The district of Bhakkar derives its name from the district headquarters town probably named after Bhakkar Khan alias Bhako, one of the early settlers. The Bhakkar district was created in 1982 after slicing the area from district Mianwali of which it was a part as a sub-division. Besides sub-division Bhakkar, sub-divisions Kallurkot and Mankera were also established to constitute the new district. Moreover, Darya Khan has been carved out as independent Tehsil or sub-division from Bhakkar sub-division in the wake of the re-shuffling of newly created district.

Its area consists of riverine tract along the Indus called Kacha and the Thal historically called Chol-e-Jalali. Most of its area comprises greater Thal. Mankera in centre of The Great Thal is a place of great antiquity. The old fort here; a historical heritage, is a great land mark of Thal needs preservation. Another old place in the district is Kallurkot. Bakhar is part of Seraiki Wasaib