Province of Punjab
Punjab is one of the four provinces of Pakistan, located in the central-eastern part of the country. It is the second-largest province by land area and the most populous. The provincial capital and largest city is Lahore. Other major cities include Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Multan.
Etymology
- Panj (means “five”) and āb (means “waters”)
Location
- Location of Punjab within Pakistan
General Information
- Country: Pakistan
- Established: 1 July 1970
- Before was: Part of West Pakistan
- Capital and largest city: Lahore
Government Type
- Type: Self-governing province subject to the federal government
- Body: Government of Punjab
- Governor: Sardar Saleem Haider Khan
- Chief Minister: Maryam Nawaz
- Chief Secretary: Zahid Akhtar Zaman
- Legislature: Provincial Assembly
- High Court: Lahore High Court
Area
- Total: 205,344 km² (79,284 sq mi)
- Rank: 2nd
Population (2023 Census)
- Total: 127,688,922
- Rank: 1st
- Density: 622/km² (1,610/sq mi)
GDP (Nominal)
- Total (2022): $225 billion (1st)
- Per Capita: $2,003 (2nd)
GDP (PPP)
- Total (2022): $925 billion (1st)
- Per Capita: $8,027 (2nd)
Time Zone and Communication
- Time Zone: UTC+05:00 (PKT)
- ISO 3166 Code: PK-PB
Languages
- Official: English, Urdu
- Provincial: Punjabi
Sports
- Provincial Sports Teams: List
Human Development
- HDI (2021): 0.550 (medium)
- Literacy Rate (2020): 71.3%
Political Representation
- National Assembly Seats: 183
- Provincial Assembly Seats: 371
Administrative Divisions
- Divisions: 10
- Districts: 41
- Tehsils: 148
- Union Councils: 7,602
Website
- Website: punjab.gov.pk
Overview
Geography and Borders: Punjab is bordered by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the northwest, Balochistan to the southwest, Sindh to the south, Islamabad Capital Territory to the northwest, and Azad Kashmir to the north. Internationally, it shares borders with the Indian states of Rajasthan and Punjab to the east, and Indian-administered Kashmir to the northeast. The province is highly fertile, primarily due to the River Indus and its tributaries: Ravi, Jhelum, Chenab, and Sutlej.
Historical Context: The Punjab region was divided between India and Pakistan in 1947 during the partition. The provincial capital, Lahore, is a significant cultural and cosmopolitan center in Pakistan. Globally, Punjab is the fifth-most populous subnational entity and the most populous outside China and India.
Economic Profile: Punjab is Pakistan’s most industrialized province, contributing 24 percent to the national GDP. It is known for its relative prosperity and has the lowest poverty rate among Pakistani provinces. However, there is a developmental divide between the more developed northern Punjab and the less developed southern Punjab. Approximately 40 percent of Punjab’s population lives in urban areas.
Demographics and Culture: The population is predominantly Punjabi Muslims, mostly following Sunni Islam, making up nearly 98 percent of the population. Punjabis are the third-largest Muslim ethnic group globally, following Arabs and Bengalis. The province’s culture is heavily influenced by Sufism, with many Sufi shrines across Punjab. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in Nankana Sahib near Lahore. Punjab is also home to the Katas Raj Temples, which hold significant importance in Hindu mythology. Several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Shalimar Gardens, Lahore Fort, and the archaeological sites of Taxila and Rohtas Fort, are located in Punjab.
Etymology
The name “Punjab” is derived from the Persian words “panj” (five) and “āb” (water), referring to the five rivers of the region: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas. These are tributaries of the Indus River, with the Sutlej being the largest. The region was known as “Sapta Sindhu” or “Hapta Hendu” in Avesta, translating to “The Land of Seven Rivers,” including the Indus and Kabul rivers. The ancient Greeks referred to it as “Pentapotamía,” which also means “land of five rivers.”
