Sahiwal DivisionFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sahiwal Divisionساہیوال

Division

Clockwise from top: Government College Sahiwal, Yadgar Sahiwal, St. Patrick's Church Sahiwal, Ghanta ghar, Baba Farid Mazar, Sahiwal

Breed Bulls, Masjid Tyeeba, DPS Sahiwal

Clockwise from top: Government College Sahiwal, Yadgar Sahiwal, St. Patrick's

Church Sahiwal, Ghanta ghar, Baba Farid Mazar, Sahiwal Breed Bulls, Masjid

Tyeeba, DPS Sahiwal

Location of Sahiwal(in red) in Punjab, Pakistan and (inset) Punjab in Pakistan.

Coordinates: 30°39′52″N 73°6′30″E

Country Pakistan

Province Punjab

Capital Sahiwal

Established 2008[1]

Districts 3

Government

 • Type District

 • Divisional Commissioner Barrister Nabeel Ahmad Awan

 • District Coordination Officer

Mr. Zulfiqar Ghumman

Area

 • Total 10,302 km2 (3,978 sq mi)

Population (1998)

 • Total 6,271,247

Combined population of all Districts of

Sahiwal

Time zone PST (UTC+5)

Postal code 57000

Dialling code 045[2]

Website www.sahiwal.gov.pk

Sahiwal Division (Urdu: ساہیوال) is one of the nine Divisions of Punjab province of Pakistan. As of 1998, current

regions of Sahiwal had a population of 6,271,247 people, with an annual growth-rate of 1.92%. [3] Since

2008, Sahiwal District along with Okara District and Pakpattan District has comprised the Sahiwal Division. The

city of Sahiwal is the capital of both the district and the division. About 18 miles south-west of Sahiwal

is Harappa, an ancient city of the world, oldest urban center of Harappan or Indus civilization in South Asia.

About 28 miles (45 km) west of Sahiwal, at Kamalia, is the site of Malli city captured by Alexander the Great in

325 bc. Alexander stayed in this region of Punjab for two years and fought almost 12 wars during his stay.[1]

In 1849, a district (now Sahiwal) was made with the name Pakpattan between Lahore and Multan for the

administrative purposes. In 1851, its headquarter was moved to Gogera and this region got the name Gogera.

In September 1858, participating in India's First War of Independence, this region fought war under the

command of great Freedom Fighter Rai Ahmed Nawaz Khan Kharalwho was the famous landlord in this area.

Along with his companions Murad Fatiana, Shujaa Bhadur, and Mokha Wehniwal, Rai Ahmed Nawaz Khan

Kharal killed Lord Burkley the Commissioner for Gogera. They led an insurrection in the wide area of Punjab

covering Ganji Bar, Neeli Bar and Sandal Bar area (an area between rivers Sutlej, Ravi River and Chenab

River covered with thick forests in past). These great warriors held the jungles of Gogera and gave the

immense resistance to the British forces, besiegingMajor Crawford Chamberlain at Chichawatni. In 1954, when

Railway tack between Lahore and Multan was laid under the British Raj, a large railway station was constructed

here and this region got the name of Sahiwal after the Sahi Clan of Kharal Rajputs who were the inhabitants of

this area. In 1865, Sahiwal name was changed and it was named Montgomery after Sir Robert Montgomery,

then Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab.[1] Its current name was reinstated in 1966.

Contents

1 Location

2 Administration

3 History

4 Climate

5 Economy

o 5.1 Agriculture

o 5.2 Industry

6 Education

o 6.1 Institutes

o 6.2 Libraries

7 Demography

8 Notable residents

9 Central Jail Sahiwal

10 Twin cities

11 See also

12 References

Location[edit source | edit]

boundaries of Sahiwal Division

Sahiwal Division is located in the south-east of Punjab, 175 km from Multan Division onN-5 National Highway.

It lies between 30-40 north latitude and 73-06 longitude. It is 500 ft (150 m) above sea level, forming a

parallelogram lying NE-SW along the River Ravi. Sahiwal city is 100 km from east to west and 45 km. This

Division is bounded byFaisalabad Division to west and Multan Division to south. Bahawalpur Division and India

borders the Sahiwal division from east and Lahore Division from the north.

Sahiwal is a plane of three rivers; Ravi River in the west, Satluj in the east, while the dry River Khushak Bias

passes through the Sahiwal separating the Sahiwal Districtfrom the Pakpattan District. A notable area of almost

28,956 acres is forests.

Administration[edit source | edit]

Sahiwal Division consists of following three Districts and seven Tehsils;

Division Districts Tehsils

Sahiwal

SahiwalSahiwal

Chichawatni

Okara

Okara

Depalpur

Renala Khurd

PakpattanPakpattan

Arifwala

Sahiwal is one of the nine Divisions of Punjab, Pakistan. In 2008, after the public elections, the new democratic

government decided to restore the former tier of Divisions and appointedCommissionaires for each division.

Sahiwal Division is the newest with an area of 10302 km² which comprises three Districts which are Sahiwal

District, Pakpattan District and Okara District. In every district, the Provincial Government appoints a District

Coordination Officer. The District Coordination Officer (DCO) is the coordinating head of the District

Administration. Each district is further divided intoTehsils. Sahiwal District have two

tehsils; Sahiwal and Chichawatni with prominent towns like Qadirabad, Yousafwala, Iqbal Nagar, Kassowal,

Noorshah, Gogera, Malkahans, Harappa and Ghaziabad. Sahiwal is connected via National

Highway and Pakistan Railways to all Pakistan.

The maintenance of law & order and control of crime functions are performed by the police under the Regional

or Divisional head of police designated as Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sahiwal Region or Division. The

districts of Sahiwal, Pakpattan and Okara are headed by the District Police Officers (DPOs) respectively . For

better co-ordination of government functions, the District and Police Administrations work in unison to enforce

the writ of the government and safeguarding public interests.

History[edit source | edit]

This region has a very rich history. Harappa, which is now a large village in the Sahiwal, was once home to one

of the earliest urban civilizations of the world; the Indus Valley Civilization.[4]

The foreground well is one of eight wells that have thus far been discovered atHarappa. The water used by the population

probably came from the adjacent Ravi River. The curved wall was probably a large drain used during the latter stages of

ancient Harappa, around 2,000 B.C.

Indus Valley Civilization is considered as Bronze Age Civilization (3300–1300 BCE; mature period 2600–1900

BCE)with Mesopotamia andAncient Egypt as its contemporaries. At its peak, the Indus Civilization may have

had a population of well over five million. Inhabitants of the ancient Indus river valley, Harappans, developed

new techniques in metallurgy and handicraft (carneol products, seal carving), and produced copper, bronze,

lead, and tin. The civilization is noted for its cities built of brick, roadside drainage system, and multistoried

houses. The mature phase of this civilization is known as the Harappan Civilization which overlapped the

transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age; thus it is difficult to date this transition accurately. The declining

period of the IVC from about 1,900 BC and most widely accepted factor of this decline is ecological change due

to which migrations occurred. Shaffer & Lichtenstein (in Erdosy 1995:139) stated that: "This shift by Harappan

and, perhaps, other Indus Valley cultural mosaic groups, is the only archaeologically documented west-to-east

movement of human populations in South Asia before the first half of the first millennium B.C.." This could have

been caused by ecological factors, such as the drying up of theGhaggar-Hakra River and increased aridity

in Rajasthan and other places. The Indus River also began to flow east and floodings occurred. [5]Shaffer (as

cited in Bryant 2001:192) contends: "There were no invasions from central or western South Asia. Rather there

were several internal cultural adjustments reflecting altered ecological, social and economic conditions affecting

northwestern and north-central South Asia". However, Indo-Aryan migration into this region is noted as

approximately contemporaneous to the final phase of the decline of the Indus-Valley civilization (IVC).

Around 327 B.C Alexander the Greatattacked Porus who was ruling the region between Jhelum and Chanab regions and

was the local king who fought bravely against Alexander.

Alexander crossed into India in 327 B.C.E. Here, he defeated many kingdoms capturing the jungles and planes

of Indus, Chenab and Ravi. During his conquests, he with his army stooped at a village belonged to the Mallis,

who were said to be one of the most warlike of the Indian tribes. Alexander was wounded several times in this

attack, most seriously when an arrow pierced his breastplate and his ribcage.[3] This village of malli is located

in Kamalia near Sahiwal.

After Alexander left back, this region along with the whole Indian subcontinent was ruled by the Ashoka the

great (Maurya Empire) for some two hundred years. After that no significant ruler came and this region remain

under the invasion of Muslims, Mongols, Lodhis and many others till the Babur came and laid down the

foundation of Mughal Empirein 1526. However, after just four year after the death of Babur his

son Humayunruled India who later on was defeated by Sher Shah Suri. A soldier of fortune, Sher Shah also

proved himself a gifted administrator as well as an able general. He during his reign laid down the net of road.

The road connecting Delhi to Multan, he constructed, passed from Gogera, Sahiwalis known in locals

as Kakhan Wali Sarak. To maintain his power in this region he constructed a fort in Shergarh (in today's

Sahiwal).

The Mughals controlled the region from 1524 until 1739. The pastoral tribes of this barren expanse did not

appear to have paid more than a nominal allegiance to the Muslim rulers, and even in the 19th century,

when Ranjit Singh extended the Sikh supremacy as far as Multan, the population for the most part remained in

a chronic state of rebellion. After the hold of the Mughal Empire had relaxed, the District was divided among

the Sikh Nakkais and a number of important Muslim tribes (Kharrals, Sials, Wattus, Hans). Between 1804–

1810, Maharaja Ranjit Singhheld most of the district, except for a strip on the Sutlej, which was held by the

Nawab of Bahawalpur on payment of tribute to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. However, it was occupied by Maharaja

Ranjit Singh on default of payment. His rule remained till 1839 then after his death the empire was severely

weakened by internal divisions and political mismanagement. This opportunity was used by the British

Empire to launch the Anglo-Sikh Wars from 1845 to 1849. This region was the last territory to be merged into

British India. British influence was first exercised in the district in 1847, when an officer was deputed to effect a

summary settlement of the land revenue. The district came under direct British rule in 1849, when the district

was officially formed with its headquarters at Pakpattan. The district was expanded to include the trans-Ravi

portion in 1852, and the district headquarters were moved to Gogera. In 1865, when the railway was opened, a

village on the railway, was namedMontgomery and became the capital of the district.[6]

This region also played a great role during the Indian rebellion of 1857. During that time, there was a general

rising of the Jat clans, the District formed the scene of the only rising which took place north of the Sutlej. The

District authorities, however, kept down the threatened rising till August 26, 1857 when the prisoners in jail

made a desperate attempt to break loose. At the same time Rae Ahmed Nawaz Khan Kharal, head of the

Khurrul tribe, who had been detained at Gogera, broke his arrest, and, though apprehended, was released on

security, together with several other suspected chieftains.[7] In September 1858 Rae Ahmed Khan led an

insurrection in the Neeli Bar district, between the Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers in the love of mother land. The

freedom fighters held the jungles of Gogera and had some successes against the British forces in open

rebellion. Kot Kamalia was sacked; and Major Crawford Chamberlain, moving up with a small force from

Multan, was besieged for some days at Chichawatni on the Ravi. These freedom fighters were actually able to

make vast part of their land totally free of the British Raj for at least three months. Along with his companions

Murad Fatiana, Shujaa Bhadroo, and Mokha Wehniwal, Ahmed Khan killed Lord Burkley the Commissioner

for Gogera. He united most of the Bari tribes against the British rule. They also attacked the Gogera Central

Jail and ensured the freedom of hundreds of freedom fighters who were kept there for charge of actively taking

part in the War of Independence. Several minor actions followed in the open field, until finally the rebels, driven

from the plain into the wildest jungles of the interior, were utterly defeated and dispersed. The British troops

then inflicted severe punishment on the insurgent clans, destroying their villages, and seizing large numbers of

cattle for sale.[7]

This district was part of the Lahore Division of Punjab Province. After the independence, the district awarded to

Pakistan in 1947. It's boundaries were changed few times till 2008 when it got the level of Division The

predominantly Muslim population supported Muslim League and Pakistan Movement. After

the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the minority Hindus andSikhs migrated to India while

the Muslim refugees from India settled in the Sahiwal Division.

