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Faisalabad, formerly known as Lyallpur, is the third most populous city in Pakistan and the second largest city in East Punjab. Historically, it was one of the earliest planned cities in British India and has long since developed into a cosmopolitan city. Faisalabad was reorganized as a municipal district; this was a mandate declared under the Local Government Ordinance (LGO) 2001.
The total area of Faisalabad District is 5,856 square kilometers (2,261 square miles), while the Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) controls an area of 1,280 square kilometers (490 square miles). Due to its central location in the region and its connectivity by road, rail, and air transport, Faisalabad has developed into a major industrial and distribution center. It has been called the “Manchester of Pakistan“.
As of 2013, Faisalabad’s GDP (PPP) was estimated at $43 billion and is expected to increase to $87 billion by 2025, a growth rate of 5.7%. Faisalabad contributes over 20% to the GDP of Punjab, with an average annual GDP (nominal) of $20.5 billion. Agriculture and industry remain its hallmarks.
Faisalabad District actually began to be called Lyallpur District in 1904, before which it was a district of Jhang District. During British rule in colonial India, Lyallpur was named in honor of the then Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, Sir James Broadwood Lyall, for his contribution in colonizing the lower Chenab Valley.
Lyall’s surname is related to the name “Pur”, which means “city” in Sanskrit. In 1979, the Pakistani government changed the city’s name from Lyallpur to Faisalabad (“Faisal City”) in honor of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, who made many financial contributions to Pakistan.
Faisalabad is located on a flat, rolling plain in northeastern Punjab, at an altitude of 186 meters (610 feet). The city itself covers an area of about 1,230 square kilometres (470 sq mi), while the urban area covers more than 16,000 square kilometres (6,200 sq mi). The Chenab River flows for about 30 kilometres (19 mi), while the Ravi River meanders southeast for 40 kilometres (25 mi).
The Lower Chenab Canal supplies water to 80% of the cultivated land, making it a major source of irrigation water. Faisalabad is bounded by the Chiniot and Sheikhupura Hills to the north, the Sheikhupura and Sahawal Hills to the east, the Sahawal and Tobatek Singh Hills to the south, and the Jang Hills to the west.
The Faisalabad area is part of an plain located between the foothills of the Himalayas and the centre of the Indian subcontinent. Sediments are often more than a thousand feet thick. These intersecting streams are believed to have been formed during the Late Pleistocene and are characterised by river terraces.
These waterways were later identified as the ancient and modern floodplains of the Ravi River in the Kamalia and Chenab plains. The ancient floodplains consist of Holocene deposits of the Ravi and Chenab rivers.
Faisalabad, formerly known as Lyallpur, is a bustling city in Punjab, Pakistan, renowned for its textile industry and rich cultural heritage. While often overshadowed by larger cities, Faisalabad offers a unique blend of modern amenities and historical charm. Here’s a guide to some of the top places to visit in this vibrant city:
A prominent landmark, the Clock Tower stands tall in the city’s heart. Built during British colonial rule, it’s a symbol of Faisalabad’s history. The tower’s intricate architecture and clock mechanism are a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of the city.
Top Places To Visit in Faisalabad: Clock Tower
A serene oasis, Jinnah Gardens offers lush greenery, walking paths, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to relax, enjoy picnics, or simply take a leisurely stroll. The gardens feature a variety of plant species, including colorful flowers, towering trees, and fragrant shrubs.
Explore the city’s past at the Faisalabad Museum, which houses artifacts, exhibits, and historical documents. The museum showcases the diverse cultural heritage of the region, from ancient civilizations to the British colonial period. Visitors can learn about the city’s textile industry, its role in the independence movement, and the lives of its people through interactive displays and informative exhibits.
Places to visit in Faisalabad: Lyllapur Muesum
Named after the renowned poet Allama Iqbal, this park features a beautiful fountain, landscaped gardens, and a peaceful ambiance. Iqbal Park is a popular destination for families, couples, and individuals seeking a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park’s serene atmosphere, combined with its well-maintained grounds and ample seating areas, make it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Faisalabad.
One of the country’s premier agricultural universities, UAF offers a campus filled with lush greenery, research facilities, and academic buildings. The university’s sprawling campus is a sight to behold, with its well-manicured lawns, modern infrastructure, and vibrant student life. Visitors can explore the university’s botanical gardens, agricultural research stations, and livestock farms to gain insights into the field of agriculture.
A renowned educational institution, GCUF provides a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. GCUF’s historic campus, with its colonial-era buildings and beautiful architecture, is a testament to the city’s educational heritage. Visitors can admire the university’s grand facade, explore its libraries and research centers, and witness the vibrant academic atmosphere that prevails within its walls.
