Khanewal became a separate district on July 1, 1985, and covers an area of 4,349 square kilometers. Located in the Punjab province of Pakistan, it serves as both a city and a district, with Khanewal city situated along the National Highway N-5. In this article, we will explore the district’s history, demographics, administrative framework, and electoral system.
Khanewal History
Khanewal derives its name from its earliest settlers, the Daha family, a sub-caste of the Panwar Rajputs, who commonly used the title “Khan” with their names. This led to the area being referred to as “Khan-e-wal”, which eventually became Khanewal.
The region was primarily settled by Zayadat Khan, a forefather of the Daha clan. Originally from Dharwar, he migrated first to Bahawalpur and then to Pakpattan. In the 1820s, he moved to the present this region after securing employment under Dewan Sawan Mall, a prominent administrator of the time.
Zayadat Khan was assigned responsibilities for managing revenue collection and disbursements in Tulamba, Kamalia, and Laden. His growing reputation and the frequent use of the title “Khan” in the area led to the name “Khanewala,” which later evolved into Khanewal. The first person known to have settled in the region was Sangar Khan.1
Sangar Khan, the 34th descendant of Tikkey Khan, the first Muslim in the Daha family, is believed to have migrated from Pakpattan to Khanewal. According to historical accounts, he built a castle in the area, where the family resided for many years. Among his descendants, Hasan Khan, the 37th in line from Tikkey Khan, rose to prominence as a leading businessman in the region. In 1768, he was honored with a Sanad by the Pathan governments. Reliable historical sources indicate that this town was first settled around 1050 AD.
The city began to develop rapidly with the arrival of the British in the 19th century, primarily due to the expansion of the railway network. Khanewal became a major junction on the Karachi-Peshawar railway line, one of the most important rail routes in South Asia. This connectivity laid the foundation for the city’s economic and population growth.
Tehsils of Khanewal District
The district has been divided into following four tehsils:
- Tehsil Khanewal. Population: 987,445. Area: 784 Sq. Km.
- Tehsil Mian Channu. Population: 872,581. Area. 1212 Sq. Km.
- Tehsil Kabirwala. Its population is 1,119,229, while its area is 1804 Sq. Km.
- Tehsil Jahanian. Its population is 384,822, while its area is 549 Sq. Km.
Population of Khanewal
According to the census conducted by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics in 2023, Khanewal District has a total population of 3,364,077 individuals. The district comprises 526,609 households, with an average household size of 6.39 persons.
The population distribution highlights the district’s predominantly rural character:
Rural population: 2,647,291
Urban population: 716,786
In terms of gender demographics:
Male population: 1,734,655
Female population: 1,629,036
The total population of Khanewal city stands at 281,890. Of this, the male population is 145,455, while the female population is 136,396. This demographic breakdown reflects a fairly balanced gender distribution within the urban center.2
According to 2017 census, population of this district was 2,920,233.
Literacy Rate
According to the 2023 census, the literacy rate in this district is 60.97%, reflecting a moderate level of educational development in the region. A closer look at the figures reveals a noticeable gender gap: the literacy rate among males is 69.26%, while it stands at 52.18% for females. This difference highlights the need for increased efforts to promote female education and improve access to learning opportunities across all communities.3
Agriculture, Industries & Economy
The district has a well-developed irrigation system, primarily fed by canals originating from the Lower Bari Doab Canal. These canals support agriculture, the main livelihood in the region, by supplying water to vast farmlands. The efficient canal network ensures the cultivation of crops like cotton, wheat, and sugarcane.
| Cultivated Area4 | 902,048 | 85.34% |
| Uncultivated Area | 154,925 | 14.66% |
| Canal Irrigated Area | 474,614 | 52.59% |
| Tube Well Irrigated Area | 254,367 | 28.20% |
| Canal & Tube Well Irrigated Area | 173,067 | 19.21% |
The district hosts diverse industries including textiles, food processing, sugar mills, poultry feed, and power generation. Here is the list of some famous industries of the district:
- Nestlé Pakistan Pvt. Ltd. – Located in Kabirwala, this is one of the largest food and dairy processing plants in the country.
- Unilever Tea Factory – This facility processes and packages various Unilever tea products.