Climate[edit source | edit]

Sahiwal area is dominated by grasses,shrubs and forests which are features ofSemi-arid climate

Sahiwal has a Hot Semi-arid climate as classified by Köppen climate classification. More precisely, it

intermediates between Desert Climates(BW) and humid climates in ecological characteristics and agricultural

potential.

The climate tends to have hot, sometimes extremely hot, summers and mild warm winters. Being around the

fringes of Subtropical Deserts and at lower latitude, it has warmer wet seasons and cooler dry seasons. It also

experiences the seasonal effects of Monsoon, being extremely wet during the monsoon months and dry during

the rest of the year, with few or no months bringing moderate levels of precipitation.

The weather of Sahiwal is extreme during the months of May, June and July, when the temperatures soar to

40-50°C. While in winter, down to 5-10°C minimum. The average rainfall is about 200 mm annual.[1] The soil of

the land is very fertile and climate tends to support short or scrubby vegetation. A significant area is dominated

by grasses, shrubs and forests.

Economy[edit source | edit]

The economy of Sahiwal Division depends on agriculture and agro-based industries.

Agriculture[edit source | edit]

Cotton, Wheat and Corn; A view of Sahiwal' Grain Market

Sahiwal being the land of three rivers is considered as one of the most fertile land zones of Punjab. Therefore,

due to the most sophisticated canal irrigation system and supporting ecological and climate characteristics, this

area has a good potential for producing almost all kind of food commodities. Another reason of diverse

cropping pattern of the area is the heterogeneity in agro-climatic conditions, producing crops such

asWheat, Sugarcane, Cotton, Tobacco, Rice, Maize, Oilseeds and Rape/Mustard Seed. The vegetables

produced by this piece of land arePotato, Onion, Cauliflower, Peas, Carrot, Turnip and Ladyfinger, while

famous fruits of this area are Citrus, Guava, Orange, Lemon, Mango,Dates, Jambul, Jujube and Mulberry.

Sahiwal also contains some sandy areas near the Dry River Dias. These sandy areas are not suitable for

cropping the Rice, but considered as better for the production of Cotton and Peanut. This region is famous for

producing the best cotton of the world. Cotton is second largest crop while Wheat is the largest crop of Sahiwal.

Similarly, lands of Yousuf wala and Arif wala are famous for producing Corn.

A View of Safaida trees in Chichawatniforest

Nili ravi and cow of sahiwal are the best milk breeds in world

The other significant feature of Sahiwal is its forests. Archaeologists suggest that the forests are present in this

area since old Harappan Civilization. During excavation of Harappa, archaeologist found a number of

sculptures, stamps and seals depicting the animals like Bull, Elephant, Zebra and Rhinoceros. These are the

animals of Hot Humid subtropical climate in which Sahiwal is also fall. So it can be concluded that, this land

hosted great forests and animals in ancient times. At present, there is an area of 28,956 acres (117 km2) of

forests in different parts of Sahiwal division like Chichawatni and Okara.[1] Peepal, Bargad, Safaida, Peelu, Jundi, Sal, Okaan, Shisham,Kikar/Babul, Neem and Bakain are the

prominent trees of this area.

Main article: Sahiwal Breed

Additionally, Sahiwal cattle breed, which is the best dairy breed of Zebu or humped cattle, is the main source of

world wide fame of Sahiwal. It is thick-resistant, heat-tolerant and resistant to parasites, both internal and

external.[8][9][10]Cows average 2270 liters of milk while suckling a calf and much higher milk yields have been

recorded. Besides, as oxen they are generally docile and lethargic, making them more useful for slow work.

Information in DAD-IS (2005) indicated that the Sahiwal breed show resistance to tick-borne diseases.

Because of these major reasons, they are introduced to many tropical countries. Due to their heat tolerance

and high milk production they have been exported to other Asian countries, Africa (Kenya, Jamaica, Guyana,

Burundi, Somalia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria), Caribbean and around the world. [8][9][10] Other livestocks like

sheep, goat, fish and poultry are also in abundant in the region. Nilli Ravi Buffalo, a world wide famous breed

of buffalo, is also belong to Sahiwal region.

Industry[edit source | edit]

The industry of Sahiwal division is dominated by agro-based industries and has approximately 1682 industrial

units. The main industries include beverage & food processing units (Mitchell's Fruit Farms Limited,

Montgomery Biscuits & Sweets Factory etc.), rice mills, sugar mills (Ittefaq Sugar Mills Limited, Baba Farid

Sugar Mills Limited etc.), drugs & pharmaceuticals, tobacco (Lackson Tobacco etc.), cotton ginning & pressing,

flour mills, fertilizer companies (Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited etc.), vegetable ghee & cooking Oil (Habib Oil

Mill etc.), textile weaving/spinning, soap & detergent, paper & paper board, poultry feed, seed processing and

leather products.

Education[edit source | edit]

Although Sahiwal Division mainly comprises villages, it has a relatively higher rate of literacy than many other

regions of Punjab. The average urban literacy rate of Sahiwal Division (Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan) is 60.7%

while the rural literacy rate is 33.8%.[1] There are several educational institutes of quality in this area.

Under-Construction Building ofCOMSATS Sahiwal

Institutes[edit source | edit]

COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, which is ranked at 6th position in Pakistan is one of the leading

institute in Sahiwal offering under-graduate and graduate programmes since 2005 in a broad range of

programs. The offered programs are from management sciences, computer science, biosciences, engineering

and humanities. University of Education is another notable University of Sahiwal Division which was

established on September 10, 2002 and it is the first specialized university in the field of Education in Pakistan.

Similarly, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Sub-Campus Sahiwal, Acute Business College and Virtual University

Sahiwal Campus are the other post graduate and professional institutes offering several programs especially in

Business related field (BBA, MBA, ACCA and CAT).

Buildings of DPS Sahiwal, Okara and Pakpattan (Up to Down)

In Medicine education, Sahiwal Medical College keeps the significant importance. It is the only Medical Institute

between the Lahore and Multan region. Its building is yet to be constructed, however classes are being held in

the premises of DHQ Hospital Sahiwal. For short course and nursing education, there is another institute

named School of Nursing, DHQ Hospital, Okara.

College of Technology Sahiwal and Allama Iqbal Polytechnic Institute ( Reg.) Sahiwal, Pakistan. are playing an

important role in providing technical education to the students of this area. These institutes offers degrees in

electrical, mechanical, civil, automobile, food processing and many other technologies. These institutes are

affiliated with the TEVTA

Beautiful Entrance of Govt. Post Graduate College Sahiwal

This page would be incomplete without mentioning the most prestigious institute of region; Govt. Post Graduate

College Sahiwal [4] . It was established in 1942 and produced a great wealth of glowing traditions during this

period of 64 years. This college is an example of its own in the whole country. It covers an area of 84 acres

enjoying a distinction of Sahiwal on account of its beautiful building, captivating mosque, grand hostel, unique

pond, fantastic library, pavilion, spacious canteen, colorful Rose-garden, Sunken-garden, Terrace-garden and

the big and wide Oval. It offers dozens of programs from 23 departments.[1]

Divisional Public School and College, Sahiwal, Public School and College, Okara and Divisional Public School

Pakpattan are another high-rated institutes in the area. They offer education till the intermediate level in both

Engineering and Medicine. These are well disciplined and quality of education there is pretty high.

Other notable schools are Beaconhouse School System, BloomField Hall, The City School, Army Public School

Okara, Government College For Women Sahiwal, Government High School Sahiwal, Government Mahmoodia

High School Sahiwal, Comprehensive School Sahiwal, Government Pilot Higher Secondary School,

Government Immamia College, Muhammadan Law College Sahiwal, Multan Law College Sahiwal, Government

Commerce College, The Educators, Punjab Group of Colleges and The Limit Group of Colleges Okara.

Libraries[edit source | edit]

Sahiwal Division has following libraries;

Jinnah Public Library, Sahiwal; The third largest library of Punjab, Pakistan

Govt. Jinnah Public Library, Sahiwal  was built in 1989, having more than 30,000 books. It is the 3rd

biggest Public library of the province of the Punjab. The number of regular members is more than 4000.

The library also organizes seminars, workshops, book fairs and book exhibition throughout the year.

COMSATS Sahiwal Library  has open shelves collection with vide range of books, Audio-Visual Material,

CDs, Data Bases, Newspapers, National and International Journals / Magazines, Thesis, Projects, etc.

The facility of more than 30,000 online research journals / Magazines and more than 50,000 books on

different subjects through HEC Digital Library Program, is also accessible here at Sahiwal.

Govt. Post Graduate College Sahiwal Library  is the largest library in Sahiwal Division with more than

50,000 books.

Sahiwal Public library, also known as Library Bazm-e-Adab-o-Fikr is the oldest library of Sahiwal.

Other libraries are Baldia Library, Govt. College for Women library, Zila Council Library' and Districts Bar

Libraries.

Demography[edit source | edit]

As per the 1998' Census of Pakistan, Sahiwal Division has a population of 6,271,247 with a population

density of 608 people per km2. This figure includes all three districts of Sahiwal Division. The female proportion

is 47%, Urban proportion is 75%, Urban literacy rate is 60.7% and Rural literacy rate is 33.8%, according to this

1998's census.[1]

Picture depicts the Mass migration of people from East to West Punjab (areas like Lahore, Sialkot and Sahiwal) in 1947

Locals & Migrants: This area hosts four type of people. First, those who are native to these lands are small in

population, and were consisted largely of pastoral communities in eighties. Second are the people who were

called here and allotted lands during the British Raj around 1849. Third are the Abadkar people who, after the

establishment of irrigation/canal system in this area, were forcibly displaced from other areas of Punjab, mostly

from eastern parts. It was these migrants that became the share-cropping tenants of the state-owned farms.