Notable Historical and Cultural Sites
- Badshahi Mosque
- Jamia Sakeena-Tu-Sughra
- Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam
- Derawar Fort
- Faisalabad Clock Tower
- Khewra Salt Mines
- Shalimar Gardens
- Lahore Fort
- Archaeological sites of Taxila
- Rohtas Fort
These sites are essential to Punjab’s rich cultural heritage and attract numerous visitors and researchers interested in history and archaeology.
History of Punjab
Ancient Period
Early Human Habitation
The earliest evidence of human habitation in Punjab traces back to the Soan Valley of the Pothohar Plateau, located between the Indus and Jhelum rivers. The Soanian culture, which developed between 774,000 BC and 11,700 BC, is a testament to this period. This era coincides with the first interglacial period in the second Ice Age, from which remnants of stone and flint tools have been discovered.
Harappan Civilization
The Punjab region was the site of one of the earliest cradles of civilization: the Bronze Age Harappan civilization. This civilization flourished from about 3000 BC and declined rapidly around 1000 years later, coinciding with the Indo-Aryan migrations that began around 1500 BC and continued until 500 BC. The migrating Indo-Aryan tribes gave rise to the Iron Age Vedic civilization, which lasted until 500 BC. During this era, the Rigveda, one of the oldest texts of Hinduism, was composed in Punjab.
Rise of Mahajanapadas
Frequent intertribal wars in the post-Vedic period stimulated the growth of larger groupings ruled by chieftains and kings, who governed local kingdoms known as Mahajanapadas. The Achaemenid emperor Darius the Great crossed the Indus and annexed regions up to the Jhelum River around 518 BCE. Taxila, considered one of the oldest centers of education in South Asia, was part of the Achaemenid province of Hindush.
Alexander the Great and Porus
One of the early kings in Punjab was Porus, who fought the famous Battle of the Hydaspes against Alexander the Great. Despite the decisive Greek victory, Alexander was impressed by Porus and chose not to depose him. Instead, Alexander reinstated and even expanded Porus’ territory.
Conquests and Early Kingdoms
Multan was a noted center of excellence in the region and was attacked by Alexander the Great’s army. The region was later divided between the Maurya Empire and the Greco-Bactrian kingdom around 302 BCE. Menander I Soter conquered Punjab and made Sagala (present-day Sialkot) the capital of the Indo-Greek Kingdom.
Medieval Period
Islamic Conquest
Islam emerged as the major power in Punjab after the Umayyad caliphate, led by Muhammad bin Qasim, conquered the region in 711 AD. Multan became a center of the Ismaili sect of Islam. After the Umayyads conquered the key cities of Uch and Multan, they ruled far-reaching areas of Punjab and included Kashmir.
Hindu Shahi Dynasty
In the ninth century, the Hindu Shahi dynasty originating from Oddiyana replaced the Taank kingdom in Punjab, ruling much of the region along with eastern Afghanistan. The Gakhars/Khokhars tribe formed a large part of the Hindu Shahi army.
Ghaznavid Rule
The Turkic Ghaznavids attacked Punjab in the tenth century, ending three centuries of Islamic rule over the region. The Ghaznavids ruled for 157 years until the Ghurid conquests by Muhammad of Ghor in 1186.
Delhi Sultanate
Following the death of Muhammad of Ghor in 1206, the Ghurid state fragmented, and the Delhi Sultanate ruled Punjab for the next three hundred years. Ghiyath al-Din Tughlaq, the former governor of Multan, founded the Tughlaq dynasty in Delhi. The Mongol invasions in the 15th century led to the rise of prominent Muslims from Punjab.
Langah Sultanate
In 1445, Sultan Qutbudin, chief of Langah, established the Langah Sultanate in Multan. The Khokhars and Gakhars tribes were in general revolt in the Pothohar region during the 15th century.