- Rousch Power Plant – Located in Abdul Hakim, this plant is a major power generation facility contributing to the national grid.
- Jadeed Feeds Pvt. Ltd. – Operating in Khanewal, this company manufactures poultry feed on a large scale.
- Masood Fabrics Pvt. Ltd. – Based in Kabirwala, this industry specializes in textile manufacturing and export-quality fabric production.
- Jamhoor Textile Mills – Located in Mian Channu, this mill is known for its contributions to the textile sector.
- Qureshi Textile Mills – Also in Mian Channu, this mill is part of the district’s growing textile industry.
Railway Station
Khanewal Junction Railway Station, established in 1865, is one of the busiest railway staion in Pakistan’s railway network. The station features multiple platforms and accommodates numerous express and passenger trains, facilitating both passenger travel and freight movement across the country.
Places to Visit in Khanewal
1. Shrine of Khalid Waleed
The Shrine of Khalid Walid, located in the village of Nawan Shehr near Kabirwala, is a significant Sufi monument dating back to the late 12th or early 13th century. Dedicated to the warrior-saint Khalid Walid, the shrine is considered one of the earliest Muslim funerary monuments in South Asia. Its architecture features a fortified rectangular structure with inward-sloping walls, semicircular bastions, and a distinctive mihrab adorned with Kufic calligraphy, reflecting Seljuk influences from Central Asia.
2. Tulamba Fort
Tulamba Fort, is located between Mian Channu and Kot Abdul Hakeem. It is a historical site with roots stretching back over 2,500 years. Reconstructed by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century, the fort features 12 bastions and robust brick walls. Its strategic location made it a focal point for various civilizations, including encounters with Alexander the Great and Timur. Despite its rich history, the fort now houses a girls’ high school and municipal offices, and faces challenges from neglect and encroachments. Preserving this monument is crucial for maintaining the region’s cultural heritage.5
Healthcare Facilities in Khanewal
Government Hospitals6
- DHQ Hospital Khanewal. Phone No: 065-9200210-11
- THQ Hospital Mian Channu. Phone No: 0652-660942
- THQ Hospital Kabirwala. Phone No: 0652-41053
- THQ Hospital Jahanian. Phone No: 0652-210780
Private Hospitals
- Noreen Nishat Welfare Hospital
- Khawar Surgical & Child Hospital
- Ibrahim Welfare Hospital
- City care medical center
- Iqbal Memorial Hospital
Famous Personalities of Khanewal
Khanewal District has produced several notable personalities across various fields, including religion, science, politics, arts, and sports. Here are some prominent figures associated with the district:
- Maulana Tariq Jameel: A renowned Islamic scholar and preacher, Maulana Tariq Jameel is known for his eloquent sermons and contributions to Islamic education.
- Har Gobind Khorana: Born in Raipur, he was an Indian-American molecular biologist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1968 for his work on the genetic code and its function in protein synthesis.
- Tasawar Hayat: Tasawar Hayat, born in January 1969 in Khanewal, is a renowned Pakistani mathematician known for his work in mathematical fluid mechanics.
- Arshad Nadeem: A javelin thrower who has represented Pakistan in international competitions, including the Olympics. He recently won a Gold Medal at Paris Olympics for his record breaking throw of 92.97 meters.
- Dr. Ayub Khan Ommaya: A Pakistani-American neurosurgeon from Mian Channu, he invented the Ommaya reservoir, a device used to deliver chemotherapy directly to the brain.
- Ghulam Haider Wyne: Ghulam Haider Wyne was a famous politician of Pakistan. He was former Chief Minister of Punjab (1990 – 1993).
- Raza Hayat Hiraj: He has served multiple terms as a Member of the National Assembly and held ministerial roles.
- Iftikhar Thakur: A well-known comedian and actor, he has appeared in numerous television shows and stage performances, gaining popularity for his comedic talent. He did his graduation from Islamabad. He also studied at New York film academy USA.7
- Rao Iftikhar Anjum: A former Pakistani cricketer known for his right-arm medium-fast bowling, he has played for the national team in various formats.
- Shabbir Ahmed: A former Pakistani fast bowler who represented the national cricket team in Test and One Day International matches.
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