.

Kotli Sattian is on the eastward side of Murree hill station and on the northward side of Kahuta. The syn-clinical areas of undulations seem to rise toward the eastward. Steady low dips in the opposite direction, are visible from Murree hill station in the precipitous flanks of some of the distant hills on this side of the Jhelum river, as in that supporting the Plateau of Narrar and others.

The mountains of the subdivision are largely composed of MIOCENE sandstone and EOCENE MUMMULITIC limestone. This zone has undergone very recent folding and faulting, including early PLEISTOCENE thrusting. In the earlier, territory zone strike-faults have disrupted anticlines and brought in massive PERMO-CARBONIFEROUS limestone's forming the higher ridges.

The most important rocks with which the hilly tract is made, consists of limestone, shale, sandstone and clay-stone. The sandstone of the Murree formation is medium to course-grained purple and greenish grey in colour. The clay-stone is thickly bedded. The coarse grained, greenish grey sandstone is soft and rich in iron contents. The purplish or reddish brown sandstone is hard and compacted. The grey sandstone, coated with purple tinge due to oxidation and quartz occasionally intersect the rocks, especially the clay-stone, which is massive and break with colloidal fracture. Some of the straits yield excellent building material and are quarried for road construction. Others, on exposure, decompose and crumble away.

The Narrar Hill (Panjpeer) is wholly composed of a hard white sandstone. Thin flakes of white calcareous matter and hollow nodules filled with clay are generally seen in these rocks. While in the beds of streams, especially towards the south, concentrations of coarse limestone are commonly met with small beds of fine conglomerates, which are also to be found here and there. Mixed or alternating with the sandstone, are often extensive beds of red bluish clay or shale. These, alone with the more or less decomposed sandstone gives character to the soil of the subdivision.

Reference : A HANDBOOK OF KOTLI SATTIAN    

                                                      Panjpeer (Narrar) Rocks

SHAHID TASLLIM SATTI

After a very long and competitive process, Shahid Tasllim Satti was selected and awarded to participate in the highly competitive and prestigious fully funded Scholarship Program through the US State Department as a principal candidate from Pakistan. The program was organized by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State. As a cultural ambassador of the country, he presented Pakistan on different international forums.

Shahid Tasllim Satti was also elected as an Executive Board Member of Pakistan USA Alumni Network (PUAN) Islamabad. Presently, he is studying MS in Information Technology from the University of Newcastle, Sydney, Australia. He has completed his Postgraduate in IT from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. Besides this, he has done Masters in Business studies in 2017.

He has studied different courses on HRM, Business Management and Administration in the USA and successfully completed a program of Specialist in HRM and Business Administration and Management with flying colors. He was also involved in Community service and received awards and certifications from US department of state.

In addition to this he worked in HR/Admin/IT department of different organizations in the USA and Pakistan. This experience gave him the opportunity to work with diverse groups in the highly professional environment.

Shahid is also supervising Educational Project with the highly professional team in Pakistan and also mentoring prospective exchange scholars.

Apart from his educational career and social work he is a passionate artist. Since childhood, he was into drawings, paintings, and sketches on various subjects and won many competitions. Mostly he worked on nature and national heroes. According to him, he tries to spread the message of peace through colors. He was officially elected as a graphic designer for the Year Book group project in the USA, he designed many pages for the book and the work was highly appreciated.

Shahid Tasllim Satti originally hails from Santh Anwali, Kotli Sattian.

THE PEOPLE, RACES AND TRIBES OF KOTLI SATTIAN

The People of Kotli Sattian are generally well built and of balanced height, sturdy and strong, hardworking and fair in complexion. They are proud of their ancestors and pure-blood.

The people of this region are inborn soldiers and belong to the martial races in the northwest of the sub-continent. They possess a distinctive place and role in the
Armed Forces of Pakistan. Subdivision Kotli Sattian is the home of prosperous families, Bureaucrats and high rank military officers, who prefer to live in the glitz and glitter that is Islamabad.

There are four principal tribes that reside in the Subdivision. The Sattis are in absolute majority. The second major tribe is the Dhanial, who are in majority in the Karor area, comprising six villages. Karor is the central settlement.