Modern Period
Mughal Era
The Mughals came to power in the early sixteenth century and gradually expanded to control all of Punjab. The region was divided into two provinces: Multan and Lahore. The Mughal Empire ruled until it weakened in the eighteenth century, leading to Afghan and later Sikh control.
Sikh Empire
The Sikh Empire, founded by Ranjit Singh, ruled Punjab from 1799 until the British annexed it in 1849 following the First and Second Anglo-Sikh Wars.
British Rule
Most of the Punjabi homeland formed a province of British India, with Lahore as a center of learning and culture. Punjab supported the British during World War I, but the Jallianwala massacre in 1919 fueled the Indian independence movement. The region became a center of conflict between Indian and Pakistani nationalists during the Second World War.
After Independence
At the time of partition in 1947, Punjab was split into East Punjab (India) and West Punjab (Pakistan). The partition led to massive communal violence and significant demographic shifts, resulting in religious homogeneity in both East and West Punjab. The British Raj left lasting political, cultural, and educational impacts on the region, with many Punjabis playing significant roles in the independence movement.
Geography
Punjab, Pakistan’s second-largest province by area, covers 205,344 square kilometers (79,284 square miles) and constitutes 25.8% of the country’s total landmass. It is bordered by Sindh to the south, Balochistan to the southwest, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the west, and the Islamabad Capital Territory and Azad Kashmir to the north. The province also shares borders with Jammu and Kashmir to the north and the Indian states of Punjab and Rajasthan to the east.
The provincial capital and largest city is Lahore, which has served as the capital of the broader Punjab region since the 17th century. Other significant cities include Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Multan, Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Jhelum, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sahiwal. Punjab is distinguished by its river system; it encompasses the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers. The Beas River, part of the historical Punjab region, flows exclusively in India. Punjab is unique in that it borders every other province in Pakistan and surrounds the federal capital city of Islamabad.
Topography
Punjab’s terrain is predominantly composed of fertile alluvial plains created by the Indus River and its four main tributaries—Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej—which flow from north to south through the province. The region is among the most intensively irrigated in the world, with an extensive network of canals. The province also features several mountainous areas, such as the Sulaiman Mountains in the southwest, the Margalla Hills near Islamabad, and the Salt Range, which separates the Pothohar Plateau in the north from the rest of the province. Southern Punjab includes sparse desert regions, including parts of the Thal and Cholistan deserts. The elevation in the southern part of Punjab reaches up to 2,327 meters (7,635 feet) near the hill station of Fort Munro in Dera Ghazi Khan.
Climate
The climate in Punjab plays a critical role in its economy, especially in agriculture. The region’s climate varies significantly due to its geography, with areas near the Himalayas receiving more rainfall compared to those further away.
Seasons in Punjab
Punjab experiences three primary seasons with two transitional periods:
- Hot Season (Mid-April to June): Temperatures can soar up to 49 °C (120 °F).
- Monsoon Season (July to September): Characterized by heavy rainfall, this season is vital for agriculture, supplementing water from irrigation systems.
- Winter Season (December to February): Temperatures drop to around 5 °C (41 °F) at night, and 12 °C (54 °F) during the day.
Transitional Periods
- Post-Monsoon: The weather becomes cooler and milder, leading into winter.
- Pre-Monsoon: As the hot season approaches, sudden hailstorms and heavy showers can occur, potentially damaging crops.
Regional Climate Data
- Western Punjab (Islamabad): Features extreme temperatures ranging from a record high of 46.6 °C (115.9 °F) in June to a record low of −6 °C (21.2 °F) in January. The region receives an annual average precipitation of 1,268.6 mm, with July and August being the wettest months.
- Central Punjab (Lahore): Has experienced temperatures as high as 48.3 °C (118.9 °F) in May and as low as −2.2 °C (28.0 °F) in January. Lahore receives an average annual rainfall of 747.2 mm, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in July and August.
