Sahiwal City & District: History, Culture, and Key Facts

Sahiwal is a city and district of Punjab Province of Pakistan. It has a rich historical legacy that reflects its cultural and agricultural importance. It is located on the Grand Trunk (GT) Road. This article explores the Sahiwal’s historical background, evolving demographics, and the structure of its administrative and electoral systems.

Sahiwal History

Sahiwal was originally called Gogera, named after a small village located on the left bank of the River Ravi. It became an officially administered region in 1849. With the arrival of the railway system, the district headquarters were moved in 1865 to the current location, which was then a modest settlement of the local “Sahi” tribespeople.¹

Established in 1865 during British colonial rule, it was initially named Montgomery after Sir Robert Montgomery, the then lieutenant governor of Punjab.² It was designated as a municipality in 1867 and later renamed Sahiwal in 1967. The district spans 3,201 square kilometers.³

Population & Literacy rate of Sahiwal

As per the 2023 census, Sahiwal city has a population of 538,344, making it the 19th largest city in Pakistan, while the district has a total population of 2,881,811. The urban population accounts for 757,631 individuals, while the rural population stands at 2,124,180. The literacy rate is 64.77%, with male literacy at 71.06% and female literacy at 58.29%. ⁴ ⁵

Tehsils of Sahiwal District

This district has been divided into following two tehsils:

Tehsil Sahiwal
Tehsil Chichawatni

Language and Religion

Punjabi is the predominant language, spoken by 96.95% of the population, followed by Urdu at 2.28%. Islam is the major religion, practiced by 97.54% of the population, with Christianity being the second-largest at 2.41%. Here is the list of most spoken languages of this district;

Language	Number of People who speak this language
Punjabi	2,790,216
Urdu	65,700
Pashto	14,073
Sindhi	4,716
Saraiki	729

Coal Power Project

The Sahiwal Coal Power Project is one of Pakistan’s most significant energy projects, located near Qadirabad village. Completed in a record time, the project was inaugurated in 2017 and is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative. It consists of two 660-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plants, with a total generation capacity of 1,320 MW.⁶

Harappa

Sahiwal city has historical significance dating back to ancient times, with the nearby site of Harappa just 24 kilometers west – being one of the major urban centers of the Indus Valley Civilization. Harappa is one of the most significant archaeological sites in South Asia. It was a major urban center of the Indus Valley Civilization, which thrived from around 2600 to 1900 BCE. The site was first identified in the 19th century, with major excavations beginning in the 1920s by Sir John Marshall and his team.

Excavations have uncovered thousands of artifacts, including pottery, tools, jewelry, seals, and figurines. Today, the Harappa Museum and ongoing archaeological efforts aim to preserve and educate the public about this ancient heritage. ⁷ ⁸ ⁹ ¹⁰

Sahiwal Gymkhana Club

The Gymkhana Club Sahiwal is located near Zafar Ali Stadium. It is a prominent social and recreational facility. It offers a variety of amenities, including tennis courts, cricket grounds, squash, swimming pool, banquet halls, and event spaces, serving as a hub for community gatherings and sports activities.

Famous Personalities of Sahiwal

Tariq Aziz, renowned TV anchor
Majeed Amjad, poet
Mushtaq Ahmed, crickter
Manzoor Elahi, crickter
Dildar Pervez Bhatti, Radio and Television Host

Healthcare Facilities

Public and Private Hospitals

This city has various public and private hospitals:

Sahiwal Teaching Hospital: This is the largest public healthcare facility in the region. It offers specialized services in cardiology, neurosurgery, emergency care, and internal medicine, serving thousands of patients daily.¹¹
Govt. Haji Abdul Qayyum DHQ Hospital: A historic 180-bed government hospital established before partition, it provides general medical and surgical services to the local population.
Christian Hospital: Founded in 1915, this 200-bed private hospital is known for maternity care, surgery, and its accredited nursing school. It is one of the oldest healthcare institutions in the city. ¹²
Sahiwal International Hospital: A modern private facility offering advanced diagnostics, outpatient consultations, and specialized care in gynecology, urology, and internal medicine.
Al-Khidmat Hospital: Run by a charitable organization, this hospital provides affordable medical services, including general medicine, surgery, and laboratory facilities.
Mid-City Hospital: A mid-sized private hospital providing emergency services, outpatient consultations, and general medical care.

