Saidu Sharif

Saidu Sharif was established as the capital of Swat State by the first Wali, Miangul Abdul Wadud, in 1926. The town is named after Saidu Baba, a revered Sufi saint whose shrine still draws devotees. Under the Wali's rule, Saidu Sharif became the administrative, educational, and cultural center of the princely state.

The town is surrounded by some of the most important archaeological sites in South Asia. The Butkara Stupa, excavated by the Italian Archaeological Mission in the 1950s, dates back to the 3rd century BC and is one of the oldest Buddhist religious structures in the Gandhara region. The Jahan Abad Buddha, a massive rock carving, and numerous other Buddhist sites lie within a short drive.

After the merger of Swat State with Pakistan in 1969, Saidu Sharif became the headquarters of the Swat district administration. Today, it functions as the twin city of Mingora, housing government offices, Swat University, and the renowned Swat Museum. The town preserves the legacy of both the ancient Gandhara civilization and the more recent Swat State era.