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Dhanyal / Dhanial is one of the largest tribe living in Potohar plateau and Lower Himalayas. This tribe traces their lineage to Ali ibn Abi-Talib. Most of the Dhanyals are setteled in the cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabadand in Murree Hills. Other branches of the tribe live in Kashmir, Abbotabad, Sialkot and Hazara.

Dhanyals are famous for their bravery. Members of this tribe were recruited into the armies of the Mughal Empire, British Empire and after Independence, into the Pakistan Army.

After independence however the Dhanyals in urban areas have turned to other fields such as education, medicine, engineering and business and social sciences. The literacy rate of this tribe is 100%.

The name 'Dhanyal/Dhanial' is derived from Mohazzam Shah which was the name chief and famous sufi saint of Lower Himalyas who shifted from Dhan (old name of Chakwal) in late 12th century. Forefathers of Mohazzam Shah ruled Multan state for about 190 years. They were Alvis and were shifted into Multan from Iraq in around 8th century. Mohazzam Shah had supported Shahabuddin Ghouri to curb the activities of Rajputs who always attacks muslim army of Shahbuddin Ghouri. Due to influence of Mohazzam Shah aias Hazrat Baba Dhani Pir, many non-Muslims of this area converted to Islam. Mohazzam Shah sacrefices his life with the battle of Hindu Rajputs in Kashmir in 13th century. Mohazzam Shah was the spiritual leader of Dhanyal, Satti and Abbasi tripes in the area of Murree Hills, plain area of potohar and Kashimir.

Hazrat Baba Dhani Pir's shrine is situated in Mouri Sayyaedan, a valley on Lehtrar Road, Islamabad. An Urs (annual death anniversary) is held every year in April at his shrine.

• Raja Muhammad Irshad, currently Deputy Attorney General for Pakistan.
• Raja Pervez Akhtar, currently Director General Federal Public Service Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan.