Dobian


Dobian is an administrative unit, known as a union council of Swabi District in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Its postal code is 23330.

Neighborhoods

The village of Dobian, located in Swabi District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, derives its name from the two streams that pass through the area: Shagai and Baral. In earlier times, when the population was sparse, the land between these two streams was inhabited by a few families, with the majority belonging to the Miangan community. Alongside them, smaller groups such as the Bhaigan were also present.
Over time, the Miangan and other residents purchased lands from local Khans, which were then barren, and gradually expanded their settlements. Eventually, these lands also came under Dobian’s sphere of influence, despite some opposition over naming.
The Miangan of Dobian claim descent from the renowned Sufi saint Kaka Sahib of Nowshera. Internally, they are divided into three sub-groups:
  1. Surkh Miangan – This is a smaller branch. They are called Surkh because their faces naturally turn reddish in heat. They are generally fair-skinned, with many having green eyes and heavier builds. They are believed to age relatively faster, with an average life expectancy of around 65 years.
  2. Babagan Miangan – The largest branch of the community. Physically, they are leaner, with darker complexions compared to the Surkh Miangan. Their average life expectancy is considered slightly higher, around 70 years.
  3. Parsnigyan Miangan – The smallest branch, often described as having a noble or “aristocratic” appearance.
Despite these divisions, all three groups coexist harmoniously. Tradition holds that these lineages descend from three brothers: the Surkh Miangan being the smallest in number, while the Babagan and Parsnigyan branches are comparatively stronger in economic terms.