- Eastern Punjab (Chandigarh): The region has recorded a high of 46.0 °C (114.8 °F) in May and a low of 0.0 °C in January. The area experiences moderate rainfall, with the monsoon season providing the bulk of the annual precipitation.
These varying climatic conditions across Punjab significantly impact agriculture, requiring careful planning and management to mitigate risks associated with extreme weather events.
Demographics
Historical Population
The population of Punjab, Pakistan has seen significant growth over the years. The census data reveals a steady increase in the population from 10,427,765 in 1901 to 127,688,922 in 2023. Urbanization has also progressed, with the urban population rising from 3,568,076 in 1951 to 51,975,967 in 2023, while the rural population grew from 16,972,686 to 75,712,955 during the same period.
Population Overview
Punjab is home to more than half of Pakistan’s population, making it the second-most populous subnational entity in the world. It is the most populous region outside of India and China.
Languages
Punjabi is the predominant language spoken in Punjab, constituting 67% of the population as of the 2023 census. The province features a variety of Punjabi dialects, including Majhi, Multani, Pothwari, Thali, Jhangvi, Dhanni, Shahpuri, Derawali, and Riasti. Saraiki and Hindko, considered varieties of Punjabi, are separately enumerated in censuses. Saraiki is primarily spoken in the southern regions, while Hindko is common in the northwest. Additionally, Pashto is spoken in certain districts like Attock, Mianwali, and Rawalpindi. Other languages include Urdu (7.18%), Balochi (0.83%), Mewati (0.81%), and others making up 1.02%.
Religions
Islam is the dominant religion in Punjab, with 97.75% of the population adhering to it. The majority of Muslims follow Sunni Hanafi Islam, with a minority adhering to Shia Ithna ‘ashariyah. Christians make up the largest non-Muslim community at 1.93%, followed by Hindus at 0.19%. The census data also indicates small communities of Sikhs, Parsis, and other religious groups.
Religion Across Time
The religious composition of Punjab has evolved over time. In 1901, Muslims comprised 76.25% of the population, which grew to 97.75% by 2023. The Hindu population, which was 18.65% in 1901, decreased significantly following the partition of India in 1947, and now stands at 0.19%. Similarly, the Sikh population, once 4.64% in 1901, is now a very small minority. The Christian population has grown from 0.41% in 1901 to 1.93% in 2023. Other religious groups, including Jains, Zoroastrians, Jews, Buddhists, and Ahmadis, make up a very small percentage of the population.
Provincial Government
The Government of Punjab is a provincial government within Pakistan’s federal structure, headquartered in Lahore, the capital of Punjab Province. The Chief Minister of Punjab (CM), elected by the Provincial Assembly of Punjab, serves as the head of the provincial government. The current Chief Minister is Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who is also the first-ever woman to hold the position of Chief Minister in any province of Pakistan.
The Provincial Assembly of Punjab is a unicameral legislature with 371 seats, including 66 reserved for women and eight for non-Muslims. It is located in Lahore, in eastern Pakistan. The Assembly was established under Article 106 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
Punjab’s government comprises 48 departments, each headed by a Provincial Minister (politician) and a Provincial Secretary (usually a civil servant of BPS-20 or BPS-21). All Ministers report to the Chief Minister, who is the Chief Executive of the province, while all Secretaries report to the Chief Secretary of Punjab, who is typically a BPS-22 civil servant. The Chief Secretary, in turn, reports to the Chief Minister. Additionally, there are several Autonomous Bodies and Attached Departments that report directly to the Secretaries or the Chief Secretary.
Divisions
Punjab, Pakistan, is divided into nine administrative divisions, each with distinct characteristics contributing to the province’s diversity and development:
- Bahawalpur Division: Area: 45,588 km², Population: 13.4 million. Known for its rich agricultural lands and historical significance.
- Dera Ghazi Khan Division: Area: 38,778 km², Population: 12.9 million. Noted for its rugged terrain and natural resources.
