Garu is a village in Nowshera District in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is located at 33°49'0N 71°59'0E with an altitude of 404 metres (1328 feet).

Demographics 

Garu, Pakistan, is a village with a diverse population reflecting the ethnic and cultural fabric of the region. The demographic composition of the village is characterized by the dominant presence of the Pashtun tribe known as Khattak. Here is an overview of the demographics in Garu:

Population: The population of Garu ranges from approximately 8,000 to 12,000 residents. The village has experienced growth over the years.

Pashtun Tribe: The majority of the population in Garu belongs to the Khattak tribe, one of the prominent Pashtun tribes in the region. The Khattak tribe has a rich cultural heritage and plays a significant role in shaping the social, political, and economic landscape of the village.

Ethnic Diversity: While the Khattak tribe forms the majority, Garu also embraces diversity with the presence of individuals from other Pashtun tribes and potentially individuals from other ethnic backgrounds. This diversity adds to the cultural tapestry of the village, fostering a sense of unity amidst the shared Pashtun heritage.

Religious Affiliation: The residents of Garu predominantly follow Islam. The village showcases a strong religious identity, and Islamic practices and traditions are integral to the daily lives of its inhabitants.

Social Structure: Garu maintains a close-knit community structure, where familial ties and communal relationships hold great importance. The elders play a crucial role in decision-making processes and are highly respected for their wisdom and guidance.

The demographic makeup of Garu reflects the cultural and social dynamics of the village, with the Khattak tribe forming the majority and contributing to the preservation of Pashtun traditions and customs. The diversity within the village further enriches its cultural heritage, fostering a sense of unity among the residents.Chairman Malik mukaram shah and the village and jarga  leader mastar shad Muhammad and political issue lets control his brother Nawab khan and his grandchildren shaheryar Shoukat.

Healthcare and facilities 
The healthcare services in Garu are actively involved in addressing public health concerns. There are dedicated departments working on immunization campaigns, particularly focusing on diseases like polio and other viral infections. Each year, polio teams visit every household in Garu to administer vaccines to children, contributing to the efforts of eradicating polio from society. This demonstrates the village's commitment to ensuring the well-being and health of its residents. Additionally,  healthcare facilities available in the village such as private clinics.

Community organizations 
Garu benefits from the presence of various community organizations and NGOs actively working towards improving the quality of life in the village. For example, NGOs are providing free hand pumps to ensure access to clean water for the villagers. This initiative plays a crucial role in addressing water scarcity issues and promoting better sanitation practices. While also NGOs are trying for women's empowerment & providing environmental conservation efforts.

Sports and recreation 
Sports and recreational activities hold a significant place in the village's social fabric. Football and cricket are popular sports that are played according to the seasons, providing opportunities for the community to come together, engage in friendly competition, and foster a sense of unity and camaraderie. Additionally like Garu king cricket team are actively participating in every cricket tournaments. These activities contribute to the overall well-being and recreational development of the villagers.

Infrastructure and services 

Garu has been making progress in terms of its infrastructure and services, contributing to the overall development and convenience of its residents. Here are some key aspects to highlight:

Electricity and gas 

While the electricity supply in Garu may face intermittent disruptions, the village has found alternative solutions to overcome this challenge. Many residents have installed solar systems and UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) units to ensure a stable and consistent power source. These alternative energy solutions have proven beneficial, providing electricity during periods when the grid power is unavailable. The utilization of solar energy and UPS systems showcases the village's resourcefulness and commitment to addressing the electricity needs of its inhabitants. While the gas pipe line is not an operational service and are under working.

Roads 

Garu takes pride in its well-maintained road infrastructure. The village boasts excellent road connectivity, facilitating smooth transportation within and outside the village. The well-paved roads not only contribute to the convenience of residents but also support the transportation of agricultural produce and other goods to neighboring villages and markets. The well-constructed roads are a testament to the village's focus on maintaining quality infrastructure.

Telecommunication 

The telecommunication system in Garu is robust and reliable. The presence of mobile network towers from major service providers such as Ufone, Telenor, and Zong ensures widespread coverage and connectivity for the villagers. Additionally, the installation of PTCL (Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited) fiber optic cables highlights the village's commitment to modern communication technology. Once operational, the fiber optic cables will provide high-speed internet connectivity to residents, facilitating access to online services, education, and communication.

Transportation 

Garu benefits from a well-developed transportation system, catering to the travel needs of its residents. People have access to various modes of transportation, including bikes, auto rickshaw cars, and flying coaches. These modes of transport enable villagers to commute to nearby towns and bazaars, such as Nizampur, for their daily needs, trade, and social interactions. The availability of different transport options contributes to the mobility and connectivity of the village, enhancing economic activities and facilitating social interactions.

The continuous efforts to improve infrastructure, embrace alternative energy solutions, expand telecommunication networks, and enhance transportation options reflect the village's commitment to providing essential services and facilitating progress for its residents.