They first had to completely change the landscape of the area and were promised ownership rights by the

colonialists under the so-called Abadkari schemes and then lands were allotted to them. [1] Fourth type is of

people who came here after the Independence of Pakistan in 1947 and they made 14% of population in 1998'

census.

Religion: Sahiwal was conquered by Muhammad Bin Qasim and later the teachings of Fariduddin

Ganjshakar became the main source of propagation of Islam in this region. Before independence of Pakistan,

sahiwal was known as Montgomery. The predominantly Muslim population supported Muslim

League and Pakistan Movement. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the

minority Hindus and Sikhsmigrated to India while some Muslim refugees from India settled in the Sahiwal

Division. In 1998, Muslim proportion was over 98.7%.

Language: Punjabi is the native language of majority population of district. Urdu is also widely spoken.

Clans: The Sahiwal Division was historically home to various clans of Kharal Rajputs (Sahis, Bashera,

Purbera), Tullah, Maher, Dogar, Syal,

Sanpal, Sipra, Khichi, Wasli, Kamboh, Kathia, Arain, Langriyal, Bhatti, Bhutta, Jats, Murdana a Subtribe

of Rind Balochs, Khagga (Qureshi), Pathans and Gillani Syeds of Shekhu Shareef.

Notable residents[edit source | edit]

Abdus Salam , Pakistan's only Nobel Prize winner was born in Santokdas, Division Sahiwal, according to

his elder sister and his obituary,[11] although he grew up in Jhang. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for his

achievements in the field of Theoretical Physics in 1979. He is buried in Rabwah, in the Jhang district.

Fariduddin Ganjshakar  commonly known as Baba Farid (Punjabi: فرید -was a 12th ,(Shahmukhi) بابا

century Sufi preacher and saint of the Chishti Order of South Asia. Fariduddin Ganjshakar is generally

recognized as the first major poet of the Punjabi language, and is considered one of the pivotal saints of

the Punjab region.

Majeed Amjad , one of the founding forefathers of modern Urdu literature, was born in Sahiwal and

received his education from Government College Lahore. He was inspired by the greenery of Sahiwal and

wrote about the trees and greenery of Sahiwal. There is a park named for him.

Tufail Mohammad  lived and buried in Sahiwal. He was warded Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan's highest military

award for his contribution for the defence of Pakistan.

Central Jail Sahiwal[edit source | edit]

The first jail in this Division was Gogera jail that was built near Gogera Headquarters back in eighties. British

used to put political prisoners during the War of Independence of India. Gogera jail was broken into by famous

freedom fighter Rai Ahmed Nawaz Khan Kharal. Later on, in 1873 due to security issues jail was shifted to city

sahiwal which is now knows as Central Jail Sahiwal. Central Jail Sahiwal` is an ancient jail situated in Sahiwal,

Pakistan and the largest in Pakistan with reference to the area and agricultural land adjacent to it. Comically,

this jail is also a source of fame for Sahiwal because before and after independence, a numbers of politicians,

poet, and social activists had remained confined in this prison including Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Zafar Ali

Khan, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Habib Jalib,

Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan and Agha Shorash Kashmeeri.

The jail's authorized accommodation is 1565, however, at present around 4500 prisoners (number varies

almost on a daily basis) of three districts i.e. Sahiwal, Okara and Pakpattan are confined in this prison. A rough

break-down of the prison population to give an idea to the reader is given below:

Undertrial Prisoners 2768 CT Prisoners 849 CP Prisoners 538 Juvenile Prisoners 57 Female Prisoners 37

Total population 4249

To fulfill the requirements of the inmates and made them useful citizen after their release, a Literacy Center has

been established. About 1000 inmates are using this Center. Jail warders and convicts having minimum

qualification Fellow of Arts (12th grade) have been deputed teachers in these Literacy Centers. A computer

center has been established for the juvenile prisoners. The jail also has a farm where vegetables and fodder is

grown. The prison also has a factory where carpets, duree, woolen blankets and jute tatts are made.

A new high security jail is under construction next to the central jail.

Twin cities[edit source | edit]

Sahiwal city is twinned with the town of Rochdale, in Greater Manchester, North West England. There is a

direction sign in Rochdale's town centre pointing in Sahiwal's direction with "Sahiwal 3960 miles" written on it. [1]

See also[edit source | edit]

Sahiwal District

Sahiwal

Harappa

Okara District

Pakpattan District

Sahiwal DistrictFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sahiwal District

District

Location of Sahiwal in Punjab.

Country Pakistan

Province Punjab

Capital Sahiwal

Population (1998)

 • Total 1,843,194

Time zone PST (UTC+5)

Website www.sahiwal.gov.pk

Sahiwal District (Urdu:  ِہہيوال سا ِہ�لع ), is a district in the Punjab province of Pakistan. As of 1998, it had a

population of 1,843,194 people, 16.27% of which were located in urban areas.[1] Since 2008, Sahiwal District

along with Okara District and Pakpattan District has comprised the Sahiwal Division. The city of Sahiwal is the

capital of both the district and the division.

Contents

  [hide] 

1 Language

2 Location

3 Administration

4 History

5 District Nazim

6 Sahiwal dairy cattle breed

7 Agriculture

8 Harappa

9 Heaven Fonder non profitable organization

10 Independence migrations

11 Climate

12 Major industries

13 Twin cities

14 Sports

15 Notable residents

16 Notable towns and colonies

17 Fateh Sher Colony

18 Information super highway

19 Hospitals

20 Education

21 2008 elections

o 21.1 Candidate participated in Election

22 Sahiwal District Jail

23 See also

24 References

Language[edit source | editbeta]

Punjabi is the spoken language of people of district.[2] Urdu is also spoken language of citizens.

Location[edit source | editbeta]

Scenic Jungle in Division Sahiwal

Sahiwal Division is located in the south-east of Punjab, from Multan Division it lies between 30-40

north latitude and 73-06 longitude. It is 500 ft (150 m) above sea level. It forms a parallelogram lying NE-SW

along the River Ravi. It is 100 km from east to west and 45 km from the north-western boundary of the Division

of Sahiwal, Division Faisalabad, District Toba Tek Singh. The dry River Khushak Bias separates it from the

DistrictPakpattan. Okara District is east of the division. District Khanewal and District Vehariform boundaries

with the division, and on the southern side is District Pakpattan, where there is a shrine of the Sufi Hazrat Baba

Fareed Shaker Gunj.

Administration[edit source | editbeta]

Sahiwal District consists of 531 villages in two subdivisions.

Tehsils

Sahiwal

Chichawatni

It is situated on the main bypass, 3 kilometers from the main city. Sahiwal Division has an area of 301 km².

Sahiwal Division contains subtowns like Qadirabad, Yousafwala, Iqbal Nagar, Kassowal, Noorshah, Harappa

and Ghaziabad. There are transport connections via Highway Services and Pakistan Railways to all over

Pakistan.

History[edit source | editbeta]

See also: Montgomery District

The Sahiwal District has been settled from the pre-historical era. Harappa is an archaeological site, about

35 km (22 mi) west of Sahiwal, that was built approximately 2600 BCE. The area was part of South

Asian empires and in crossroads of migrations and invasions from Central Asia.

Sahiwal District was agricultural region with forests during the Indus Valley Civilization. The Vedic period is

characterized by Indo-Aryan culture that invaded from Central Asia and settled in Punjab region.

The Kambojas, Daradas, Kaikayas, Madras, Pauravas, Yaudheyas, Malavas and Kurus invaded, settled and

ruled ancient Punjab region. After overunning theAchaemenid Empire in 331 BCE, Alexander marched into

present-day Punjab region with an army of 50,000. The Sahiwal was ruled by Maurya Empire, Indo-Greek

kingdom, Kushan Empire, Gupta Empire, White Huns, Kushano-Hephthalites and Shahi kingdoms.

In 997 CE, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, took over the Ghaznavid dynasty empire established by his

father, Sultan Sebuktegin, In 1005 he conquered the Shahis in Kabul in 1005, and followed it by the conquests

of Punjab region. The Delhi Sultanate and later Mughal Empire ruled the region. The Punjab region became

predominantly Muslim due to missionary Sufisaints whose dargahs dot the landscape of Punjab region.

The pastoral tribes of this barren expanse did not appear to have paid more than a nominal allegiance to the

Muslim rulers, the population for the most part remained in a chronic state of rebellion. After the decline of

the Mughal Empire, the Sikh invaded and occupied Sahiwal. The Muslims of Sahiwal faced restrictions during

the Sikh rule. The district came under direct British rule in 1849, when the district was officially formed with its

headquarters at Pakpattan. The district was expanded to include the trans-Ravi portion in 1852, and the district

headquarters were moved to Gugera. In 1865, when the railway was opened, a village on the railway, was

named Montgomery and became the capital of the district.[3] During the period of British rule, Sahiwal district

increased in population and importance.

During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, there was a general rising of the Jat clans, the District formed the scene of

the only rising which took place north of the Sutlej. Before the end of May 1857, emissaries from Delhi crossed

the river from Sirsa and Hissar, where open rebellion was already rife, and met with a ready reception from the

Kharrals and other Jat clans. The District authorities, however, kept down the threatened rising till August 26,

1857 when the prisoners in jail made a desperate attempt to break loose. At the same time Ahmad Khan, a

famous Kharral leader, who had been detained at Gugera, broke his arrest, and, though apprehended, was

released on security, together with several other suspected chieftains. On September 16 they fled to their

homes, and the whole country rose in open rebellion. Kot Kamalia was sacked; and Major Chamberlain,

moving up with a small force from Multan, was besieged for some days at Chichawatni on the Ravi. The

situation at the civil station remained critical till Colonel Paton arrived with substantial reinforcements

from Lahore. An attack which took place immediately after their arrival was repulsed. Several minor actions

followed in the open field, until finally the rebels, driven from the plain into the wildest jungles of the interior,

were utterly defeated and dispersed. The British troops then inflicted severe punishment on the insurgent clans,

destroying their villages, and seizing large numbers of cattle for sale.[4]

The region was traversed by the main line of the North-Western Railway, from Lahore to Multan, and it is

irrigated by the Upper Sutlej inundation canal system and also from the Ravi. The Rechna Doab was long

home to the pastoral Jats, who had constantly maintained a sturdy independence against the successive rulers

of northern India. The sites of Kot Kamalia andHarappa contain large mounds of antique bricks and other ruins

left by the Indus Valley Civilisation, while many other remains of ancient cities or villages lie scattered along the

river bank, or dotted the then-barren stretches of the central waste.

The district comprised three towns and 1371 villages. Its population was 360,445 (1868), 426,529 (1881),

499,521 (1891) and 497,706 (1901). In 1901, 72% of the population were Muslims, while Hindus and Sikhs

formed 28%.[4]

The district was part of the Lahore Division of Punjab. The predominantly Muslim population supported Muslim

League and Pakistan Movement. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the

minority Hindus and Sikhs migrated to India while the Muslim refugees from India settled in the Sahiwal.

