The northern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are currently gripped by severe cold, and due to the unavailability of natural gas, the local population is using firewood as fuel. Traditional stoves (angithis) are commonly used to burn wood, serving not only as a means of protection against the cold but also as an integral part of daily life.In Lower Dir, the lack of gas connections has made people particularly reliant on these traditional stoves. These stoves are manufactured near Afghan Refugee Camp No. 1, close to Timergara, and are supplied to Upper Dir, Lower Dir, and Bajaur districts. The increasing demand has also affected the prices of stoves in the local market.Currently, the prices of these stoves in the market vary depending on their quality and construction, ranging from 700 to 14,000 rupees. In Lower Dir, the use of traditional stoves is not only an alternative to combat the cold but has also become a significant source of employment for local people.These traditional stoves, made from wood and metal, are handcrafted locally, providing many people with job opportunities. This local craftsmanship not only provides employment but also plays a vital role in the region’s economy.With the rise in demand during the winter season, more people are being drawn into this line of work, making it a means of both energy substitution and economic self-sufficiency.