- Faisalabad Division: Area: 17,918 km², Population: 16.2 million. Major industrial hub, particularly in textiles and manufacturing.
- Gujranwala Division: Area: 17,207 km², Population: 18.8 million. Renowned for its manufacturing sector and fertile agricultural lands.
- Lahore Division: Area: 11,727 km², Population: 22.8 million. Home to Lahore, the provincial capital and Pakistan’s second-largest city.
- Multan Division: Area: 15,211 km², Population: 14.1 million. Known for its agricultural productivity in cotton and wheat.
- Rawalpindi Division: Area: 22,254 km², Population: 11.4 million. Strategically located near Islamabad, with a significant military presence.
- Sahiwal Division: Area: 10,302 km², Population: 8.5 million. Primarily rural, focusing on agriculture and livestock farming.
- Sargodha Division: Area: 26,360 km², Population: 9.6 million. Famous for citrus fruit cultivation and wheat production.
These divisions play crucial roles in Punjab’s socio-economic landscape, reflecting a blend of urban centers, industrial zones, and fertile agricultural regions.
Districts
The province of Punjab, the most populous and second-largest province of Pakistan, is currently organized into 42 districts and 10 divisions (as of January 2023). Here are some key districts of Punjab, highlighting their headquarters, area, population, population density, and division:
- Lahore District: Headquarters Lahore, Area 1,772 km2, Population (2023) 13,004,135, Density 7,336.6 people per km2, Division Lahore.
- Faisalabad District: Headquarters Faisalabad, Area 5,856 km2, Population (2023) 9,075,819, Density 1,551.7 people per km2, Division Faisalabad.
- Rawalpindi District: Headquarters Rawalpindi, Area 5,286 km2, Population (2023) 6,118,911, Density 1,156.5 people per km2, Division Rawalpindi.
- Gujranwala District: Headquarters Gujranwala, Area 3,622 km2, Population (2023) 5,959,750, Density 1,644.5 people per km2, Division Gujranwala.
- Multan District: Headquarters Multan, Area 3,720 km2, Population (2023) 5,362,305, Density 1,441.1 people per km2, Division Multan.
- Sargodha District: Headquarters Sargodha, Area 5,854 km2, Population (2023) 4,334,448, Density 740.1 people per km2, Division Sargodha.
- Bahawalpur District: Headquarters Bahawalpur, Area 24,830 km2, Population (2023) 4,284,964, Density 172.3 people per km2, Division Bahawalpur.
These districts are pivotal in terms of population size, economic activities, and cultural significance within Punjab, reflecting the province’s diverse landscape and development priorities.
Major Cities
Punjab, the most populous province of Pakistan, is home to several major cities known for their economic significance, historical heritage, and cultural diversity. Here are the top cities ranked by population as of the 2017 census:
- Lahore: Lahore, the provincial capital and largest city of Punjab, stands out with a population exceeding 11 million. It is not only a hub of culture and education but also plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s economy with thriving industries and commerce.
- Faisalabad: Known as the Manchester of Pakistan, Faisalabad ranks second with over 3 million residents. It is renowned for its textile industry, contributing significantly to the national economy.
- Rawalpindi: Rawalpindi, adjacent to Islamabad, serves as an important military and administrative center. With a population exceeding 2 million, it is a key city in Punjab’s urban landscape.
- Gujranwala: Gujranwala, an industrial city, is known for its manufacturing sector and agricultural productivity. It boasts a population exceeding 2 million.
- Multan: Multan, often called the City of Saints, is one of the oldest cities in South Asia. It is a major cultural and economic center with a population nearing 2 million.
- Bahawalpur: Bahawalpur, located in southern Punjab, has a rich history and serves as an important economic center for the region, with a population exceeding 760,000.
- Sargodha: Sargodha, known for its agricultural productivity and military presence, has a population of around 660,000.
- Sialkot: Sialkot is renowned for its sports goods industry and manufacturing sector. It has a population of approximately 656,000.