Agriculture is important to the local economy, particularly the growing of cotton, grain, potato, wheat and rice

exported all over Pakistan and around the world. As well as its cattle andsheep, the Division is also famous

for Water Buffalo milk all over the world.

District Nazim[edit source | editbeta]

Rai Hassan Nawaz was the nazim of the District of Sahiwal, in the Punjab province of Pakistan.[5] He resides

in Chichawatni, a tehsil of Sahiwal. Rai Hassan Nawaz also has an official website.[6]

Sahiwal dairy cattle breed[edit source | editbeta]

The Sahiwal cattle breed is the best dairy breed of zebu or humped cattle (Bos Indicus), followed by the very

similar Red Sindhi and Butana breeds.[7] It originated in the dry Punjab region which lies along the Indo-

Pakistani border, and was once kept in large herds by professional herdsmen called "Jaanglees". With the

introduction of irrigation to the region their numbers dripped, and farmers used them as draft and dairy animals.

The Division Sahiwal has one of the best dairy breeds in India and Pakistan. It is tick-resistant, heat-tolerant

and resistant to parasites, both internal and external. Cows average 2270 kilograms of milk while suckling a

calf and much higher milk yields have been recorded. Due to their heat tolerance and high milk production they

have been exported to other Asian countries, Africa, Caribbean and around the world. As oxen, they are docile

but slow, making them more useful for slow work. Their colour can range from reddish brown to red, with

varying amounts of white on the neck, and the underline. In males, the colour darkens towards the extremities,

such as the head, legs and tails. Sahiwal breed arrived in Australia via New Guinea in the early 1950s. In

Australia, the Sahiwal breed was initially selected as a dual-purpose breed. It played a valuable role in the

development of the two Australian tropical dairy breeds, the Australian milking zebu and the Australian Fresian

Sahiwal. Sahiwal breeds are now used in Australia for beef production, as crossing high-grade Sahiwal sires

with Bos taurus animals produced a carcass of lean quality with desirable fat cover.

The Sahiwal breed is the heaviest milker of all zebu breeds and displays a well-developed udder. It sires small,

fast-growing calves and is noted for its hardiness under unfavourable climatic conditions.[8][9][10]

Agriculture[edit source | editbeta]

Agriculture is important to the local economy, particularly the growing of cotton, grain, potato, wheat and rice

exported all over Pakistan and around the world. As well as its cattle andsheep, the Division is also famous

for Water Buffalo milk all over the world.

Harappa[edit source | editbeta]

One of the ancient civilizations on archaeological evidence dated 3000 to 5000 B.C. 15 miles (24 km) south-

west from downtown in suburb of Harapa which was the northern city of Indus Valley Civilization.[11] Harrapa is

now a large village in the Sahiwal Division of Punjab, 15 miles (24 km) southwest of the district capital.

Archaeologists think that in ancient times Harappawas the urban centre in the upper Indus region, much

like Mohenjo-daro dominated the lower Indus Valley and Ganweriwala might have been the urban centre for

what is now Rajasthan. The site at Harappa was first excavated by Sir Alexander Cunningham in 1872-73, two

decades after Brick Robbers carried off the visible remains of the city. He found an Indus Seal of an unknown

origin.

The first extensive excavations at Harappa were started by Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahni in 1920. His

excavations at Mohenjo-daro called attention to the Indus Valley civilization as the earliest urban culture in

the Indian Sub-Continent. His work was followed later in the decade by that of Madho Sarup Vats, also of the

Archaeological Survey of India. Excavations continued in the 1930s, and later in 1946, Sir Mortimer

Wheeler excavated the fortification walls and found the first pre-Indus Valley civilization (Kot Dijian) deposits.

After Independence in 1947, Harappa was excavated by Mohammed Rafique Mughal of the Archaeological

Survey Department of Pakistan in 1966. In 1986, the first systematic, multi-disciplinary excavations of an Indus

Valley city were begun by the Harappa Archaeological Project (HARP), under the direction of George F.

Dales and Jonathan Mark Kenoyer. The main features of the plan, the citadel on the west and the mounds of

the ‘lower city’ towards the east and southeast have already been indicated. To the north, a hollowed belt

containing green crops marks an old bed of the River Ravi, which today flows six miles (10 km) further north

between the citadel and the riverbed, Mound F contains much of the town planning; to the south of the citadel

lie the outlying hills, the Harappan cemetery and the post Harappan cemetery. To the southeast, sporadic

digging has been carried out in Area G, but the ragged Mound E and its surroundings unexplored. Most of the

site remains unexcavated. The earliest deposits on the site go back to 5300 B.C. and the area seems to have

been continuously inhabited ever since.

Heaven Fonder non profitable organization[edit source | editbeta]

Non profitable organization working for the promotion of Eco Tourism in Sahiwal. Since 2004. Its fonder

s[clarification needed] complete her diploma In Tourism and Hospitality Management and providing free information

about Tours also providing free Pictures DVDs and brouchers.

Independence migrations[edit source | editbeta]

After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the minority Hindus and Sikhs migrated to India while

the Muslim refugees from India settled in the Sahiwal district.

Climate[edit source | editbeta]

The climate of Sahiwal Division is extremely hot, reaching 45-50 degrees Celsius max in summers, and cold in

winter down to 5-10 degree Celsius. The soil of the division is very fertile. The average rainfall is about

2000 mm.

Major industries[edit source | editbeta]

Sahiwal's industries include cotton ginning and pressing, tanning, textile (City cloth palace, City Fashion

Center), textile spinning, weaving, leather products, garments, pharmaceuticals, flour mills, food processing, oil

mills, cold storage, potato, tobacco, vegetable ghee/cooking oil, biscuits, chip board, confectionery, and

woollen textile spinning and weaving. The Sahiwal breed of cattle, recognised as productive among Zebu dairy

breeds, originated here; they are found now throughout the tropics. The main crops of the Sahiwal district are

wheat, cotton, sugarcane, maize and rice. Main fruits are citrus, mangoes and guava. Sahiwal is a green and

fertile town with 11,522 acres (46.63 km2) forests. KSC is an electrical industry in Sahiwal, producing water

heaters, water coolers, air coolers, fans and washing machines.

Twin cities[edit source | editbeta]

Sahiwal city is twinned with the town of Rochdale, in Greater Manchester, North West England. There is a

direction sign in Rochdale's town centre pointing in Sahiwal's direction with "Sahiwal 3960 miles" written on it.

Sports[edit source | editbeta]

Cricket is the most popular sports in Sahiwal. Sahiwal produced many cricketers like Mushtaq Ahmed, Manzoor

Elahi, Zahoor Elahi and Saleem Elahi. Football is quite popular too.

Notable residents[edit source | editbeta]

Abdus Salam , Pakistan's only Nobel Prize winner was born in Santokdas, Division Sahiwal, according to

his elder sister and his obituary,[12] although he grew up in Jhang. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for his

achievements in the field of Theoretical Physics in 1979. He is buried in Rabwah, in the Chiniot district.

Majeed Amjad , one of the founding forefathers of modern Urdu literature, was born in Sahiwal and

received his education from Government College Lahore. He was inspired by the greenery of Sahiwal and

wrote about the trees and greenery of Sahiwal. There is a park named for him.

Munir Niazi , A leading Urdu language poet of national and international stature.

Notable towns and colonies[edit source | editbeta]

Fateh Sher Colony, Farid Town, Officers Colony, Sabir Town, Baba Fareed Park, Al-Masood Town, Pak

Avanue, Shadman Town, Gulistan Colony, Gunj Shakar Colony, Nawab town, Nai Abadi, Bilal colony sahiwal,

Mohalla Tullah Wala, Tariq Bin Ziad (TBZ) Colony, Mohalla Rajpura, KOT ALLAH DIN, Kot Khadim Ali Sah,

Barkat Town, Bahir wala adda, Jogi chowk, Lala Zar Colony,135/9.L, 134/9.L, Gulshan-e-Ali Housing Schime,

Gulshan E_Noor, Johar Town, Sahlimar Town, Garden Town, Model Town, Green Town, Noor Park, Ahmed

Park, Shadab Town, Dubai Garden & etc.

Fateh Sher Colony[edit source | editbeta]

Oldest & famous colony of Sahiwal. Two renknowned politicians Mr.Iqbial Langrial & Rao Muhammad Aslam

Khan Advocate(Late) houses were located in this colony named as "Langrial House" & second is "Rao

Muhammad Aslam Khan House".

Information super highway[edit source | editbeta]

There are various radio and cable networks broadcasting in the city, such as Sun Rise FM 96 Sahiwal and

Suno Dil 102 radio and cable networks like Voltas Cable Network, Galaxy Cable Network and Geo Cable

network. Here in Sahiwal also have Digital Photostudio and Digital mixing lab like Bandhan Movies. The main

companies providing dial-up internet facilities are BrainNet and CyberNet. World Call Wireless has also started

its operation in Sahiwal. World Call provides wireless telephones at low call rates and a wireless internet facility

which is much faster than the dial-up service providers in the city. Recently, Wateen Telecom has also opened

its office in Sahiwal. Wateen offers landline telephone, cellular phone, HAQ television, high-speed internet and

WiMax. Sahiwal is on the Information superhighway after getting a high speed DSL Internet Facility enabled by

Multi Net. Multi Net offer 256kbit/s, 512kbit/s, 1Mbit/s & 2Mbit/s shared speed & there is also Wateen Telecom

who have started their service with high speed DSL via WIFI. A lot more development is being done in the field

of IT and telecoms. Sahiwal is connected with backbone fiber that connects all the major cities of Pakistan. All

Government Schools in Sahiwal have the latest PIV Based Computer Lab from the Government of Punjab IT

and Computer Labs Project. Roughly one million rupees is spent on each lab; these furnished labs contain 16

of the latest PIV (Core 2 Duo) computers, air conditioner, printer and Internet facility. Each lab has dedicated IT

staff including an IT Teacher, working on 17 Scale and Lab In charge. The government hopes that this project

will improve the IT education standard in Sahiwal. Asia's tallest television broadcaster is located in the city. [citation

needed]

Hospitals[edit source | editbeta]

The District Hospital commonly known as the Civil Hospital is the largest hospital of Sahiwal. It has a nursing

school and also offers different laboratory courses. Many doctors of the city have served their House Jobs

here. Departments of all the Major specialties are available .Now a medical Collage is established and a new

hospital is being built which would provide state of art treatments to sahiwalians. Other notable hospitals

include the Christian Hospital, Bhagwan jee Children Hospital, the Mir Wilayat Hussain Zaidi Maternity Hospital

and the Sadiq Medical care Hospital fateh Sher Colony, Imtiaz Hospital Mall mandi road, Qurashi Hospital

Race course Chowk, Al barkat HospitalHigh street house of tharkiylogst, Mazhar Sugery farid Town, Shifa

Gynae Hospital Gunj shaker colony, Ali Sherazi Hospital, Subh-e-Nao (addiction and Psychiatric treatment

Facility) High street Langrial surgimed Mission chowk, Umar abdullah Hospital Mission chowk . Shaukat

Khanam Lab, Agha Khan Lab, Bhagwan Lab, Shafqat Lab and numerous other private laboratories are

functioning in the city. Private clinics of doctors are numerous. Wapda fortified dispensary is a best facility for

wapda servants.