Culture and traditions 

Garu is a village that proudly embraces the vibrant and time-honored traditions of the Pashtun culture. The community holds deep respect for their customs, which have been passed down through generations. Here are some key aspects of the culture and traditions in Garu:

Language and arts 

Pashto is the primary language
spoken in Garu. It serves as a means of communication, connecting community members and preserving their cultural identity. The villagers take pride in their language, which is known for its poetic richness and musicality. Pashto literature and poetry have a significant influence on the cultural fabric of the village.

The arts play an important role in the village's cultural expression. Pashtun music, characterized by soulful melodies and rhythmic beats, is highly valued. Traditional musical instruments, such as the rubab, harmonium, and tabla, accompany folk songs and dances. The villagers often gather during celebrations and festive occasions to participate in traditional dances like the attan, a lively and energetic dance form that symbolizes unity and joy.

Dress and attire 

Traditional attire is an integral part of the cultural identity in Garu. Men often wear the traditional Pashtun dress, consisting of loose-fitting shirts (kameez) and baggy pants (shalwar), along with a waistcoat (was-kot) and a turban (pagri) as headgear. Women typically wear vibrant, flowing dresses (frock or kameez) with intricate embroidery and embellishments, paired with colorful scarves (chaddar) to cover their heads.

Hospitality and Pashtunwali 

Hospitality holds a special place in the Pashtun culture, and the people of Garu are known for their warm and generous nature. The tradition of Pashtunwali, an ancient honor code, guides their social interactions. Concepts such as melmastia (hospitality), nanawati (seeking forgiveness), and badal (revenge) are deeply ingrained in the village's social fabric. Visitors to Garu are welcomed with open arms and treated with utmost respect and hospitality.

Festivals and celebrations 

The villagers eagerly celebrate various festivals and cultural events throughout the year. Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, the two major Islamic festivals, are observed with great enthusiasm and involve communal prayers, feasting, and exchanging greetings.

Traditional practices and values 

Traditional practices and values are deeply respected and upheld in Garu. Elders play a crucial role in decision-making and are highly regarded for their wisdom and guidance. Respect for elders, a strong sense of community, and the importance of family bonds are emphasized. The villagers adhere to principles of honesty, integrity, and bravery, which are considered integral to their cultural heritage.

These cultural and traditional elements, rooted in Pashto culture, contribute to the unique identity of Garu. The villagers actively preserve and celebrate their customs, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Pashtun culture continues to thrive in the village.

Economy 

The economy of Garu revolves around agricultural practices, animal husbandry, and various other activities. Agriculture forms the backbone of the village's economy, with a significant portion of the population engaged in farming. The fertile lands surrounding Garu provide favorable conditions for cultivating a variety of crops, including wheat, maize and vegetables. Farmers in the village employ traditional farming techniques alongside modern agricultural methods to ensure optimal yields and sustain their livelihoods.

Animal husbandry also plays a vital role in the village's economy. The rearing of livestock, such as cows and goats, is a common practice among villagers. These animals provide a valuable source of income through the sale of milk, meat, and other dairy products. The villagers take pride in their livestock, as they contribute to their household income and serve as an essential asset for the community.

Furthermore, animals like donkeys are utilized for transportation purposes in Garu. These sturdy animals help in the transportation of goods, such as agricultural produce, providing an efficient means of transport for the villagers and contributing to their economic activities.

In addition to agricultural and animal-related activities, the villagers in Garu engage in woodcutting. The dense forests surrounding the village offer an abundant supply of wood. Skilled woodcutters meticulously harvest trees and process the wood, which is then transported to cities for various purposes, including fuel for cooking and heating. The trade of firewood provides a significant source of income for the villagers, as they can fetch good profits by selling it in urban areas.

Alongside these primary economic activities, small businesses and local shops cater to the needs of the community, offering goods and services. These establishments contribute to the economic growth of the village, providing employment opportunities and supporting the local economy.

Neighbour villages 
It is surrounded by several neighbouring villages, including Maroba, Mir kalan to the west, Amiro to the northeast, Gaju khel to the east, and Banda Abdul Karim to the south. Addition to the south a Bazaar called Nizampur is about 4 km (kilometer) away from garu.

Education 
Education holds a significant place in the village of Garu, Pakistan. The village is committed to providing accessible education to its residents. There are two government primary schools for boys, catering to the early education needs of children in the village. These schools play a crucial role in laying a strong foundation for their academic journey. Additionally, there is a government high school garu for boys. The village also takes pride in its government high school for girls, ensuring equal opportunities for female students to pursue their education. Furthermore, another girls' school known as Sana public school in Garu provides education up to the Matric level, empowering young girls to achieve higher academic milestones. These educational institutions play a pivotal role in nurturing and shaping the young minds of the village, equipping them with knowledge and skills for their future endeavors.

Islamic education 
In addition to formal education, Garu is proud to have two Madrassas called Talim ul Islam, which offers Islamic education one for boys and another for girls. The two Madrassa focuses on teaching Quranic studies, Arabic language, and Islamic principles, nurturing the religious and spiritual development of children in the village.

References

Populated places in Nowshera District