Rahimabad, Gilgit-Baltistan

Rahimabad (Burushaski: رحیم آباد) is a hill station in Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.^[1] It is known for its scenery and is situated along the Hunza River.^[2]

The village falls administratively under Tehsil Danyore in the Gilgit District.

The earliest known name for the settlement was Partab Singh Pura, attributed to a Sikh ruler named Raja Partab Singh.^[3][4]

Over time the village became known as Matumdass, a term in the Brushaski language meaning “Dark Plain.” The modern name Rahimabad was adopted in honor of Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community. ^[4]

The residents of Rahimabad are primarily speakers of the local language Burushaski; many also speak Shina or related local dialects. ^[5]

Many families in Rahimabad trace their origins to central Hunza, having migrated and brought their cultural heritage with them, blending it with the local environment. ^[4]

The community life is marked by traditional mountain-valley lifestyles, with strong family and communal ties. Agriculture, small-scale trade, and other jobs contribute to a self-sufficient local society.

According to elders, Raja Partab Singh lived in the highlands known as Malchi, an area about 400 meters above the main settlement. ^[3]

Malchi contains a small natural spring and has long been used as winter grazing land due to limited water availability. Although some parts are irrigated enough to allow small-scale cultivation, the land continues to be divided among different tribes. This reflects longstanding communal practices that have shaped local land use.