The next major tribe is the Abbasi. This tribe occupies the whole village of karor. Also, the Abbasi families are scattered through the subdivision but in quite limited numbers.

The other major tribe is the Kethwal. They have a whole village named Dhirkot Kethwalan, and they also live in Phofandi and Balawara.

Sadaat who possess a distinct status among the people and respected, The Dhok Seelah, Karl, Burhad, Patian and Mori settlements are where Sadaat are in good numbers. There are still a number of families long inhabited in the area. However, they are not called by their actual family name. They are known by their age-old professions.

A HANDBOOK OF KOTLI SATTIAN

A handbook of Kotli Sattian is designed to be useful to governmental departments and to other personnel who need a convenient compilation of basic facts and figures of the subdivision Kotli Sattian. 

An effort has been made to make the handbook as comprehensive as possible. This book was published in 2000,  some facts has been changed in past 17 years but still it gives a good insight into subdivision Kotli Sattian. 

Click here to read "A HANDBOOK OF KOTLI SATTIAN"

Writer SABEER SATTI

Publisher Kohsar Writers Forum, Kotli Sattian   

KOHSAR WRITERS FORUM, KOTLI SATTIAN, PAKISTAN

Kohsar Writers Forum is a book publisher based in Kotli Sattian, Pakistan. Some of the books are available online now and more books will be available online soon. A handbook of Kotli Sattian, Khiaban-e-Satti, Jurm-e-Zaheefi, Far Western Himalayan Pahari Language, Koohay Yaar and The Ruling Enemy are available online now.


Click here to read "A HAND BOOK OF KOTLI SATTIAN"            By SABEER SATTI

Click here to read "KHIABAN-E-SATTI"                                    By SABEER SATTI

Click here to read "FAR WESTERN HIMALAYAN PAHARI LANGUAGE"
                                                                                           By JAHANGIR SATTI

Click here to read "JURM-E-ZAHEEFI"                                  By IDREES SATTI

Click here to read "KOOYAY YAAR" A MEMOIR TO DELHI       By IDREES SATTI

Click here to read "THE RULING ENEMY"                              By JAHANGIR SATTI

MUHAMMAD IDRESS SATTI - AUTHOR

Muhammad Idrees Satti is an author from Durnoyan, Kotli Sattian. He wrote three books which are, Kooey Yaar, Azaab Yadein and Jurm-e-Zaheefi.
Kooey Yaar : Memoir to Delhi, India is about history of Muslim India, rise and fall of Muslims in India and it's reasons, miracles of Muslim saints, unsung heroes and Hindu customs.

Jurm-E-Zaheefi is about western Himalayan culture and civilisation, a very good read for Sociology and Anthropology students.

Click here to read JURM-E-ZAHEEFI

Click here to read KOOYAY YAAR

SABEER SATTI

Sabeer Satti is an author, historian, anthropologist, a retired teacher and an advocate from Kotli Sattian. He obtained several master's degrees in different subjects. Indeed, he is a versatile person.

He authored many books which are, KHIABAN-E-SATTI (Family tree of Satti tribe),
Arz-e-Sattian, TAREEKH-E-SATTIAN, Satti Samaj, Rait Mahal.

Satti tribe is greatly indebted to Sabeer Satti for the services he has done for history, and pedigree chart of the tribe. We can never repay you.


Click here to read his book "KHIABAN-E-SATTI" (Pedigree chart of Satti Tribe)


Click here to read his book "A HANDBOOK OF KOTLI SATTIAN"

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BURJ, KOTLI SATTIAN TO PATRIATA HIKING TRAIL

Picturesque Kotli Sattian to Patriata trek is among the most beautiful treks of the region. It’s an abandoned jeep trek starting from Burj (6 km away from Kotli Sattian town) and reaches the Patriata top via Phofandi Top exposing the beauty of Kashmir and Murree region, on a clear day this trek offers spectacular views for the nature lovers. The distance of this trek is 6 km.

The Patriata, Khalabut and Phofandi hills are beautifully wooded and the scenery is exquisite. The panorama view comprises, at it frequently does, a breathtaking picture of a foreground of lovely, lush woodland scenery and a background of the lofty snow clad peaks of the Himalayas.

