Draft:Salarzai Family in Besham



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Salarzai Family of Besham

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The **Salarzai family of Besham** is a Pashtun family descended from the Salarzai tribe of Buner, Pakistan. The family migrated from the Salarzai village in Buner after a historical conflict and settled in Shangla district, ultimately becoming a prominent and influential family in the town of Besham.

Historical Background

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The Salarzai originally held leadership over their native village in Buner during the time of the Wali of Swat, under the Swat State. Following a conflict involving a murder, two Salarzai elders fled Buner to avoid tribal retribution. One of them was killed during their stay in Swat; the surviving elder continued alone and eventually settled in Karora, Shangla (then also under the Swat State).

He married the daughter of a Yusufzai tribal elder in Karora and became head of his forces. His descendants later moved and settled permanently in Besham.

Settlement in Besham

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The earliest known and verified ancestor of the family in Besham was **Saadat Khan Salarzai**, who is either the grandfather or great-grandfather of **Haji Zahir Salarzai**. Saadat Khan married and had multiple children, establishing the family's long-term presence in the town.

Haji Zahir Salarzai owned a restaurant in the center of Besham, at what is now known as **Azan Plaza**. He had twelve children (six from each of his two marriages). His fifth child and third son, **Sher Alam Khan Salarzai**, later known as **Sher Beshami**, became a well-known local figure.

Modern Day Influence

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Sher Alam Salarzai moved abroad and later invested in real estate in Besham. His family purchased land behind the original property and built **Azan Plaza**, named after Sher Alam’s youngest son. Sher Alam’s younger brother, **Muhammad Fayaz Salarzai**, established **Azan Air Services**, which grew to become the largest travel agency business in Shangla.

Other prominent members of the family include: - **Muhammad Alam Salarzai** – owner of hotels in Mingora and Chilas - **Muhammad Riaz Salarzai** – based in the UK, reportedly a millionaire businessman - **Nasar Raza Salarzai** – working in Saudi Arabia

The family continues to be influential in local business and public life, particularly through Azan Plaza and Azan Air Services.

Media Coverage

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The family has received public attention. A media outlet covered the wedding of the second-youngest Salarzai brother in Besham, which was widely shared on social platforms.

References

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See also

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  • Salarzai tribe
  • Swat State
  • Shangla District
  • Pashtun tribes

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References

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