Education[edit source | editbeta]

Sahiwal has several educational institutes of quality. But the literacy rate is still low: about 30% overall and 51%

in the city of Sahiwal. The Divisional Public School (DPS) and St. Mary's Convent High School are a schools of

the city. Other notable schools are Government High School, Govt. High School Urban Area, Comprehensive

High School, Government Pilot Higher Secondary School and Junior Model High School. Government

Immamia College, Government Postgraduate College (GPGC) and Government College for Men and Women.

and it has also a biggest institute of technology(govt.college of technology)GCT

(http://gctsahiwal.com/index.htm). Medical & Dental College and COMSATS Institute of Information Technology

(CIIT) are also working. Virtual University has opened a campus in Sahiwal, and offers distance learning

programmes. It is situated near the Government College Sahiwal. Baha-u-Deen Zikria University (BZU) sub-

campus Sahiwal and COMSATS Institut Of Information Technology Sahiwal Campus has been successfully

providing several under-graduate and graduate programmes since 2005.The private sector has a major role in

the education system. Schools in this regard are: The Educators 4(Campuses), Acute Business College ACCA

and CAT, The Allied School, The Knowledge School, The Beaconhouse School System, Bloom Field Hall, The

City School Pre-Forces Cadet School. Dare-Aqram Model School SCOPE School System Bhagwan Public

School Muhammadan Law College Sahiwal Multan Law College Sahiwal The Limit College The Command

College, Allama Iqbal Polytechnic Institute, Quaid e Azam Polytechnic Institute, Quaid e Azam Technology

College

The private sector is playing a major role in education system. schools in this regard are:

Divisional Public School and College  Official Website

Allama Iqbal Polytechnic Institute  Official Website

Government Comprehensive School Sahiwal.

Allied School, (PUNJAB COLLEGE)

The Educators

The Golden Gate School System,

The Knowledge School,

The Beaconhouse School System,

Bloom Field Hall,

The City School

Pre-Forces Cadet School.

Dare-Aqram Model School

Bhagwan Public School

Government College For Women Sahiwal,

Government Post-Graduate College Sahiwal Official Website

BZU Sub Campus Sahiwal,

Punjab College,

Comsets University,

Government Commerce College Old campus GCT Road,

Government Commerce College New Campus,

Imamiyah College,

Government Vocational Training Institute Yadgar Chowk,

Government Technical Training Institute Sahiwal,

Government College Of Technology

Hi-Career College of Commerce Liaqaut Road sahiwal

National poly Technique Institute Sahiwal,

Qaid-e-Azam College Of Technology Old,

Qaid-e-Azam College Of Technology New Shadab town,

Sahiwal poly Technique Institute, Sahiwal,

Muhammadan Law College Sahiwal

Multan Law College Sahiwal

The Limit College

The Command College

Government Jamia Rashidia Middle School,

Suffa Educational Complex Sahiwal

Government Comprehensive School Sahiwal,

Government High School Sahiwal,

Cast College for boys & girls campus, (Separately)

S S Memorial High School Farid Town

Punjab College, Pakpattan Road Sahiwal

Fauji Foundation Model School Sahiwal.

Johar College of Science and Arts(Owned by Prof.Abdul Latif)GC Sahiwal

2008 elections[edit source | editbeta]

This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (April 2010)

On 18 February 2008 General Elections were held Pakistan. In Sahiwal Districts - 11 seats were contested -

four for the National Assembly and seven for the Provincial Assembly.

The results were as follows:

NA-160:Imran Shah

NA-161: Ghulam Farid Kathia

NA-162: Ch.Zahid Iqbal

NA-163: Malik Nauman Langrial

PP-220:walayat shah khagga

PP-221:Malik Nadeem Kamran

PP-222:Malik Jalil Din

PP-223; Hafiz akhtar ch

PP-224:saead akhtar cheema

PP-225: ch Arshad jutt

PP-226: Malik Iqbal Ahmad Langriyal

Candidate participated in Election[edit source | editbeta]

Haji Ehsan khan, Anwaru-l-haq Ramay, Nouraiz Shakoor, Arshad khan Lodhi, Rao Jehanzeb wajid

Khan, Rana Aftab, Ch. Zaki syed shabbar mustafa shirazi & walayat shah khagga, zia Hussain bhatti, pp-

32 MUHAMMAD QAMAR UZ ZAMAN

Sahiwal District Jail[edit source | editbeta]

The Sahiwal jail was constructed in 1873 in Montgomery in the Punjab Province of then British India which is

now called Sahiwal and which is part of the Punjab province in Pakistan. It was depicted in one of the

famous Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV Drama) Jangloos.

The jail’s authorized accommodation is 1565, however, at present around 4500 prisoners (number varies

almost on a daily basis) of three districts i.e. Sahiwal, Okara and Pakpattan are confined in this prison.

A rough break-down of the prison population to give an idea to the reader is given below:

Undertrial Prisoners 2768 CT Prisoners 849 CP Prisoners 538 Juvenile Prisoners 57 Female Prisoners 37

Total population 4249

Historically, this prison was famous by the name of Montgomery Jail.

Before and after independence, a numbers of politicians, poet, and social activists had remained confined in

this prison, including Abu-ul-Kalam, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan, Agha

Shorash Kashmeeri, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Habib Jalab, and Maulana Zafar Ali Khan.

Maulana Zafar Ali Khan remained confined in Montgomery Prison for 5 years. His famous poems Book namely

“Jasyat” is in the memory of Montgomery Prison’s memory.

While in prison, Faiz Ahmad Faiz wrote “Zindan Nama”.

To fulfill the requirements of the inmates and made them useful citizen after their release, a Literacy Center has

been established. About 1000 inmates are using this Center. Jail warders and convicts having minimum

qualification Fellow of Arts (12th grade) have been deputed teachers in these Literacy Centers.

A computer center has been established for the juvenile prisoners.

The jail also has a farm where vegetables and fodder is grown.

The prison also has a factory where carpets, duree, woolen blankets and jute tatts are made.

A new high security jail is under construction next to the central jail.

Okara DistrictFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other uses, see Okara (disambiguation).

اوكاڑه ِضلع

District

Okara District

Location of Okara in Punjab.

Coordinates:  30.801380°N 73.448334°ECoordinates: 

30.801380°N 73.448334°E

Country Pakistan

Province Punjab

Capital Lahore

Government

 • D.C.O Usama Latif

Population (1998)

 • Total 2,232,992

Time zone PST (UTC+5)

Number of Tehsils 3

Number of Union councils 10

Okara District (Urdu:  اوكاڑه ِہ�لع ), is a district of Sahiwal Division in Punjab, Pakistan. The Multan Road

connects the district capital,Okara with Lahore 110 km away. Okara began[when?] as a small town about 40 km

from the city of Sahiwal. It later[when?] become a city in its own right. According to the 1998 census, the district

had a population of 2,232,992 of which 12.84% were urban.[1] The postal code of Okara is 56300.[2]

Contents

  [hide] 

1 History

2 Agriculture

3 Language

4 Livestock

5 Infrastructure

6 Surroundings

7 Renala Khurd

8 Shergarh

9 Hazrat Karmanwala Sharif

10 Satghara

11 Akhtarabad

12 Thatta Ghulamka Dheroka

13 Moza Nowl Plot

14 Administration

15 Culture

16 Castes

17 Shrine

18 See also

19 References

History[edit source | editbeta]

Okara region was agricultural region with forests during the Indus Valley Civilization. The Vedic period is

characterized by Indo-Aryan culture that invaded from Central Asia and settled inPunjab region.

The Kambojas, Daradas, Kaikayas, Madras, Pauravas, Yaudheyas, Malavas, Saindhavas and Kurus invaded,

settled and ruled ancient Punjab region. After overunning theAchaemenid Empire in 331

BCE, Alexander marched into present-day Punjab region with an army of 50,000. The Okara was ruled

by Maurya Empire, Indo-Greek kingdom, Kushan Empire, Gupta Empire, White Huns, Kushano-

Hephthalites and Shahi kingdoms.

In 997 CE, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, took over the Ghaznavid dynasty empire established by his

father, Sultan Sebuktegin, In 1005 he conquered the Shahis in Kabul in 1005, and followed it by the conquests

of northern Punjab region. The Delhi Sultanate and later Mughal Empire ruled the region. The Punjab region

became predominantly Muslim due to missionary Sufi  saints whose dargahs dot the landscape of Punjab

region.

After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Sikh invaded and occupied Sahiwal. The Muslims faced severe

restrictions during the Sikh rule. During the period of British rule there was a forest of Okaan where the city has

been built. The city is a relatively new agricultural city. The word Okara for this district was actually originated

from word Okan(A lush green tree with needle like leaves). The tree Okan gave birth to word Okanwali(Land of

Okan)which ultimately finalized into Okara.[3] During British rule the area was part of Montgomery District and

contained a large saltpeter refinery.[4] At partition one of the two textile mills that Pakistan got was the one at

Okara. The mill was known as Sutlej textile mill and belonged to Aditya Birla Group. It was Asia's biggest textile

mill at that time. In 1982 the city became the headquarters of the newly created Okara District. Okara has had a

railway line since 1892.[5]

Okara District was previously part of Montgomery District which included Pakpattan, Sahiwal, Okara, districts,

of Punjab. The predominantly Muslim population supported Muslim Leagueand Pakistan Movement. After

the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the minority Hindus and Sikhs migrated to India while

the Muslim refugees from India settled in the Okara district.Babu Rajab Ali the great Kavishari (a genre of

Punjabi traditional poem) writer also belonged to this district.

Agriculture[edit source | editbeta]

Okara District is famous for its fertile lands, peaceful natural environment and green fields of potato, tomato,

sugarcane, wheat, rice and maize crops. Oranges and Mangoes orchards are famous. The area of district

Okara is the gold mine for history seekers, spiritual and curious travellers. One can find archaeological remains

of different dynasties of prehistory, Indus civilization, Persians, Sultanates, the Mugal Empire, the Sikh

Confederacy and the British Raj.

There is a central ridge, in the centre of Okara District, which marks the old river bed of the Beas, and the

boundary b/w the eastern and western half of the district. The ridge descends from Kasur, all the way

to Chunian, and then Shergarh in Okara. As you go west of the ridge, into Okara & Renala Khurd, the subsoil

water is brackish, therefore the area is dependant on canals for irrigation. However, after you cross the ridge

east into Depalpur Tehsil, the subsoil water is sweet and good for agriculture.