CAPTAIN KHIZAR MEHMOOD SATTI SHAHEED

Captain Khizar Mehmood Satti Shaheed

Born on 8 July 1983 at Malot Sattian.

Unit 35 A.K 

Embraced Shahadat on 28th may 2011 at Wali Dad Top, Mohmand Agency.

Awarded Sitara-e-Bisalat for his bravery 

Click here for more details

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KOTLI SATTIAN - THE LAND OF EVERGREEN HILLS

Kotli Sattian is an extension of the Indo-Himalayan ecological region that falls in the transitional zone of Irano-Saharan ecosystem which extends to the Southwest.This is a very beautiful subdivision of district Rawalpindi (Punjab), Pakistan which is bounded on the east by the river Jhelum, on the southwest by the river soan: an ancient historical river of subcontinent and on the northwest by the Murree subdivision: a scenic hill station of Pakistan. It is also bounded on the south by Kahuta subdivision. Kotli Sattian touches the Kashmir territory on the east by bridging the River Jhelum and on the southwest, it is the next door neighbor of Islamabad, The Federal Capital of Pakistan. The evergreen hills with its gentle and steep slopes, the cool, fresh & health giving fountains, the dancing & singing streams, the winding roads & paths that wind through the lively pine woods and the bracing climate beckon the wanderer to this hilly area. The territorial name is derived from the mountain town of Kotli and the Satti tribe. This subdivision is geographically a part of Murree and Kahuta hills. It was declared a subdivision in 1990 by breaking up 40 villages out of both subdivisions. The subdivision is situated between 33 degrees to 37 degrees and 33 - 35' North Latitude and between 73-26' and 73-27' east longitude. It's length from river Jhelum on the north to Glingali on the south is about 60 km. It's extreme width from river Jhelum on the east to river Soan is the southwest is nearly 40 km. The headquarters of the Subdivision is 45 km from district headquarters and Federal Capital. It stands at 38 km from kahuta town and 36 km from Murree Hill station. The approximate altitude of the subdivision above the sea level is from 1878 feet to 7335 feet. The headquarters of the subdivision is at 4809 feet above sea level. AREA According to the facts collected from administrative records and census (1998) reports, the total area of the subdivision is 83,243 acres out of which 55,590 acres of land is owned by local inhabitants and the remaining 27,653 acres of land is covered by forests and is the property of the government of Punjab and is managed through the Punjab forest department HEADQUARTERS The revenue estate, with the name Kotli Sattian, is the headquarters of the subdivision. The administrative offices, judiciary and major business centers are almost at the center, and is linked to the roads in all directions. The headquarters at present is a rural estate but is rapidly developing into a small town. KOTLI SATTIAN

KOTLI SATTIAN, ITS DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL MEDIA

All I see on social media nowadays is that everyone talks about development and improvement in Kotli Sattian, but the dilemma is that all the development activities are limited to social media. Majority of the people are too involved in politics on the basis of favoritism and they don’t know their priorities and requirements of 21st century.

In my personal opinion first we need to spread awareness in the masses, need to reform people, need to highlight the importance of education. When our people are aware and able to understand, then we can move towards development and improvement.

Some people think if they get local leadership then it will change their destiny. Well, Decades ago Shahid Riaz Satti and Col Yamin Satti represented Kotli Sattian region but nothing changed at bigger scale. If someone from Kotli Sattian gets ticket in forthcoming elections, again I don’t think they will bring massive change in the region except building a few roads, recruiting some people as a peon, security guard or clerk in any organisation. So, we need to look at the bigger picture.

Actually, I’m not opposing the idea of involvement in politics, if we are involved in politics then we should know how to get our rights, we should know how to protest for our rights, how to convey our issues to our representatives to get things done. Hence, we need to stop the politics of favoritism, just think about the development of region regardless of any party affiliations.

I think apart from relying on politicians now we should take part in development on self help basis. So, my preference is to spread awareness and promote education in the region because education and awareness is the logical solution. If anyone of you are on the same page then please join me in my struggle and discuss the solutions and make our region and country a great place.

