Kohistān

▪ mountain region, Pakistan-Afghanistan

      (Persian and Urdu: “Country of the Hills,” or “Highlands”), section of mountainous or hilly tracts in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

      In the North-West Frontier, Kohistān is that sparsely populated area of Pakistan which lies west of Chilas in Kashmir and the Kāgān Valley. The eastern part is known as Indus Kohistān (for the Indus River) and the western part, divided between Swāt Kohistān (also called Kālām) and Dīr Kohistān, extends across the northern part of the state to the Afghanistan border. The area comprises mountain ranges in the outer reaches of the Himalayas that are snowbound above 12,000 feet (3,700 m); forest- and grass-covered hills (5,000–6,000 feet); and the fertile Indus valleys. The inhabitants of this region are peoples of Turco-Iranian origin, including Pashtun tribes. Livestock (mainly sheep and goats) are raised, and grains and vegetables are grown.

      Sindh Kohistān, in the west of Sindh province, Pakistan, is a barren hilly tract, consisting of outlying spurs of the Kīrthar Range. Cultivation is possible only along the numerous hill streams (nalas) that carry water during the rains. Cattle grazing is the principal occupation.

      Afghan Kohistān (Kūhestān), in part highly cultivated, lies north-northeast of Kābul and extends to the Hindu Kush (mountains).

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