Okara District is also famous for the lemon, guava & grapefruit orchards, belonging to the food processing

company, Mitchell's Fruit Farms Limited. The orchard runs for about 6 miles, along the LBDC, from Renala

Khurd all the way up to the Okara bypass.

Language[edit source | editbeta]

Most of the people of the district speak Punjabi Language in Standard (Majhi) and Jaangli (Rachnavi) dialects.

Livestock[edit source | editbeta]

Okara is also famous for its cattle breed known as Sahiwal and a water buffalo breed known as Nili-Ravi. It is

very rich in livestock population and production. The Livestock Production Research Institute Bahadar Nagar

Farm is a very large Government farm near Okara city. The farm has large number of cows, buffalos, bulls (for

reproduction), goats and sheep.

Infrastructure[edit source | editbeta]

Okara have all the basic physical and organizational structures, services and facilities needed and necessary in

a city. There are two stadiums of Okara district, in which one of them includes Football ground, Basketball court

and Swimming pool for Sports. A new international hockey stadium is being constructed in Renala khurd Tehsil

of Okara, which would be completed by 2013. This stadium will develop a strong infrastructure for hockey in the

country.

There are also many small and considerable big parks for general public. The three main recreational parks are

Ladies Park, Bagh-e-Jinnah and District Park.

Educational institutes include Education University, Cadet College, Government College for Boy, two

Government Colleges for Women. There are also many privately owned colleges and schools, which are

nationally recognised, well built, big and their standard of education is also high as comapred nationally. The

District Public School and College, Okara (DPSC Okara) is a well known institute in the City, province and also

the Country. These institutes include Modern science and computer labs, libraries, playgrounds and canteens.

There are various numerous public & private hospitals and clinics providing the health services. The popular

and well equipped hospitals are District Government hospital, Shareef surgical hospital and C.M.H Okara

Cantt. There is also a Social welfare health society which is being operated under the Government of Punjab.

Every hospital has more than two ambulances. Located in the village of Rehmpur the Rosary Christian

Hospital also provides medical services to Okara and surrounding areas.[6]

The 1122 Rescue Government organization is also offering their services in Okara city. There is also a

separated Fire station, located in the centre of city, which have several old and also latest fire engines for

safety services.

Okara also have a vast Railway station, which contain several platforms, where almost every train going

from Islamabad to Karachi makes stop. There are two railway underpasses and one flyover which helps in

smooth flow of traffic.

On 31 May 2005, the Ex-President General Pervez Musharraf inaugurated the Okara Bypass (30.786887°

73.459238°), lenegth of 12.7 KM, on GT road (N-5). This project was commenced on 5 September 2003, due

to the great demand of the people of the area. It was completed at the cost of 628.17 Million rupees. This

interchange proved very helpful in the smooth flow of national highway traffic, particularly between Lahore and

Multan and to reduce the national traffic in the city. This bypasss connects the Karachi-Lahore-Peshawar

national highway which is the economic lifeline of Pakistan.

Surroundings[edit source | editbeta]

Nearby cities are Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Depalpur, Basirpur, Renala Khurd and Haveli Lakha. There is a Famous

Shrine of SUFI of Hazrat Sayed Shabeer Husain Shah Ghilani Situated in village "47/2-L (RAJPUTAN)at the

tarivling of only 10 Minutes on depalpur road OKARA.. About a distance of 25 km from Depalpur, on Haveli

Lakha-Hujra Shah Muqeem road, there is a famous shrine of sufi "Baba Wali Roshan Shah" situated in village

"Bunga Saleha". Every year on 27th of Harr(Desi Month), Mela is celebated with great joyous. Another well

known shrine near Depalpur is that of Hazrat Syed Daud Bandagi Kirmani, located in the town of Shergarh,

which is about 12 miles from Depalpur and 7 miles from Hujra Shah Muqeem.His urs is held in the middle of

March, and is attended by thousands from all over Punjab and beyond. In the west of Okara city, the Ravi goes

winding along the borders of Faisalabad and Sheikhupuradistricts.

The Main Towns of the district are:

Depalpur

Okara

Renala Khurd

And some minor towns of the district are:

Ahmadabad

Akhtarabad

Bama Bala

Bama Kohla

Basirpur

Chuchaq

Gogera

Haveli Lakha

Karmanwala

Hujra Shah Muqeem

Pull Jorian

Mouza Meerak

Jandraka

Lasharian

Bheela Gulab Singh

Satghara

Shergarh

Rajowal

Moza nowl plot

Renala Khurd[edit source | editbeta]

Renala Khurd(Urdu: ریناالخورد) is a growing city of Okara District in the north east of the Punjab province of

Pakistan. The city is the headquarters of Renala Khurd Tehsil - an administrative subdivision of the district. Its

approximate height above sea level is about 570 feet (170 m). It is located at 30°52'60N 73°35'60E[2] and is

about 117 km from Lahore and 10 km from the district capital Okara city towards south-west of Lahore on

national highway (GT Road) and on Lahore Karachi main railway line. Eastern time zone of Renala Khurd is

UTC+5+6DT.

It is mainly known for a famous fruit products company Mitchell's Fruit Farms Limited. It has orchards of guava

& citrus running b/w the lower bari doab canal and the Multan Road, for about 8 miles all the way up to Okara

bypass. This region is also well known as a major producer of sugarcane & rice. These crops can be cultivated

due to abundance of water supplied by the lower bari doab canal & smaller water channels.

At Renala Khurd, one may visit still opertaional, Renala Hydro Power Station, situated on Canal Loar-Bari-Doo-

Aab. Its capacity is 1 MW. Sir Ganga Ram (1851–1927), a civil engineer and leading philanthropist of his time,

established Renala Hydral Power Station in 1925. In 1873, after a brief Service in Punjab P.W.D, he devoted

himself to practical farming. He obtained on lease from the government 50,000 acres (200 km2) of barren,

unirrigated land in Montgomery District, and within three years converted that vast desert into smiling fields,

irrigated by water lifted by a hydroelectric plant and running through a thousand miles of irrigation channels, all

constructed at his own cost. This was the biggest private enterprise of the kind, unknown and unthought of in

the country before. Sir Ganga Ram earned millions, most of which he gave to charity. In the words of Sir

Malcolm Hailey, the Governor of Punjab at the time, "he won like a hero and gave like a Saint".

A part of Renala Khurd is naturally deprived of the underground sweet water. People in this part rely on canals

as the main source of irrigation, as tube -wells, unlike other parts of the district, only pour out salty water which

nothing but spoils the land.

Shergarh[edit source | editbeta]

Shergarh (literally 'Lion's Den'), is a town located 10 miles away from Renala Khurd on the Hujra Shah

Muqeem road, and is a union council of Depalpur Tehsil. It is a very historic town.[7]It was named by the 16th

century governor of Multan, Fateh Jang Khan, in honour of the present Afghan ruler of India, Sher Shah Suri.

This fact is documented by Abbas Khan Sarauni in his book, Tarikh-e Sher Shah Suri.

It started off as a small police station and was informally known as "Chor Chauki", or "The Police Station".

About a decade later, in 1545, a young Syed ascetic named Ibrahim, belonging originally to Kirman of Southern

Persia, migrated here from Satghara. After being initiated into the Qadiriyyah order of Sufism, at the hands of

Shaikh Hamid Gilani, he established hiskhanqah in the remote village. At the time, it was sparsely populated,

located on the high abandoned bed of the Beas, marking the geographical boundary between the Neeli and

the Ganjibars. It was surrounded by jungle from both sides, and was equi-distant from the rivers, Ravi & Satluj.

It was also very distant from the main road connecting Lahore to Multan. These factors made the place ideal for

a man of his position, as he could worship there in solitude. He spent the remaining thirty years of his life here.

It is also documented, that he would sometimes go in the jungle lying between Shergarh and Satghara to

meditate, and lose control over his senses. He would stay there for many days until his close friends and

relatives would find him deep in the jungle, and bring him back to his home.

Thus, as people started hearing about this holy man, from a small, minor administrative center, Shergarh

started gaining spiritual influence. Many people from all over the country, would come to receive spiritual

guidance from the holy man. In 1572, a well known historian of Akbar, `Abd al-Qadir Bada'uni, travelled there

upon hearing about this fascinating ascetic. He states in his book, Muntakhab-ul Tawarikh (Volume II) that:

"Not a day went by in my time there, that I saw less than 50 visitors come to the Shaikh, and recite

the Kalimah at his hands". It is believed that the Shaikh converted a total of 35,000 followers to Islam, including

365 disciples to sainthood. He has no books to his credit, and his poetry is only known to his descendants. He

even forbade his spiritual successor, Shah Abul Muali (also his nephew and son-in law) to write anything about

him. He was a man who despised worldly power, wealth, fame, materialism & publicity.

The saint passed away in 1575, after which his successor had a beautiful large mausoleum erected for his

grave. The pinnacle of its dome was added in 1580. This mausoleum is now the major landmark of Shergarh

and can be seen from afar, lying in the heart of the town. It is grand from the outside, yet graceful and charming

from the inside with beautiful calligraphy and rare tilework in the 'naqshi' style. The mazar itself also contains 7

or 8 graves of the gaddi nashins, including his son's, Abdullah Naurang Noor and other descendants such as

Said Mustafa, Baqa Ali Shah, Syed Abu'l Baqa Muhammad, Pir Nadir Ali Shah, Pir Mohd. Hussain Shah and

many others. The compound is also very large and contains the graves of more recent descendants, and

others who have been close to the Shaikh and his family. One of the Shaikh's famous descendants who is

buried outside is Mohd. Jaffar Shah. He was a prominent hockey player in the Indian olympic team, and won 2

gold medals.

Today, the town is home to 20-25,000 people. The main clans are Arain, Chandoor, Syed (Kirmani),

Akhund, Baloch, Hans, Joiya, Kharal, Kumhar, Lohar, Machhi, Mirasi, Muslim

Shaikh,Nai, Sial, Tarkhan & Wattu. It is well developed and soling is common. All in all, Shergarh is the joining

point of roads from six towns, namely Akhtarabad (7 miles away), Chunian (17 miles away), Depalpur (12 miles

away), Hujra Shah Muqeem (7 miles away), Renala Khurd (10 miles away), & Wan Radha Ram (11 miles

away). The old bed of the Beas is still intact, and agriculture is practiced on both sides. The western side and

the town itself is dependant on canals for irrigation, as the sub-soil water is brackish. This side is known

as uttar. The eastern, low lying side has sweet subsoil water fit for agriculture, thus tubewells can be used. This

side is known as hithar. The main crops cultivated in the region, are rice, maize, potato,cotton & wheat.