- Sheikhupura: Sheikhupura, an industrial city, is known for its manufacturing and agricultural activities. It has a population of about 473,000.
- Rahim Yar Khan: Rahim Yar Khan, located in southern Punjab, is an important hub for agriculture and industry, with a population of around 420,000.
These cities not only contribute significantly to Punjab’s economy but also play vital roles in the social and cultural fabric of Pakistan, each with its unique blend of history, commerce, and local traditions.
Economy
GDP by Province
Punjab stands as the most significant contributor to Pakistan’s economy among all provinces. Since 1972, the province has witnessed a remarkable fourfold increase in its economic output. By the year 2000, Punjab accounted for 54.7% of Pakistan’s GDP, and this contribution further rose to 59% by 2010. Punjab’s dominance is particularly notable in the service and agriculture sectors, where it contributes between 52.1% and 64.5% to the service sector and between 56.1% and 61.5% to the agriculture sector. Furthermore, the province boasts the largest pool of skilled and professional manpower in Pakistan, making a significant impact on the manufacturing sector with historical contributions ranging from 44% to 52.6%.
Between 2002 and 2008, Punjab’s economy grew at an annual rate of 7% to 8%, achieving a growth rate of 7.8% in 2007. Even during the global economic slowdown of 2008-09, Punjab’s economy maintained a growth rate of 6%, outpacing the national GDP growth rate of 4%.
Despite not having a coastline, Punjab is the most industrialized province in Pakistan. Its manufacturing industries produce a wide range of goods, including textiles, sports goods, heavy machinery, electrical appliances, surgical instruments, vehicles, auto parts, metals, sugar mill plants, aircraft, cement, agricultural machinery, bicycles, rickshaws, floor coverings, and processed foods. In 2003, Punjab produced 90% of Pakistan’s paper and paper boards, 71% of fertilizers, 69% of sugar, and 40% of cement.
Industrial Zones
The Lahore and Gujranwala divisions host the largest concentration of small light engineering units. Sialkot is renowned for producing sports goods, surgical instruments, and cutlery goods. To further industrialization, the Punjab government is developing industrial estates, such as the Quaid-e-Azam Business Park near Sheikhupura on the Lahore-Islamabad motorway.
Poverty Rates
Punjab has the lowest poverty rates in Pakistan, though there is a noticeable divide between the northern and southern parts of the province. For example, Sialkot District in the north has a poverty rate of 5.63%, while Rajanpur District in the south has a poverty rate of 60.05%.
Education
Literacy Rate
Over the past 40 years, Punjab has seen a significant increase in literacy rates, rising from 20.7% in 1972 to 66.3% in 2021. The province also boasts the highest Human Development Index (HDI) among Pakistan’s provinces, with an HDI of 0.564.
Educational Market
In 1998, the Punjab government provided data on the educational market, indicating a broad range of educational qualifications in both urban and rural areas. The literacy and enrollment rates varied significantly across different levels of education.
Universities
Punjab is home to numerous universities, many of which specialize in various fields, ranging from medicine and engineering to general studies and arts. The top ten universities in Punjab are:
- King Edward Medical University in Lahore, established in 1860, specializes in medicine and is a public institution.
- Government College University, Lahore established in 1864, offers general studies and is a public institution.
- Forman Christian College in Lahore, established in 1864, provides general education and is a private institution.
- National College of Arts in Lahore, established in 1875, with a campus in Rawalpindi, specializes in art and design and is a public institution.
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Lahore, established in 1882, with campuses in Jhang, Pattoki, Narowal, and Layyah, focuses on veterinary and animal sciences and is a public institution.
- University of the Punjab in Lahore, established in 1882, with campuses in Gujranwala, Jhelum, and Khanspur, offers a wide range of general studies and is a public institution.
- University of Agriculture, Faisalabad established in 1906, with campuses in Burewala, Toba Tek Singh, and Depalpur, specializes in agriculture and is a public institution.
