Khan of Hangu

The Khan had the roles of King, Commander in Chief of the Army, and Jirga Leader, all in one. ^{[citation needed]} Absolute authority was exercised by the Chiefs. Their control gradually extended up until a point in time. During the reign of Ghulam Muhammad Khan, the eighth Khan of Hangu, his control extended from the borders of Waziristan in the south to Mattani in the Peshawar district in the northeast.

After the British came to the North-west Frontier for occupation, they faced strong resistance^{[clarification needed]} from the local Pashtun population. A number of expeditions were sent to every area that did not pay revenue or dismissed British rule. Hangu valley was no exception. However, when Hangu's borders were continually attacked by Wazir tribes in adjacent Waziristan, especially the city of Thall, Hangu had to cease fire after the first Miranzai expedition. However, with the Waziristan tribes still continuing their raids on British garrisons and Hangu villages, the Khan sought revenge for betrayal and an alliance with the British was made to put an end to the rebels once and for all. The second Miranzai expedition was led by General Chamberlain, Muhammad Amin Khan, who was a cousin of the Khan of the time 'Ghulam Haider Khan' and Captain Coke. Amin Khan knew how to deal with the Wazirs and therefore was present in the British contingent. The expedition was a success and succeeded in crushing the raiders, forcing them to submit and pay revenue. Some Turi tribe elements, also involved in the raids, were also dealt with.^{[clarification needed]} Turis were allied to the Bangash of Thall but later turned their backs against them.

Ghulam Haider Khan died when his eldest son, Khan Bahadur Allahyar Khan, was still very young.^{[clarification needed]} This led to the decision of making Ghulam Haider Khan's brother, Muzaffar Khan, the chief. The title of Khan was confirmed to Muzaffar Khan despite Captain Coke's insistence on making another man, loyal to him, the chief. On this Captain Coke resigned.

The Khans of Hangu were on friendly terms with the Mughal and later Durrani empires. They were fierce rivals of the Brakazais, who succeeded the Durranis.

A number of letters, usually of national importance, were exchanged between the Mughal rulers and Hangu chiefs. Letters from emperors Shah Jahan, Jahangir and Aurangzeb are still in possession of the family.

The Khans and their Armies had differing relations with the British government. At first they were completely against them and fought valiantly to oppose occupation. But after the Waziristan and Turi fronts continued to disrupt any progress, they decided to join hands with the British and deal with them by force.

Just as seen in international politics today, all alliances, treaties and agreements etc. are signed based on national interests. Hangu, assessing the situation, and seeking vengeance, sided with the party that contributed in protecting their interests.