The town attracts curious travellers, artists and calligraphers on a year round basis, as well as the

usual murids. It is particularly crowded in the month of March, when thousands travel from all over the Punjab &

beyond, to attend the annual urs of the Shaikh

Hazrat Karmanwala Sharif[edit source | editbeta]

Main article: Hazrat Karmanwala Sharif

The Sufi dargah noble mausoleum (mazar-i-sharif) (also formally known as "Darbar Mubarak") of Syed Ismael

Ali Shah Bukhari (formally: Ghose-e-Zaman Hazrat Sahib Pak Karmanwaleh), is situated on GT road Okara in

the direction of Renala Khurd leading to Lahore. This mausoleum is formally known as 'Aastana Alia Hazrat

Karmanwala Sharif'. Along with the dargah (tomb) or mazar-e-sharif (shrine), there is a main Mosque, Masjid,

both of which were constructed under the supervision and according to the guidance of Hazrat Syed

Mohammed Ali Shah Bhukari (RA) Naqshbandi Sahib, in honour of their late mentor, master, spiritual and

biological father, Hazrat Syed Mohammed Ismael Ali Shah Bhukari (RA), Naqshbandi Sahib, who is

respectfully referred to as "Hazrat Sahib Pak Karmanwaleh".

Date of Urs: The main Urs Mubarak is held annually on 26-27–28 February, and on & 10,11,12 of Islamic

month of Rabi-Ul-Awal Sharif, annually, Salana (yearly) Khatam Sharif of Ahl-e-bait on 10 Muharram (every

year) and program of AITEKAF on every last 10 days of Ramzan al Kareem.

Wisaal Mubarak: Syed Muhammad Ismael Ali Shah Bukhari (RA) Naqshbandi Sahib, known as Hazrat Sahib

Pak Karmanwala - 27 Ramzan 1385 Hijri, Syed Usman Ali Shah Bukhari (RA) Naqshbandi Sahib - 15 July

1978 and Syed Mohammed Ali Shah Bhukari (RA), Naqshbandi sahib, 1st Sajjada Nasheen 10 June 1993 [8]

Satghara[edit source | editbeta]

Satghara is a town and union council of Okara District in the Punjab province of Pakistan.[9] It is located at

30°55'0N 73°31'0E with an altitude of 164 metres (541 feet)[10] and is also the location of the tomb

of Baloch folk hero, Mir Chakar Rind. Many of his descendants as well as sub tribes of Balochi descent

predominate in the district.

More than half of the town is inhabbited by Syeds. They also have a family graveyard where many great

spiritual leaders including Syed Qaim Ali Shah Gilani who was also known as Pir Bodian Wala. He was head of

this lineage of the descendents of Abdul Qadir Gilani (Hazrat Ghouse Al Azam) of Baghdad Sharif in Satghara,

Syed Ahmed Shah Gilani who was lately known as Pir Bodian Wala was the eldest son, Syed Shams-Ud-Din,

Syed Fateh Ali Shah Gilani, Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani, Syed Ahmed Ali Shah Gilani(Chan Pir), Syed Jaffir

Hussain Gilani, Syed Ali Bahadur Gilani, Syed Sher Shah Gilani and Syed Khadim Hussain Gilani(Peer Sahib)

are lying in peace. Their shrines are built in the graveyard and are visible even from a great distance.

Mounds of brick debris at Satghara mark the site of a forgotten town, the coins found at Satghara prove that it

was inhabited in the time of the Kushan dynasty.[11]

The name of this town "Satghara" is commonly believed to drive its name from words (Saat or Seven) (Ghara

or pitchers) or seven ghars seven homes. Another sound historical folklore is narrated that some injured

soldiers of Alexandar the Great (belonging to ancient town of Stageira of Macedonia) resided their and they

named this ancient town as Stageira now corrupted as Satghara.

Akhtarabad[edit source | editbeta]

Akhtarabad is one of the towns in Okara district. It is located 25 km away from Okara city on the N-5 National

Highway (Multan to Lahore section, also known as G.T road). Its sugar market (shaker mandi) is famous all

over Pakistan. Gujjar, Rajput, Arain and Khokhar are main tribes of the area.

Thatta Ghulamka Dheroka[edit source | editbeta]

A few kilometres from Okara on the Okara-Faisalabad road there is a village Thatta Ghulamka Dheroka. For

going too the village you pass through Gogera—a place where Rai Ahmed Khan Kharral broke famous jail

during War of Independence of 1857 and British Extra Assistant Commissioner (Lord) Berkley was defeated

and killed by the resilient locals.

The unique claim of the village to international fame is the dolls and toys made by village women that are

collectors delight all over the world. Dolls made in the village have travelled to International Dolls Museum in

Amsterdam and also have been put on display ithe "Theme-park" at EXPO 2000 in Hanover (Germany) as one

of the 767 worldwide projects – an example of thinking for 21st century. Earlier, the dolls participated in

International Toy Fair in Nuremberg. These dolls show how culture goes beyond simple work of art and

becomes collaboration among applied and natural sciences as well as other forces that affect our lives. Mauza

Akbar is named after the name Akbar the Great (Mughal). Satghara remained the capital during the period of

Baluch leader Mir Chaker Rind.

Moza Nowl Plot[edit source | editbeta]

25 kilo meter away from the city of okara . it is a main juncition between Faislabad and jaranwala, pattokii . its

an agriculture area . The unique claim of the village to international fame is the dolls and toys made by village

women that are collectors delight all over the world. Dolls made in the village have travelled to International

Dolls Museum in Amsterdam and also have been put on display in small town in this area. there is small

markets .

Administration[edit source | editbeta]

Map of the district's constituent units (national assembly)

The following is a table of the Tehsils & Union Councils of Okara District:

Tehsil Unions Total Unions

Depalpur

1/SP WESAWEWALA, AMLI MOTI, AWAN KALAN, BARICT (CHAK BAWA), BASIRPUR-1, BASIRPUR-2, BEHLOL PUR, BHELA GULAB SINGH, BHOMAN SHAH, BHONE MANZEBTA, BHUTA MOHABBAT, BONGA SALEH, CHIPLI PUR, DEPALPUR-1, DEPALPUR-2, DEPALPUR-3, DHULLIANA, FARID PUR SOHAG, GUDDAR MULKANA, HAVELI LAKHA-1, HAVELI LAKHA-2, HAVELI LAKHA-3, HUJRA SHAH MUQEEM-1, HUJRA SHAH MUQEEM-2, HUJRA SHAH MUQEEM-3, JAITH PUR, JHUJH KALAN, KANI PUR, KLAIR KALAN, MAHANT DARSHAN, MANCHARIAN, MANDI AHMADABAD, MAROOF, MAZHAR ABAD, MEHAR SHAH KHAGA, MOHIB ALI UTAR, MUHAMMAD NAGAR, MUSTAFABAD., NAHAL MAHAR, NAMA JINDEKA, PANDAT MANFOOL PUR, PHULLAN TOLI, PIPLI PAHAR, QADIR ABAD, QILA JAVAND SINGH, QILA TARA SINGH, RAJOWAL, RATTA KHANNA, REHMAT WALA, ROHILA TAJEYKA, RUKAN PURA, SHAH NAWAZ KHAN, SHAH YAKKA, SHERGARH, SOBHA RAM

55

Okara

AKBAR, BIBI PUR, BURJ JEWAY KHAN, CHAK 2/4L, CHAK 12/GD, CHAK 15/1R, CHAK 18/GD, CHAK 24/GD, CHAK 27/4L, CHAK 32/2L, CHAK 32/2R, CHAK 34/GD, CHAK 36-A/4L, CHAK 4/4L, CHAK 40/3R, CHAK 40-A/4L, CHAK 42/3R, CHAK 44/2L, CHAK 45/GD, CHAK 48/3R, CHAK 52/2R, CHAK 53/2L, FATEH PUR, GOGERA-1, JABOKA, JANDRAKA, KOHLA, LASHARI, OKARA-1, OKARA-10, OKARA-11, OKARA-2, OKARA-3, OKARA-4, OKARA-5, OKARA-6, OKARA-7, OKARA-8, OKARA-9, SATGHARA, SHEIKHU SHARIF, TARIQ ABAD

41

Renala Khurd

AKHTARABAD, BAZEEDA, CHAK 11/1L, CHAK 13/1L, CHAK 14/1AL, CHAK 18/1L, CHAK 22/1AL, CHAK 23/2L, CHAK 33/1AL, CHAK 4/1AL, CHAK 4/GD, CHAK 5/1RA, CHAK 6/1L, CHAK 7/1R, KAMAN, MOPALKEY, RENALA-1, RENALA-2

18

The district is represented in the Provincial Assembly, by 9 elected MPAs, who represent the following

constituencies:

Constituency Member Party

PP-186 Javed Allaudin Sajid PPP

PP-187 Syed Raza Ali Gilani PML (Q)

PP-188 Rubina Shaheen Wattoo PPP

PP-189 Ch. Nadeem Abbas Rabera PML(Q)

PP-190 Mohd. Ashraf Khan Sohna PPP

PP-191 Mian Yawar Zaman PML (N)

PP-192 Malik Ali Abbas Khokhar PML (N)

PP-193 Moeen Wattoo PML (N)

Total 9

The district is also represented in the National Assembly, by 5 elected members who represent the following

constituencies:

Constituency Member Party

NA-143 Rai Ghulam Mujtaba PPP

Kharal

NA-144 Sajjad-ul Hassan PPP

NA-145 Syed Samsam Ali Bokhari PPP

NA-146 Manzoor Wattoo PPP

NA-147 Khurram Jahangir Wattoo PPP

Total 5

Culture[edit source | editbeta]

It is also known for the wide variety of culture reflecting the traditions and customs of the area. Melas (fairs) in

the month of 'Saawan' are notable among these traditions where different types of games are played on the

drum-beat and shops of sweets and toys etc. are decorated. The population mostly relies on agriculture as their

main source of livelihood, although a number of people work in factories and offices as well. Dairy and fruit

products are the identical mark of the area.

Castes[edit source | editbeta]

Rao

The Rao, are a Rajput/jat tribe, after independence of Pakistan, the East Punjab Rao have settled down mainly

in the districts of Okara, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Bhakkar, Bahawalnagar, Rahim yar Khan District (specially in

Khanpur tehsil), Layyah, Vehari, Sahiwal and Multan of Punjab. They speak a Haryanvi dialect which is often

called Ranghari. In districts of Okara, Pakpattan and Bahawalnagar which have the densest concentrations of

Rao, they consist to be brave, with many serving in the army, police and Civil Services. They maintain an

overarching tribal council (panchayat), which deals with a number of issues, such as punishments for petty

crime or co-operation over village projects.

Most Rao are now bilingual, speaking Punjabi and Sindhi, as well as still speaking Ranghari. A large number of

Rao are also found in the capital city of Islamabad. They speak Urdu with Ranghari accent.

Okara is home to a lot of Politician, Doctors, Lawyers and Big Landlords including Rao Sikandar

Iqbal (Late), Shabbir Ahmad Rao (Late), Rao Jamil Akhtar, Dr. Rao Ali Bahadur Khan (Late) {Okara's First

Doctor} and more.

Kamboh

The Kamboh Is an agricultural caste of Okara district. They are settled all over the district. They are

hardworking, honest, and dedicated people. Most of the Kamboh in this area migrated from East Punjab. Mian

Ghulam Murtaza Kamboh is most famous poet of kamboh's.

