BHAKKAR DISTRICTthe heart of thal

LocationIt is located at 31˚37’60N 71˚4’0E at an elevation of 159 meters. The River Indus flows on its western side across which lies district D.I Khan.

Historical Background

The town has some historical background.•Dilkusha Bagh was believed to be constructed by Humayun.•There are remains of handera tomb near Sheikh Raoo Bridge which was believed to be the burial place of Bhakkar Khan.•The present police station was originally a Baloch fortress.

General characteristics

• Area of Bhakkar is 8125 sq. km• Population according 1998 census report is

1,391,729• Population Density is 129 per sq. km• Average Household size is 6.6• Major occupation of people of Bhakkar is farming

and livestock.

Tehsils Union Councils Mauzas Municipal Committees

Town Committees

4 42 580 01 05

Population

Bhakkar is now a bustling town, with population of more than 16 lakh.Saraiki is the dominant language.

Population - 1998

Male 543661 51.71%

Female 507795 48.29 %

Climatic Conditions• Extremely hot and cold climate.• In summer temperature goes up to 50 degree.

Specialities

• Bhakkar is famous souvenir was Karna oil, which was extracted from karna flower which is also Exported to Middle East.

• Channa is the major crop here.

Main Fruits

Citrus, Mangoes, Guavas and Dates are main fruits in the district.

Besides, Figs, Jaman and Falsa are also grown in minor quantity.

FruitsProduction (000 M. Tons) Column1 Column2

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Citrus 22271 20384 22125

Mango 13323 13929 12101

Guava 9456 9607 7888

Dates 4171 4454 4455

Major Vegetable Major vegetables are:•Onion •Brinjal•Turnip•Carrot

VegetableProduction (M. Tons)

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Onion 13064 4061 11475

Brinjal 1594 1568 1601

Turnip 1488 1518 1463

Carrot 1157 1194 1135

AgricultureMain agricultural crops of the district are:i)Gram ii) Sugarcane iii) Wheat

Besides, Guar seed, cotton, Jawar, Rice, Bajra, Mash, Masoor, Moong, Ground nut, Oil seeds such as Rape/ Mustard and Sunflower are also grown in minor quantity.

Crops

Production (000 M. Tons) Column1 Column2

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Sugarcane 533 625 713Wheat 379 367 339Gram 168 328 174

Agricultural Land Use

Particulars Total

Forest area 114362

Culturable waste 62766

Uncultivable waste 125512

Cultivated area 1703019

Sailaba 4091

Barani 993048

Irrigated 705880

Canal Irrigated 344371

Tube well Irrigated 361509

EducationThe literacy rate of Bhakkar is increasing day by day due to policies of educational ministry.The colleges/Universities of Bhakkar are playing an important role to build the career of the students by offering higher education services with qualified staff.Among the list of colleges/Universities in Bhakkar the, Govt. Vocational Training Institute, Govt.Vocational Training Institute, Govt. College of Commerce, Govt. Institute of Commerce, Govt. Technical Training Centre and School of Nursing DHQ Hospital are considered the best colleges/Universities in Bhakkar.

Industry

• A Textile Mills "Colony Thal Textile Mills Ltd., Ismailpur Bhakkar working since 1956.

• A Sugar Mill "Fecto Sugar Mills Limited., Darya Khan".

Man Power Availability

• As regards availability of skilled labour, there are 9 technical/ commercial/ vocational institutions (5 for men, 4 for women) imparting training in various trades e.g. mechanical, electrical, auto engineering, welding, wood work and commerce.

• Vocational institutions for women impart training in hand made embroidery, stitching and knitting.

• 2439 trained workers are produced annually.

HealthDuring the past few years health sector has progressed very much. Most of the progress is made in private sector and the health services provided by the Government are not sufficient at all. Now there are 4-5 private hospitals and number of private clinics which are providing very good facilities.

Transport LinkagesFour major road networks connect Bhakkar to other districts:•Jhang- Bhakkar Road•Laiyyah- Bhakkar Road•MM Road•Darya Khan- Bhakkar RoadRail link:Kundian-Multan Cantonment provides major rail links.It is connected with Mianwali and Laiyyah through rail link.