Okara City and District, Its History & Facts

Okara is a city and district in Punjab Province of Pakistan. It became a separate district on 01 July 1982 and prior to this it was a Tehsil of Sahiwal. It is located at a distance of about 120 km from Lahore. It lies on Grand Truck (GT) road also known as Multan road. During British colonial rule, Okara was developed as a planned town with organized blocks and infrastructure.¹

Okara began to develop as an urban center in the third quarter of the 19th century, largely as a result of British colonization. Prior to the introduction of the canal irrigation system, the area was mostly barren and uninhabited. The district comprises 140 U.C’s and 903 rural localities/ villages. Area of this district is 4377 square Km.

Tracing the early history of the town is challenging, but local accounts suggest that the name “Okara” is derived from a tree called “Okaan,” which once stood near a water tank embankment. This location served as a temporary resting point for travelers. Over time, the place became known as “Okaan Adda,” which gradually evolved into “Okaada,” and eventually, the name was refined to “Okara.”²

Okara City Photos

Tehsils Of Okara District:

Okara District has been sub-divided into following three tehsils:

Tehsil Okara
Tehsil Depalpur
Tehsil Renala Khurd

Population Of Okara District:

According to the 2023 Census conducted by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the total population of Okara district stands at 3,515,490. Of this, 1,789,744 individuals are male, accounting for approximately 50.92% of the population, while 1,725,411 are female, making up about 49.08%. The district maintains a fairly balanced gender ratio.³

A significant portion of the population, approximately 66.22% (2,327,986 individuals), resides in rural areas, reflecting its agrarian character. In contrast, 33.78% (1,187,504 individuals) live in urban centers, indicating a growing trend of urbanization while retaining a predominantly rural identity.

There are a total of 550,057 households across the district, with an average household size of 6.39 persons. This demographic distribution highlights the traditional family structures common in the region, especially in rural settings. The population data is critical for planning infrastructure, health, education, and development initiatives at both the district and provincial levels.

According to the 2023 Census, the total population of Tehsil Okara is 1,393,746. Of this, 709,348 are males and 684,235 are females. The majority of the tehsil’s residents—767,766 individuals—live in rural areas, while 625,980 people, accounting for 44.91% of the population, reside in urban localities. Okara City has a population of 533,693, making it the largest urban center in the district.⁴

According to 2017 census, population of this district was 3,040,826.

Literacy Rate

According to the 2023 census data, the overall literacy rate in Okara District is 60.25%, reflecting moderate educational development in the region. A closer look at the gender-wise breakdown reveals that the male literacy rate stands at 66.52%, while the female literacy rate is comparatively lower at 53.71%.⁵

This gap highlights the ongoing challenge of educational inequality between genders, particularly in rural areas where access to education for girls may be limited due to socio-cultural and economic factors. Despite these challenges, the literacy figures indicate steady progress, especially when compared to past decades.

okara city underpass over which railway line is passing

Okara City Photos

National & Provincial Assembly Members 2024

Here is the list of members of National Assembly and Provincial Assembly of Punjab who were elected from Okara in General Elections held in 2024.

Members of National Assembly (MNA)

Constituency	Name of MNA⁶	Party
NA-135	Nadeem Abbas	PMLN
NA-136	Riaz ul Haq	PMLN
NA-137	Syed Raza Ali Gillani	IND
NA-138	M. Mueen Wattoo	PML-N

Members of Punjab Assembly (MPA)

Constituency	Name of MPA⁷	Party
PP-185	Javed Alla Ud Din Sajid	PML N
PP-186	Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Shah	PML N
PP-187	Iftikhar Hussain Chhachar	PML N
PP-188	Noor Ul Amin Wattoo	PML N
PP-189	Ali Abbas	PML N
PP-190	Mian Yawar Zaman	PML N
PP-191	Mian Muhammad Munir	PML N
PP-192	Ghulam Raza	PML N

Parks and Recreational Places

In Okara there are few parks and play grounds located in different parts of the town. Two parks in District complex are reserved for ladies and children. There are two stadiums in the town. Below is the detail of two main parks:

Safdar Shaheed Park

Safdar Shaheed Park spans an area of 7 acres and features well-maintained green spaces with a large number of trees that provide shade and enhance the park’s natural beauty. The park is equipped with facilities such as a jogging track and paved walkways, making it a popular spot for morning and evening walks, as well as light exercise. Two fountains add to the park’s charm, creating a peaceful and refreshing environment for visitors. The entire area is enclosed by a boundary wall, ensuring security and a defined recreational space for the community.

Jinnah Park

Jinnah Park is situated on Allama Iqbal Road, adjacent to the 4-L Minor Canal near Jahaz Chowk. Covering a total area of 6 acres, the park is enclosed by a boundary wall, ensuring safety and a well-defined space for visitors. A centrally placed fountain adds to the visual appeal, while electric lights have been installed throughout the park to facilitate evening visits and enhance security.

Besides above mentioned parks, there are few others parks which include Rehmat Ullah town park, Gulshan e Fatima park, Mehboob Alam park, Fateh town park, Lalazaar colony park etc.⁸ Apart from public parks, there is a private park namely Farid ud Din water park.

Irrigation, Agriculture & Crops

Okara’s economy is predominantly agricultural. The district is a leading producer of crops like potatoes, wheat, rice, sugarcane, and maize. It contributes significantly to Pakistan’s potato production, alongside neighboring districts. The district is irrigated mainly through canals derived from the Lower Bari Doab Canal (LBDC), a major canal constructed during British rule.