Places to visit in Faisalabad: GCUF
A busy commercial street, Allama Iqbal Road is lined with shops, boutiques, and shopping malls, offering a variety of products. Allama Iqbal Road is a shopper’s paradise, with something to suit every taste and budget. Visitors can find everything from traditional handicrafts and textiles to modern clothing and electronics. The street’s bustling atmosphere, combined with its diverse range of shops and restaurants, make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a retail therapy experience.
Top Places To Visit in Faisalabad: Iqbal Park
Faisalabad Cloth Market:
Known for its textile industry, Faisalabad offers a vast selection of fabrics, clothing, and accessories at competitive prices. The Faisalabad Cloth Market is a wholesale and retail hub for textiles, attracting buyers from all over the country and beyond. Visitors can explore the labyrinthine maze of shops and stalls, haggle for the best prices, and discover a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton, silk, linen, and synthetic materials. The market’s vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity to witness the textile industry in action make it a fascinating place to visit.
It is one of the largest cultural centers in Faisalabad, hosting book fairs, educational events, independence ceremonies, literary festivals and other events. This hall can accommodate 5,500 people at a time, and a sense of community development can be felt when people gather here to share a common cause of happiness.
Places To Visit in Faisalabad: NFAK Auditorium
A popular amusement park, Sindbad Wonderland features thrilling rides, games, and attractions for families and children. Sindbad Wonderland is a haven for fun-seekers of all ages. The park offers a wide range of rides, including roller coasters, water slides, carousels, and bumper cars. Visitors can also enjoy live shows, games, and other entertainment options. The park’s festive atmosphere and its commitment to safety and cleanliness make it a popular destination for families and friends.
Top Places to visit in Faisalabad: Sindhabad Wonderland
For golf enthusiasts, the Faisalabad Golf Club offers a well-maintained course and a relaxing atmosphere. The Faisalabad Golf Club is a premier golfing destination, with its championship-caliber course and stunning scenery. The club’s lush green fairways, challenging hazards, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape make it a golfer’s dream. Visitors can enjoy a round of golf, practice their skills at the driving range, or simply relax at the clubhouse’s restaurant and bar.
Faisalabad has a significant Sikh community, and the Sikh Gurudwara is a place of worship and cultural heritage. The Sikh Gurudwara is a beautiful and welcoming place of worship, offering a glimpse into the Sikh community’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can admire the gurudwara’s architecture, attend religious services, and learn about Sikh traditions and beliefs. The gurudwara’s langar, a community kitchen that serves free meals to all visitors, is a testament to the Sikh philosophy of selfless service.
Top Places to visit in Faisalabad: Sikh Gurdwara
The average annual rainfall is about 615 mm (24.2 in). It peaks in July and August during the monsoon season, although westerly disturbances in winter can also bring heavy rains accompanied by hail. The monsoon season, which starts in July and ends in September, brings heavy rains to the city, causing flash floods. Thunderstorms can also occur if the monsoon airstream interacts with westerly disturbances.
July is the wettest month of the year, with floods reported on several occasions. The monsoon season ends in September, and the dry season then begins. October and November are the driest months with very little rainfall.
In winter, the weather is usually cloudy and often foggy. The highest wind gust ever recorded in Faisalabad occurred during a severe thunderstorm on 2 June 2000, when maximum wind speeds reached 151 km/h (94 mph).
Faisalabad has an extensive rail, road and air network. Public transport in Faisalabad includes rickshaws, buses and trains. Faisalabad International Airport is located on the outskirts of the city and has flights to the Middle East.
Faisalabad is the third most populous city in Pakistan after Karachi and Lahore and is a commercial centre popular for its colonial heritage. In 1982, the Punjab government established the Faisalabad Arts Council, a division of the Punjab Arts Council under the administrative supervision of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Youth Affairs. The Faisalabad Arts Council was designed by architect Nair Ali Dada and completed in 2006. The hall is named after the late Pakistani singer and musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the delicious flavors of Faisalabad’s local cuisine. Try traditional dishes like nihari, haleem, paya, and biryani, which are renowned for their rich taste and spices. Faisalabad’s culinary scene is a delight for food lovers, with a wide range of restaurants and eateries offering a variety of local and international cuisines.
Visitors can indulge in the city’s famous nihari, a slow-cooked meat dish served with naan bread, or savor the hearty and flavorful haleem, a porridge-like dish made with lentils, meat, and spices. Other local delicacies include paya, a soup made with trotters, and biryani, a fragrant rice dish with meat or vegetables. Faisalabad’s diverse culinary scene reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage and its cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, education, or simply exploring a new city, Faisalabad offers a diverse range of attractions to cater to your interests. With its friendly locals, vibrant atmosphere, and unique experiences, Faisalabad is a city worth visiting.
Since 2017, Saba Ghani has been serving as the talented and dedicated chief content writer for Pakistan Tour and Travel & EMHI Solutions. With her exceptional writing skills and in-depth knowledge of the travel industry, she has been instrumental in crafting engaging and informative content that captivates the audience. You can catch her at [email protected] or Twitter
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