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MALOT SATTIAN

Malot Sattian is situated about 16 km north of Kotli, from where it can be approached by a metalled road to Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir. It extends eastwards through by means of a bridge across the Jhelum river, 5 km from Malot to Kalliari Patton and thence to Bagh in Azad Kashmir. The village stands on 4500 ft high ridge which acts as a water divide between the Jhelum river in the east and it’s tributary, Khad in the West. The slopes facing the two streams have a gullied topography. This is mainly due to the erosion action of the stream-lets. The Chajjana reserve forest lies near this village.

It commands a strategic position on Punjab-AJK border and serves as a terminal point for the transport coming from Rawalpindi.
The village covers a 3,636 acre area, 1,423 acres are cultivated and 2,213 acres are uncultivated. The major food staples are wheat and maize.
The village has two high schools for a boys and a girls and two middle schools for both sexes. The literacy rate of the village is 90%.

                                      

CAPTAIN BILAL ZAFAR SHAHEED

Captain Bilal Zafar (1982-2009) (Urdu: بلال ظفر‎) was a Pakistan Army officer who received Sitara-e-Basalat on 62nd Independence Day of Pakistan. He was a Captain in 42 Baloch Regiment(MIB).

He was born at Rawalpindi on 2 February 1982. Bilal Zafar got his early education at St Paul’s Cambridge School, Rawalpindi and Government College university Lahore , Rawalpindi.

He belonged to a prominent family of Karore, Kotli Sattian with military background. 

His father, Zafar Tajamul, is a retired captain. His grandfather, Colonel Tajammal Hussain was a commissioned officer in British Indian Army. He fought Second World War and remained a PoW. Later on, he joined INA. After Independence he opted for Pakistan Army. He volunteered for war of independence of Kashmir. He raised and commanded first Bagh Brigade and fought on Poonch front. For his valour and bravery, he was awarded with medal of FAKHR-E-KASHMIR. He remained Defence Secretary for Azad Kashmir govt. Later on, he raised civil Defence department.

The great-grandfather of Captain Bilal Subedar Lal Khan fought First World War. He gave his life during action. For his death in combat, he was awarded INDIAN ORDER OF MERIT - the second highest military award.

His brother Captain Zarrar is also a commando officer, participated in many operations.

He joined Pakistan Army in 2001 and was commissioned into 42 Baloch Regiment(Al-Havi) on 12 October 2003. Later, he joined SSG.

Operation Rah-e-Rast began in May 2009 and involved the Pakistan Army and Taliban militants in a fight for control of the Swat district of Pakistan. SSG started an operation 'Janbaz' to clear Swat valley from militants. His company was given task to clear Swat-Peochar Road. During this operation, Captain Bilal Zafar embraced shahadat on 17 May 2009. He was hit by a rocket launcher on his chest. One day after his death, he was buried in his native village Karore Kotli Sattian on 18 May 2009. Government of Pakistan announced Sitara-e-Basalat for him on 62nd Independence of Pakistan.

                                         

KARORE VALLEY, KOTLI SATTIAN, RAWALPINDI

On the southwest side of the Kotli Sattian lies the well known village KAROR which is quite adjacent to the Islamabad. It is the settlement of the great warriors of the first and Second World Wars.

The village is situated about 22 km from Kotli Sattian and is easily approachable by metal roads from all sides. The village area is 3,001 acres. The soil is suitable for cultivating local crops but the inhabitants prefer to get employment in cities and towns. Forty percent of the population of the village has temporarily shifted to the big cities to avail themselves to the modern facilities and to have their children educated in the better schools.

The average household size in 5.8% and rate of literacy is 78.5%
Karor is a Patwar Circle and headquarters of the union council. There are two high schools, one for boys and one for girls. There is also a middle school for boys and two primary schools for both sexes in every settlement.

 Karor also has a police post that was established in the beginning of the British rule. A forest range with a rest house also exists. Moreover, a B.H.U., agricultural extension service, sub post office. A small bazar and a bank are also available as an amenity.

How to get there from Islamabad

Take Lehtrar road from Islamabad and turn left from Chirah chowk towards Simli Dam and Patriata. In about fifteen minutes, you would bypass Simli Dam and see the spill way on your left, drive another 10-15 minutes through hills and it will lead you to Karore.

                                       

 

                                                    Photo by Rocking Jungly

Photo by Khizer Bajwa

                                   Reference : "A handbook of Kotli Sattian"