The winter season in Pakistan’s northern areas is harsh and unforgiving, and gas for indoor heating is not always readily available. But when the weather starts to get chilly, people in Diamer turn to an old, familiar device to stay warm.

Traditional stoves, locally referred to as an angeethi, are affordable and use wood which can is cheap and easily available. Although, they are used throughout the northern areas, they are especially common in Diamer.

The stoves are manufactured locally in Diamer using metal sheets. The metal and other components are brought from Punjab, in particular from Rawalpindi and Gujranwala. But even though prices for the components are rising, local builders say that they try to keep prices as low as possible.

Business booms in the high demand of the winter season, particularly from September to January. People from as far as Kashmir come to buy. Buyers prefer them because they are affordable and durable.

The stoves burn wood and contain the ashes in a lower chamber which can be cleaned easily.

While locally made stoves have been associated with breathing troubles due to indoor burning, the stoves have slowly evolved to overcome this problem. New stoves being sold have a high chimney installed in them that goes through the roof, safely helping the smoke exit.