The region is also recognized for its abundant orange and mango orchards, which add to its agricultural diversity. A particularly notable feature of the district is the extensive lemon, guava, and grapefruit orchards owned by Mitchell’s Fruit Farms Limited, a prominent food processing company. These orchards stretch for approximately six miles along the Lower Bari Doab Canal (LBDC), extending from Renala Khurd to the Okara bypass.⁹

Prior to the development of a formal irrigation system, the entire region that now comprises Okara District was largely arid and uncultivated. The transformation began in 1913 with the construction of the Lower Bari Doab Canal (LBDC), which channels water from the River Ravi. This major canal project marked a turning point in the district’s agricultural and economic sector.

Subsequently, the addition of the Depalpur and Pakpattan canals further extended the reach of irrigation across the district. Together, these canals brought the vast majority of the district under a regulated and efficient irrigation network. The introduction of these systems turned the once-barren land into fertile farmland.¹⁰

Healthcare Facilities

Public Sector Hospitals

Okara city has various health facilities and institutions. The primary government-run facility is the District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, located on Eid Gah Road. It offers a range of medical services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and specialized treatments.

Another significant public institution is the DHQ Hospital South City, situated on Chak No. 52-2L, which provides comprehensive healthcare services to the southern parts of the city.¹¹

Additionally, the Punjab Social Security Hospital serves employees and families of industrial units, offering free medical care under the Punjab Employees Social Security Institution (PESSI) program.¹²

Private Hospitals

Here is the list of some of the notable private hospitals in this city:

Sharif Surgimed Hospital: Services: General medicine, Surgery, Physiotherapy, Preventive care. conatct No: 0312-9876060
CMH Okara (Combined Military Hospital): Comprehensive medical services for armed forces personnel and civilians
National Care Hospital: Services: General healthcare and specialized medical services. Contact No: 0307-7738777
Qari Hospital: Specialties: Gynecology, ENT, Ophthalmology, Cardiology. Phone No: 044-2702606
Liaqat Medical & Dental Complex: Medical and dental healthcare facilities

Basic Health Units in Okara

Here is the list of Basic Health Units (BHU) situated in Tehsil Okara:

S. No	Name & Location of BHU	Contact No
1	Basic Health Unit, Akber	03034473225
2	Fateh Pur	03214561635, 03064868829
3	Burj Jeway Khan	03024947116
4	Chak No 48/3-R	03012511862
5	Chak No 52/3-R	03217073417
6	Chak No 40/3-R	03336960640
7	Chak No 4/4-L	03205514602
8	Chak No 38/4-L	03457544796
9	Chak No 39/2-L	03023910803
10	Chak No 23/4-L	03009521253
11	Chak No 44/2-L	03004099933
12	Chak No 32/2-L	03070772507
13	Chak No 32/2-R	03347438101
14	Chak No 21-GD	03335463963, 03216956058
15	Jaboka	03366659474
16	Miana Thatha	03320304019
17	Chak No 24-GD	03316793074
18	Joota	03426731978
19	Jindraka	03004223013
20	Kohla	03068429299
21	Chak No 12-GD	03216982600
22	Lasharian	03426755756
23	Kund Bohar	03436770149
24	Chak No 15/1-R	03324410232
25	Chak No 25/2-R	03436773192
26	Chak No 45/3-R	03319706578
27	Chak No 1/4-L	03006972578
28	Chak No 16-GD

Education Facilities

University of Okara

Established in 2016, the University of Okara is a public-sector institution located in Renala Khurd. It spans a 205-acre campus and serves over 10,000 students. The university comprises six faculties, including Computing, Management & Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Sciences, Education, and Health Sciences. It also houses the Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Sciences. UO is ranked #=212 in the Asian University Rankings – Southern Asia 2025.¹³

Prominent Schools & Colleges

Superior College

Founded in 2007, Superior College Okara was the first institute in the locality with the primary aim of facilitating quality education. It offers programs in commerce, science, and humanities, focusing on academic excellence and personal development.

Punjab College

Part of the Punjab Group of Colleges, this institution is renowned for its high academic standards and modern facilities. It provides intermediate and bachelor’s programs across various disciplines.

The Limit Group of Colleges

Located in Nawab Colony, The Limit Group offers a range of intermediate and degree programs. It is known for its focus on quality education and student development.

Quaid e Azam Group of Colleges

This group offers programs in law, commerce, and humanities, aiming to produce professionals equipped with critical thinking and leadership skills.

District Public School and College

DPS Okara is a prestigious institution offering education from primary to intermediate levels. It is known for its disciplined environment and academic achievements.

Army Public School and College

APS Okara provides quality education with a focus on character building and leadership. It caters to the children of military personnel and civilians alike.

Okara Postal Code

Here is the list of Postal codes of different areas of this district:

Area	Postal Code
Okara GPO	56300
Akhtar Abad	56100
Basir Pur	56010
Anwar Shaheed Colony, Renala	56150
Chak 53/2L	56316
Chak 36/2L	56330
Chak No 49/3R	56320
Depalpur	56180
Gogera	56200
Haveli Lakkha	56020
Hujra Shah Muqeem	56170
Jaboka	56290
Jandraka	65280
Mandi Ahmad Abad	56000
Cantt	56400
Renala Khurd	56130

Railway Station

Okara Railway Station is a busy stop along Pakistan’s Karachi–Peshawar Railway Line, serving as a key transit point for both passengers and freight. It was established in 1927 during British colonial era and later reconstructed in 2017 with modern building.¹⁴ Several major trains, including the Allama Iqbal Express, Khyber Mail, and Musa Pak Express, make scheduled stops here. For instance, the Allama Iqbal Express halts at Okara for two minutes in both directions, facilitating travel between Karachi and Sialkot.

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