- Kinnaird College for Women University in Lahore, established in 1913, provides general education and is a public institution.
- University of Engineering and Technology in Lahore, established in 1921, with campuses in Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, and Narowal, focuses on engineering and technology and is a public institution.
- Lahore College for Women University in Lahore, established in 1922, with a campus in Jhang, offers general education and is a public institution.
These institutions are recognized for their academic excellence and contributions to various fields of study, making Punjab a hub for higher education in Pakistan.
Culture
Historical Background
The culture in Punjab has deep roots that trace back to the ancient Indus Valley civilization, around 3000 BCE. The region’s development was greatly influenced by the settlements along its five rivers, which served as significant trade routes to the Near East. Agriculture has always been the main economic activity in Punjab, shaping its cultural foundation and determining social status through landownership. The Green Revolution from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s further cemented Punjab’s reputation as the “breadbasket of both India and Pakistan.”
Fairs and Festivals
Islamic festivals are widely celebrated in Punjab, following the lunar Islamic calendar, which causes the dates to shift by 10 to 13 days each year. Major Islamic festivals include Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Ramadan. In addition to these, non-Islamic festivals such as Lohri, Basant, and Vaisakhi are celebrated as seasonal events. Despite some clerics and politicians attempting to ban these non-Islamic festivals due to religious reasons, they remain an integral part of the cultural fabric of Punjab.
Tourism
Tourism in Punjab is managed by the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab. The province boasts a variety of attractions, with Lahore, the provincial capital, being a focal point due to its rich history and cultural landmarks. Lahore is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens, as well as other notable sites including the Walled City of Lahore, Badshahi Mosque, Wazir Khan Mosque, and the tombs of Jahangir and Nur Jahan.
Other notable tourist destinations include:
- Murree: A popular hill station.
- Pharwala Fort: Built by an ancient Hindu civilization.
- Sheikhupura: Features several Mughal Empire sites, including Rohtas Fort.
- Katasraj Temple in Chakwal: A major pilgrimage site for Hindus.
- Khewra Salt Mines: One of the oldest mines in South Asia.
- Faisalabad: Known for its clock tower and eight bazaars representing the Union Jack.
- Multan: Famous for its mausoleums of saints and Sufi pirs, with attractions such as the Multan Museum, Multan Fort, and Nuagaza tombs.
- Bahawalpur: Includes the Derawar Fort, Noor Mahal, Sadiq Ghar Palace, and Lal Suhanra National Park.
Social Issues
There is a growing concern about the declining status of the Punjabi language due to the dominance of Urdu and English in broadcasting, the public sector, and formal education. Many fear that Punjabi is being relegated to a low-status language, lacking an environment where it can flourish.
Efforts to promote Punjabi include:
- The Khawaja Farid Conference in August 2015, organized by the Pakistan Academy of Letters, International Writer’s Council (IWC), and World Punjabi Congress (WPC), called for the establishment of a Punjabi-language university in Lahore and for Punjabi to be the medium of instruction at the primary level.
- A legal case filed in September 2015 against the Government of Punjab for not implementing Punjabi in the province.
- Annual gatherings in Lahore on International Mother Language Day to advocate for Punjabi.
Prominent organizations and activists pushing for the promotion of Punjabi include:
- Cultural and research institutes: Punjabi Adabi Board, Khoj Garh Research Centre, Punjabi Prachar, and others.
- Trade unions and youth groups: Punjabi Writers Forum, National Students Federation, Punjabi Union-Pakistan, and more.
- Notable activists: Tariq Jatala, Farhad Iqbal, Diep Saeeda, Khalil Ojla, among others.
Hafiz Saeed, the chief of Jama’at-ud-Da’wah, has questioned Pakistan’s choice of Urdu as the national language, arguing that Islamic doctrine encourages education in one’s mother tongue.