Basic Health Units

Here is the list of BHU situated in Sahiwal sub-division/ tehsil:

S. No	Name of BHU	Contact No
1	Chak Dadra Bala	3116021917
2	Chak Korey Shah Zahreen	3008380063
3	Chak Qutab Shahana	3334906061
4	Chak No 73/5-L	3026666243
5	Chak Mir Dad Maufi	3217201030
6	Chak No 71/5-L	3443198744
7	Chak No 64/4-R	3226901133
8	Chak No 91/6-R	3336913010
9	Chak No 92/6-R	3486655218
10	Chak No 99/6-R	3239604980
11	Chak Tibbi Jay Singh	3248627794
12	Chak No 65/5-L	3056940004
13	Chak No 73/4-R	3006935477
14	Chak No 78/5-L	3170825553
15	Chak No 81/5-R	3006930284
16	Chak No 87/6-R	3054073457
17	Chak No 89/6-R	3200466480
18	Chak No 50-GD	3377094114
19	Chak No 53/5-L	3000420021
20	Chak No 58-GD	3000975157
21	Chak No 59/5-L	3356212216
22	Chak No 61/4-R	3036969065
23	Chak No 62/4-R	3064006851
24	Chak No 128/9-L	3316774851
25	Chak No 129/9-L	3454582130
26	Chak No 132/9-L	3126111825
27	Chak No 145/9-L	3126121122
28	Chak No 150/9-L	3334431160
29	Chak No 153/9-L	3227082202
30	Chak No 1/10-L	3024417077
31	Chak No 100/9-L	3350714799
32	Chak No 104/7-R	3038254630
33	Chak No 114/9-L	3018370707
34	Chak No 119/9-L	3017293619
35	Chak Asad Ullah Pur	3347670525

Rural Towns and Villages

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the Sahiwal District comprises a total of 524 villages, including rural towns and settlements. Based on data from the 2017 national census, approximately 20.52 percent of the district’s population resides in urban areas, such as the cities and municipal towns. In contrast, the majority—around 79.48 percent—of the population lives in rural regions, including villages, small towns, and agricultural settlements spread across the district.

Sahiwal Cows

The Sahiwal cow is one of the finest dairy cattle breeds originating from this district. Known for its excellent milk production and adaptability, the this breed is highly valued both locally and internationally. These cows are medium to large in size, with a reddish-brown coat, loose skin, and a distinctive hump.

Sahiwal Railway Station

Sahiwal Railway Station, situated in the heart of city, is a key stop on Pakistan’s Karachi–Peshawar Railway Line. Originally constructed during the British colonial era, the station underwent significant redevelopment in 2016, with a budget of Rs221 million allocated for its modernization. The new building was inaugurated in 2018 by then-Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique. Today, the station features modern facilities and serves as a vital transportation hub, connecting this city to major cities across Pakistan. It plays a crucial role in facilitating passenger and freight movement. ¹³

Education

This city is home to several reputable higher education institutions that cater to a wide range of academic and professional disciplines. Below is an overview of some of the most prominent institutions in the district:

University of Sahiwal (UoS)
COMSATS University Islamabad – Sahiwal Campus
Government College of Technology (GCT)
Sahiwal Medical College
Barani Institute of Sciences
Government Post Graduate College

Jails and Correctional Facilities

Central Jail Sahiwal, established in 1873, is one of the oldest and largest prisons in Asia by area. It has a capacity for 1,565 inmates and is known for its prison industries, including jute manufacturing, blanket weaving, and carpet knitting, which provide vocational training to prisoners. The jail also features the Faiz Ahmed Faiz Ward¹⁴, commemorating the renowned poet’s imprisonment there.

High Security Prison Sahiwal, is operational since 2015. Built on 98 acres at a cost of approximately Rs. 930 million, it accommodates up to 1,044 inmates, primarily high-profile prisoners convicted of terrorism and sabotage. The facility boasts modern security features, including an automatic locking system and a design comprising 70% individual cells and 30% barracks.

Zafar Ali Stadium

Zafar Ali Stadium is was established in 1955, it is a multi-purpose sports venue with a seating capacity of 10,000 spectators. Formerly known as Sahiwal Stadium, it was renamed in honor of Sheikh Zafar Ali Khan¹⁵, the founder of Pakistan Olympic Association. It hosted First-Class and List A cricket matches between 1955 and 1995.

Parks and Recreational Facilities

The city has several parks that provide residents with recreational spaces and natural beauty. Kanaan Park, situated near the Yadgar monument and adjacent to the canal, is among the city’s most popular spots. It features a well-maintained zoo housing various animals and birds, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a peaceful picnic spot. Other notable parks include Faridia Park, Tanki Wala Park, and Public Park, each offering green spaces for relaxation and community gatherings.

Irrigation and Agriculture

The district relies heavily on a sophisticated canal irrigation system, particularly the Bari Doab Canal system, to support its diverse agricultural production. The district’s fertile land and the irrigation network allow for the cultivation of a wide range of crops, including wheat, cotton, sugarcane, and other legumes and oilseeds.

The primary canal that passes through Sahiwal district is the Lower Bari Doab Canal (LBDC). This canal originates from the Balloki Barrage on the Ravi River.It was constructed between 1906 and 1913 and became operational in 1922. It serves a gross area of 740,358 hectares (1,830,245 acres) and irrigates a cultivable command area of 1,669,609 acres in Punjab, Pakistan. ¹⁶ ¹⁷

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