History of Abbottabad.

Abbottabad, the headquarters of Hazara Division, situated at an altitude of 1,225 m (4002 ft) above sea level and surrounded by refreshing green hills of Sarban, is one of the best-known hill resorts of Pakistan. It is situated on the Karakoram Highway (Silk Route) to China, 120 Km from Rawalpindi/Islamabad and 205 Km from Peshawar. The climate is temperate with 4 distinct seasons-spring, summer, autumn and winter. The summer is pleasant while the winter is moderately cold with occasional snowfall. The city is non-industrial, situated in the green Orash valley and is free from environmental pollution. It has a population of over 300,000.
Like Hazara, Abbottabad has seen many invasions from outside by the conquering forces of diverse races, tribes and kingdoms. The modern city of Abbottabad was founded by Major Abbott, the British deputy commissioner of Hazara (1849 to 1853) during British rule in the subcontinent. Major Abbott is credited with making major changes in the administrative setup in the region, so that after his departure, the city was named after him. The British maintained a sizeable military presence here, evidenced even today by the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), which has remained as the major training academy for military officers. The PMA provided fame to Abbottabad for many years, prior to the recent development of the city, from a non-industrial backward area, to a busy modern business, economic and academic centre. The creation of Ayub Medical Complex has once more brought the city into the national limelight and spurred a lasting chapter of growth and development.
Abbottabad is a small neat and clean town in spacious valleys surrounded by green hills. It is a popular summer resort, located at the end of Murree-Abbottabad hill tract, noted for its verdant parks, gardens, golf course and pine covered hills. Abbottabad, apart from being famous for its educational institutions and Military Academy, also serves as the gateway to almost all-beautiful places in Pakistan. The formidable Karakorams & , the enchanting Himalayas can be approached from Abbottabad. Though the importance of the city has been diminished a little by the completion of Karakoram Highway because, in the past, the only track available to reach Karakoram was through Babusar Pass, which in its turn, could only be approached through Abbottabad.

Culture of Abbottabad

Languages
Hindko is the major language of the District. According to the 1998 Census, 94.26% of the total population speaks Hindko. Other languages spoken in the District are Urdu? 1.05%, Pushto? 2.22% and Punjabi? 2.30%.

Customs and Traditions
Abbottabad is well-cultured area, modern and ancient cultures are combined here. Although the young generation is found of modern culture but religious bonds are very tight and majority of the population like the Islamic traditions and follow the path of Allah. The Hujra meetings (sitting) are also included in the customs. The Islamic traditions are outstanding in rural area and have high moral values in the society.
Dresses
Common dress of the people is Shalwar Qamiz, however Government officials and students use trousers and coats. Turban, Kraquli, Patti caps are worn by the people. Men often wear Waistcoats and Coats over Shalwar Qamiz. Women?s dresses are also very simple and consist of Shalwar, Qamiz, Dopatta and Chadder.

Cuisine
The food of inhabitants of the District is very simple. Maize, wheat and rice are eaten everywhere. Desi Ghee and Lassi is used eagerly in the rural areas.
Occupations in District Abbottabad
A large majority of the population? (60%) depends upon agriculture for their subsistence. However, income from agriculture is too meager to support the population. As a result, many of them have found work in other parts of the country or left for abroad. Other minor professions to which people have taken to, include those of cobblers, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, weavers, barbers, washermen, labourers etc.

NGO's in Abbottabad

Development Agencies & NGOs Working in Abbottabad

IUCN ? Abbottabad Conservation Strategy (ACS) Support Unit

Natural Resource Conservation Project (NRCP) Galliat

Sarhad Rural Support Corporation (SRSP)

Abbotonian Medical Association (AMA)

Rotary Club Abbottabad

Society for Public Awareness & Development (SPADE)

Khidmat Foundation

SUNGI Development Foundation

Press Club Abbottabad

Source: apnaabbottabad.com