Excerpt: This post answers the questions “How many rivers are there in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)? What is the total number of rivers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa? How many rivers are located in KPK?”
Nestled in the northwestern region of Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) is known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. One of the most fascinating aspects of this province is its extensive network of rivers, which play a crucial role in the lives of the people and the ecosystem. Rivers in KPK not only provide water for irrigation and drinking but also support various forms of wildlife and offer opportunities for recreation and tourism. In this blog post, we will explore the number of rivers in KPK and delve into some interesting facts about them.
How many rivers are there in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)?
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to twelve major rivers. These rivers traverse through the picturesque valleys and rugged mountains, making the province a vital source of water and natural beauty. Let’s take a closer look at these twelve rivers:

Swat River
The Swat River originates in the Hindu Kush Mountains and flows through the scenic Swat Valley. Known for its crystal-clear waters, the Swat River is a popular destination for tourists and adventure enthusiasts. The river supports agriculture in the region and is also famous for its trout fishing.
Kunar River
The Kunar River, also known as the Chitral River, flows from the Chitral District and enters Afghanistan, where it merges with the Kabul River. This river is vital for irrigation and supports the livelihoods of the local communities along its banks.
Kabul River
The Kabul River originates in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Afghanistan and flows into Pakistan, passing through the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. It eventually merges with the Indus River. The Kabul River is essential for agriculture, providing water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
Chitral River
The Chitral River, also known as the Lutkho River, flows through the Chitral Valley and joins the Kunar River in Afghanistan. This river is known for its pristine beauty and is a popular spot for fishing and rafting.
Bara River
The Bara River flows through the Khyber Agency and the Peshawar Valley, eventually joining the Kabul River. The river is an important source of water for irrigation and domestic use in the region.
Haroo River
The Haroo River, also known as the Haru River, flows through the Kohat District and is a significant source of water for irrigation and drinking purposes. The river supports agriculture in the region and is vital for the local communities.
Gomal River
The Gomal River originates in the eastern slopes of the Spin Ghar Mountains in Afghanistan and flows through the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces of Pakistan. The river is an essential water source for irrigation and supports agriculture in the region.
Dor River
The Dor River flows through the Haripur District and is a tributary of the Haro River. The river provides water for irrigation and supports the local agriculture and economy.
Siran River
The Siran River flows through the Mansehra District and is a tributary of the Indus River. The river is known for its scenic beauty and provides water for irrigation and drinking purposes.
Panjkora River
The Panjkora River flows through the Dir and Swat districts, eventually joining the Swat River. The river is essential for agriculture and supports the livelihoods of the local communities.
Zhob River
The Zhob River, also known as the Zhob River or Zhob Karez, flows through the Zhob District and is a significant source of water for irrigation and drinking purposes. The river supports agriculture and is vital for the local economy.
Kuraam River
The Kuraam River flows through the Kurram Agency and is a tributary of the Indus River. The river is essential for irrigation and supports the livelihoods of the local communities along its banks.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) is blessed with a diverse network of rivers that play a crucial role in the region’s ecosystem and economy. The twelve major rivers – Swat, Kunar, Kabul, Chitral, Bara, Haroo, Gomal, Dor, Siran, Panjkora, Zhob, and Kuraam – not only provide water for irrigation and drinking but also support various forms of wildlife and offer opportunities for recreation and tourism. These rivers are an integral part of the province’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, making KPK a unique and fascinating region to explore.
Source: To ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the information provided, the following sources were referenced:
- About Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – The Official Web Portal to Pakhtunkhwa