The Utmankhel (Pashto: اتمانخېل; Urdu: اتمان خیل) is a Pashtun tribe present in Pakistan, with substantial numbers in Afghanistan.[1] They lie between the Mohmands and the Ranizais of Swat, to the west and south-west of the junction of the Swat and Panjkora rivers. The Utmankhel mostly living in Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Lower Dir, Mardan and Orakzai. The Utmankhel are Pashtuns, part of the Karlani tribal confederacy, who fought against British and Mughals emperors in Pakhtunkhwa. The British regarded the Utmankhel tribesmen as “warlike” peoples and one of the Martial Race. The Utmankhel are a tall, stout and fair race, but their dress and general customs have been assimilated by the neighboring peoples of Bajaur. Utmankhel speak the same dialect of Pashtu called Peshawari Pashto.
Utmankhel Sub-Tribes / Major Clans
The following are among the principal sub-tribes of the Utmankhel tribe, listed alphabetically.
▸ Aseel
The Aseel sub-tribe is primarily found in Barang Tehsil of Bajaur District. Their traditional settlements include Barang and Aseel Targhao. The Aseel have historically been associated with the mountainous regions of Bajaur and continue to form an important part of the local Utmankhel population.
Sections: Khumar Khel, Balo Khel
▸ Bimmarai
The Bimmarai are one of the recognized Utmankhel sub-tribes of Malakand District. Their principal settlements are located in Totai and Sam Ranizai, where they have lived for generations.
▸ Boot Khel
The Boot Khel are mainly settled in Mohmand District, particularly in Ambar, Laman, and Prang Ghar. They represent one of the major Utmankhel branches living in the former tribal areas.
Sections: Muhammad Khel, Musa Kor, Saifullah Khel, Aulain
▸ Mandal
The Mandal sub-tribe is distributed across Bajaur District, Lower Dir and some of his people migrated to swat, buner and Shangla Locally, they are known by the name Charakhil. However, they are also belong to the Mandal branch of the Utmankhel tribe, and Charakhil may constitute a sub-branch of Mandal. Their important settlements include Mandal (Bajaur), Gosam Munda, Shaikhan, and Moranay Timergara. The Mandal have historically occupied both mountainous and agricultural areas within these districts.
Section: Shaikhan, Kydo Khel, Kampal Khel
▸ Muttakai
The Muttakai traditionally inhabit the northern slopes of the Koh-i-Moor Mountains. Their settlements have remained closely connected with the mountainous landscape that has shaped their history and way of life.
Sections: Turi Khel, Shahdad Khel, Walidad Khel
▸ Peghozai
The Peghozai are primarily located in Totai and Sam Ranizai of Malakand District. They remain one of the established Utmankhel communities of the region.
Sections: Guli Khel, Ranzi Khel, Khori Khel
▸ Sanizai
The Sanizai are another prominent Utmankhel sub-tribe settled mainly in Totai and Sam Ranizai of Malakand District. They share close historical and geographical connections with neighboring Utmankhel branches.
▸ Shamozai
The Shamozai are traditionally settled in Lar Tras, Bar Tras, Bandagai, Kulala, Sharbatai, and the surrounding areas near Agra. These settlements have long been recognized as part of the traditional homeland of the Shamozai branch.
Sections: Painda Khel, Umar Khel, Sarni Khel, Sarkani Khel
Other Important Utmankhel Sub-Tribes
In addition to the principal sub-tribes listed above, several other important branches form part of the wider Utmankhel tribal structure. Among the best-known are:
▸ Ismail Khel
The Ismailkhel are one of the major sub-tribes of the Utmankhel tribe. They are primarily settled in Barang Tehsil of Bajaur District, where they have maintained their traditional presence for generations. As an integral branch of the wider Utmankhel tribe, the Ismail Khel share a common ancestry, tribal customs, and the cultural values of the Pashtun community.
▸ Alizai
The Alizai are one of the recognized sub-tribes of the Utmankhel tribe. They are primarily settled in Barang Tehsil of Bajaur District, where they have lived for generations. As part of the wider Utmankhel tribal community, the Alizai share a common ancestry, Pashtun traditions, and the cultural heritage of the Utmankhel tribe.
Sections: Mamunzai, Isozai, Adrizai, Urazai
▸ Gorai
The Gorai are an important sub-tribe of the Utmankhel. They are traditionally settled in the Panjkora riverbed near Talash, opposite Sharbatai, in Lower Dir District. The Gorai have historically maintained close ties with neighboring Utmankhel communities and remain an integral part of the wider Utmankhel tribal structure.
Sections: Khushal Kor, Rahman Kor
▸ Stanadar
The Stanadar are one of the recognized sub-tribes of the Utmankhel tribe. They are traditionally settled in the Stanadar area of Barang Tehsil (Arang & Barang), Bajaur District, where they have lived for generations. The sub-tribe has maintained its distinct local identity while remaining an integral part of the wider Utmankhel tribal community.
These Sub-Tribes have their own family traditions and local settlements while sharing the common ancestry and cultural heritage of the Utmankhel tribe.
Smaller Clans and Family Branches
Beyond the major sub-tribes, the Utmankhel tribe includes hundreds of smaller clans, lineages, khels, and extended family groups. Many originated as branches of the larger sub-tribes, while others gradually developed into distinct local identities through migration, population growth, intermarriage, and the establishment of new villages.
