The etymology "Eight Towns", refers to the eight major settlements situated in this region.
[5] In 1812 the Asiatick Society (Calcutta, India) described the Gujars of Afghanistan as brave, mainly pastoral, and numerous in Hashtnagar district.
The Muhammadzai (Charsadda) and Kheshgi were also mentioned as powerful tribes in the area.
[6] A documentary, exploring the political and cultural life of Hashtnagar, has been made by Ammar Aziz[7][8] which is the first ever film on the subject .
[9] It features the local artists and political activists and romanticizes the communist movement of the area.