Hangu lies in a narrow valley west of Kohat, on the road that runs on to Thall and the Kurram district. It is a small district of farming villages, a crowded bazaar and families that have lived through difficult years. Many households depend on men working in the Gulf or in Pakistan’s big cities. Behind most searches for an NGO in Hangu lies a very practical need: flour for the month, a loan that cannot be repaid, a sick parent, or fees for a child who wants to keep studying.
Hangu, Thall and Doaba all lie within reach of Peace and Humanity Welfare Organization (PHWO), even though it works from far away. No PHWO worker, room or centre exists in Hangu; its sole address is in Larkana, Sindh. People in Hangu reach PHWO online, through Message PHWO in a free PHWO account, or through a volunteer. Everything is free. Every request is verified and assessed. Aid is arranged when the story is confirmed and the need can be answered; nobody is given a promise.
Hangu District in the 2023 Census
Official 2023 census results give Hangu 528,902 people on 1,097 square kilometres. About 16 percent lived in urban areas. Households were among the largest in the province, averaging 8.6 people. The census also shows population growth of only about 0.3 percent a year since 2017, far slower than most districts, and the urban population actually fell. Pashto is the mother tongue of almost everyone, as the language table records.
Slow growth often reflects people moving away for work and safety, leaving behind older parents, women and children.
Families who moved, and families who stayed
Hangu has been touched by unrest in the neighbouring tribal districts, and it has also sheltered people fleeing it. When military operations in North Waziristan displaced large numbers of people in 2014, UN OCHA recorded families moving into Hangu as well as Bannu, Kohat and Karak (OCHA situation report, June 2014). Some still live in rented homes, far from their land.
Whether your family has lived in Hangu for generations or arrived more recently, the way to apply is the same. PHWO looks at your need today. It does not take sides in any tribal, sectarian or political matter; it is non-political and non-sectarian, and anyone in need may apply.
Common needs in Hangu households
Farming here is mostly small plots of wheat and maize, with some orchards and livestock. Wages from labour in Karachi or abroad fill the gaps. When those wages stop, families borrow for food, medicine and school fees.
Through Request help you can ask about monthly ration, clearing a debt, medical bills, school and college fees, rent, or a laptop or phone that would let a young person study or earn online. Across Pakistan, ration, debt and study devices are the three things PHWO is asked for most. Explain your situation honestly and attach proof where you have it.
Older parents left alone when their sons move away are a particular concern in a district where the population is barely growing. If you are caring for elderly relatives without steady income, or you are an older person living alone, say so plainly. Medicines for long-term illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease can be a heavy monthly cost, and you may include them in your request with the prescriptions.
Hangu women hoping to earn from home through sewing, computers or other trades may ask about Programmes.
Sending a request from Hangu
- Use the form or message PHWO from your free PHWO account.
- Include a live photo of yourself, and explain your need in Pashto or Urdu.
- Note each family member and every source of money.
- Receipts from the hospital or college, and loan papers, strengthen the file.
A volunteer may call you to check details. Please be careful: PHWO never charges for anything, and nobody may ask you for money to process a request.
Legal advice for Hangu cases
Cases from Hangu start in its own sessions and family courts, with any appeal carried to Peshawar. Family matters make up much of what people ask PHWO about: maintenance for children, dower, khula and custody. Land and inheritance disputes are also common.
Send your papers and a short description through Free legal aid. Volunteer advocates will read them and tell you your options. An FIR is not required. Files involving children or an imminent hearing are read first. A volunteer appearing in court on your behalf is not something PHWO can pledge. The Hangu district bar may also help people who cannot pay.
Public services in Hangu
- District Headquarters Hospital Hangu; serious patients are often referred to Kohat or Peshawar.
- Emergencies: Rescue on 1122, police on 15.
- For Kafaalat, BISP accepts an SMS of the CNIC to 8171; see bisp.gov.pk.
- Hangu’s local zakat committees for official zakat.
- Provincial offices on kp.gov.pk.
Supporting Hangu from near and far
Hangu people settled in Peshawar, Karachi or the Gulf are able to Donate, or Sponsor a case for a verified family. Zakat and Sadaqah through PHWO are passed on in full. Lawyers from Hangu and Kohat, and anyone abroad willing to raise funds, can enrol as a Volunteer; each is thanked with a certificate, a letter of appreciation and an experience letter.
Public services in Hangu you can also use
- District and Sessions Courts HanguFamily, civil and criminal cases
- District Bar Association HanguReferral to advocates
- District Headquarters Hospital HanguGovernment hospital
- Rescue 1122Dial 1122
- PoliceDial 15
- BISP office HanguSMS CNIC to 8171
- District Zakat Committee HanguGovernment zakat
These are public or independent services, listed to help you. They are not part of PHWO.
Frequently asked questions
We came to Hangu from Waziristan and rent a house. Can we apply?
Yes. Your family can apply like any other household, and the same checks apply. Nothing is guaranteed.
Is there a PHWO office in Hangu or Thall?
No. The only PHWO office is in Larkana, Sindh; you apply from your phone.
Does PHWO favour any sect or tribe?
No. It stays out of politics and sectarian lines and considers need alone.
My daughter wants to study but we cannot pay the college fees. What should we send?
Send the fee voucher, her admission proof and a live photo, and explain the family's situation.
Can I volunteer from Kohat to help Hangu families?
Yes. Yes. Register through the Volunteer page; lawyers are particularly welcome.