Syed

There are many Syed clans settled in the district, who have been in the area for a long time, and have a great

impact & history in the district. The main Syed families are the Kirmanis ofShergarh, the Gilanis of Hujra Shah

Muqeem, Satghara, Shaikhu and Depalpur, & the Mashdis of Mustafabad. All these towns are in Depalpur

Tehsil except Satghara Sharif and Shaikhu Sharif, these are in Okara Tehsil. Their ancestors were Sufis, all of

whom migrated from Iran,and converted many tribes of the area to Islam. They are revered as saints by the

people of the region, and thousands attend the respective shrines daily. The ancestor of the Saadat of

Shergarh, Hazrat Daud Bandagi,a renowned follower of the Qadiri Order is revered by millions all

around Punjab, and his urs is attended by many in March.

The ancestor of Sadaat Gilani of Depalpur and Satghara, is Muhammad Ghaus Bala Peer, a

renowned Shaikh Ghousiyah Qadiriyyah Order is revered by unaccountable people throughout Pakistan and

India. The town of Balakot in Azad Kashmir is named after him. His Urs is on first Naochandi Thursday of every

lunar month, it is a miracle of the time. His shrine is near Satghara, about 8 km and 10 to 15 minutes journey

on own car or motor bike.

The Syeds also play an important role in the politics of the district. The previous nazim was Syed Sajjad Haider

Kirmani, who belonged to the Syed clan of Shergarh, and was a very well known and respected leader of the

region who died in May 2009. The current Nazim, Syed Assad Ali Gilani, is also a Syed, from the town of Hujra

Shah Muqeem.Syeds of Mustafabad also play an important role in the politics of the city.

Sial

The Sial tribe is Also Present in the Area of tehsil Okara. Renala Khurd and Depalpur but in lesser amount.

Baloch

The Baloch have a long history in the area. Their 15th century folk hero, Mir Chakar Rind, migrated from Sibi,

with a large number of his people to this area and settled in Satghara which was awarded to him as a jagir by

Moghul Emperor Humayun . Many Baloch can still be found in the District, especialyly near the Ravi, but also

have many villages around Shergarh . They are mainly of Lashari and Rind stock. They are the only people of

the region who did not revert to agriculture prior to the development of the irrigation system in the region. They

still practice the ancient tradition of rearing cattle along the courses of the rivers as their main source of

livelihood.

Wattu

The Wattu are a Muslim Rajput tribe who reside mostly in the eastern part of Okara District, namely Depalpur

Tehsil. They can be found along the Sutlej, & have many villages around towns such as Basir Pur, Haveli

Lakha, Hujra Shah Muqeem & Mandi Ahmedabad all the way up to Pakpattan District. Their sub-clans include

the Kueka,Ladhuka, Maneka,etc. They claim that their pastoral ancestors were converted to Islam, by Baba

Farid of Pakpattan

Joiya

The Joiya, are also a Muslim Rajput tribe of Chandravanshi origin. They too, like the Wattoos live in areas

around the Sutlej and can also be found on the other side, in Bahawalnagar District. They are native

to Depalpur Tehsil, & can be found around towns such as Hujra Shah Muqeem, Shergarh, Haveli Lakha, Basir

Pur etc. They too, like many native clans of the region, had ancestors that were mainly pastoral, but reverted to

agriculture after the development of the irrigation system.

Jakhar

The Jakhar are settled in the district They reside in 8 villages and in Okara city. On the Okara-Faisalabad Rd.,

the Jakhar Chowk is famous.

Ranghar

The Ranghars are a Rajput community of considerable influence in the district. Their ancestors were alloted

plots of land all over the district, after the partition of Sub-Continent. They were the prime choice of

the British for recruitment in the British Army, as they were skilled warriors, and were later awarded the title

of Martial Race. Their ancestors migrated from Haryana,Rajputana and East Punjab.They spoke Haryanvi also

called Ranghari. Prior to partition, they started adopting titles such as Rao, Rana etc. Today, they wield

significant power in the running of the district's affairs, and have gained substantial landed property through the

decades.

Dogar

The Dogar are settled in the district .Mainly settled in Depalpur Tehsil. They migrated

from Ferozpur & Gurdaspur districts.

Arain

The Arain are primarily an agricultural caste of Okara district. They are settled all over the district. They are

hardworking, honest, and dedicated people. Most of the Arain in this area migrated from East Punjab, from

districts like Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur etc. They were also rewarded plots of land by the British, upon the

development of irrigation in the area.

Kharal

The Kharal are a tribe of both Rajput & Jatt origin. They are Jaanglis, and speak the Jaangli dialect

of Punjabi. Rae Ahmed Nawaz Khan Kharal, a Kharal from Gogera is famous for rebelling against the British, in

1857. The Kharals are native to the region around the Ravi River, majority live around towns like Baman Bala,

Chuchak, Gogera, Satghara, Jaboka etc., and can also be found on the other side of the river,

in Sheikhupura, Faisalabad & Toba Tek Singh districts. Their ancestors were converted mainly by Baba

Farid of Pakpattan, and Daud Bandagi Kirmani of Shergarh. Their subclans include the Rabera's,Gogera's

Jurrera's, Masrera's, Lakhwera's, Sangoka's, Beguka's etc. They were the most powerful and influential

pastoral clan of their time. However due to the mass migration of immigrants from East Punjab, and the

development of the canal colonies by the British, their power declined and they became absorbed in the

agrarian society. The ones of Rajput origin use the prefix 'Rai', whereas many of Jat origin will use another

prefix such as 'Chaudhary'.

Awan

The Awans, although originating in the Potohar region, can also be found in the district. They live all over, and

have many villages in Renala Khurd Tehsil & Depalpur Tehsil

Chandor

Chandor or Chandol are a tribe of Arabs origin. they belong from Yaman. they are settled in Dipalpur tehsil

village is bahni chandor.shergarh and Havelilakhan area.

Shrine[edit source | editbeta]

The honour of the city, shrine of Hazarat Sufi Manzoor Ahmad Sabri(s a) is situated in muhalla Gazi abad in

okara which is serving the humanity by showing real picture of spending life.A project of charity work, free

maternity home serving poor women there at Dargha shraif. new project of free education free food and library

is under consideration.

Moreover, the shrine of Syed Shabbir Ali Shah has also gained popularity among the people.

See also[edit source | editbeta]

List of Jat Clans of West Punjab

Pakpattan DistrictFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

پاکپتّن ِضلع

District

Pakpattan District

Location of Pakpattan in Punjab.

Country Pakistan

Province Punjab

Capital Pakpattan

Government

 • D.C.O District Co-ordination Officer Under Provincial Government

Population (1998)

 • Total 1,286,680

Time zone PST GMT +5:00 Islamabad, Karachi

Number of Tehsils

2

Pakpattan District (Urdu:  ّت�ن پاکپ ِہ�لع ), is a district of Punjab Province in Pakistan, Pakpattan is the district

capital. According to the 1998 census of Pakistan, it had a population of 1,286,680 of which 14% were urban.[1] It has since risen to 1,563,000.[2]

Contents

  [hide] 

1 Administration

2 Location

3 History

4 Language

5 Agriculture

6 Malka Hans

7 References

8 External links

Administration[edit source | editbeta]

The district is divided into two tehsils, which contain a total of 63 Union Councils:[3]

Tehsil No. of Unions

Arifwala Tehsil 30

Pakpattan Tehsil 33

Pakpattan is the city of the great Saint Baba Farid of Chisti. Word Pakpattan is consist of two words "pak" and

"pattan" meaning "clean dockland" (Pattan means a dockland or place where ships or boats stop). The city is

given this name by Saint Baba Farid. It is said, once Saint Farid having ablution on the bank of the River Sutlej.

One local man told the Saint that this water is unclean and place is dirty then Saint Farid replied to him "no its

clean water and place' in local language "Pak Pattan'.

Location[edit source | editbeta]

The capital Pakpattan is located about 207 km from Lahore and 205 km from Multan. The district is bounded to

the northwest by Sahiwal District, to the north by Okara District, to the southeast by the Sutlej

River and Bahawalnagar District, and to the southwest by Vehari District.

History[edit source | editbeta]

Pakpattan District was agricultural region with forests during the Indus Valley Civilization. The Vedic period is

characterized by Indo-Aryan culture that invaded from Central Asia and settled in Punjab region.

The Kambojas, Daradas, Kaikayas, Madras, Pauravas, Yaudheyas, Malavas and Kurus invaded, settled and

ruled ancient Punjab region. After overunning theAchaemenid Empire in 331 BCE, Alexander marched into

present-day Punjab region with an army of 50,000. The Pakpattan was ruled by Maurya Empire, Indo-Greek

kingdom, Kushan Empire, Gupta Empire, White Huns, Kushano-Hephthalites and Shahi kingdoms.

In 997 CE, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, took over the Ghaznavid dynasty empire established by his

father, Sultan Sebuktegin, In 1005 he conquered the Shahis in Kabul in 1005, and followed it by the conquests

of Punjab region. The Delhi Sultanate and later Mughal Empire ruled the region. The Punjab region became

predominantly Muslim due to missionary Sufisaints whose dargahs dot the landscape of Punjab region.

After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Sikh invaded and occupied Pakpattan District. The Muslims faced

severe restrictions during the Sikh rule. During the period of British rule, Pakpattan district increased in

population and importance.

The predominantly Muslim population supported Muslim League and Pakistan Movement. After

the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the minority Hindus and Sikhs migrated to Indiawhile

the Muslim refugees from India settled in the Pakpattan District. The main reason of famicity of this city is due

to Hazzrat Baba Farid(Rehmullah).Basically He is the man who made ajodhan into Pakpattan.Before his arrival

to pakpattan,there were at least 3o thousand Hindus and Sikhs in pakpattan.He came to Pakpattan on the

orders of his murshad hazrat qutbuddin Bakhtiar kaki(Rehmullah) for preaching of islam.He gave the same

message which was given by the last prophet of Allah.Its was his kindness and the true way of Nabi kareem

that he made the whole city as a Muslim city named of Pakpattan and now we see no Sikh and Hindu here in

the city.He is the true friend Of ALLAH because he truly followed the orders of Allah and Last Prophet.

Language[edit source | editbeta]

Punjabi is the native spoken language[4] but Urdu is also widely understood. Haryanvi also called Rangari is

spoken among Ranghar, Rajputs. Meos have their own language which is called Mewati.

Agriculture[edit source | editbeta]

The Pakpattan District is known for the fertility of its soil and most of the population of Pakpattan district makes

a living on agriculture. The main crops are wheat, rice, cotton, maize (corn), sugar cane, etc. The primary fruits

and vegetables that are harvested are mango, guava, carrots, potatoes, oranges and okra.

Malka Hans[edit source | editbeta]

Malka Hans is the ancient famous town near Pakpattan in Pakpattan District located

between Pakpattan and Sahiwal on Pakpattan Sahiwal Road.