Punjab – The Land of Heritage and Fertile Plains

Punjab, located in northeastern Pakistan, is a lush land of fertile plains fed by five rivers—the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas. This region, being the heart of Pakistan’s agricultural wealth, is an ideal destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and pilgrims. The southern stretches of Punjab, marked by the Thal Desert, offer a different kind of beauty with expansive sand dunes.

 

Lahore, Punjab’s cultural capital, is famous for its Mughal architecture and vibrant bazaars. Key attractions include the majestic Badshahi Mosque, the Lahore Fort, and the intricately designed Shalimar Gardens, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lahore’s Walled City and Anarkali Bazaar provide an immersive cultural experience. For those interested in spiritual journeys, Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, and the Sufi shrines in Multan, such as Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Bahauddin Zakariya, are revered sites. Nature lovers will enjoy Murree and Fort Munro, which offer cool mountain retreats, while the Cholistan Desert near Bahawalpur, with its historic Derawar Fort, provides adventure and desert exploration.

 

Known as the “breadbasket of Pakistan,” Punjab is an agricultural powerhouse producing crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane, and cotton. The fruit orchards of Multan, famous for mangoes, are a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

 

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Cities

Lahore

Lahore is the capital of Punjab and Pakistan's second-most populous city after Karachi. Throughout history, it has been controlled by various empires, reaching its peak under the Mughal Empire in the late 16th to early 18th centuries. Lahore is a cultural hub, home to a thriving publishing industry, leading universities, and Pakistan's film industry, Lollywood, as well as being a center for Qawwali music.

Bahawalpur

Bahawalpur, the 11th largest city in Pakistan, was founded around 1780 by Nawab Bahawal Khan I. Before the Sikh rule in Punjab, the area was much larger than it is today. Now a mega city, Bahawalpur boasts real estate, parks, markets, and institutions, with vibrant bazaars showcasing embroidered cloth, slippers, and delicate filigree pottery. The city is also known for its stunning architecture.

Multan

Multan, the land of the mystics, is one of the oldest cities in Southwest Asia, known for having more tombs of saints and Sufis than anywhere else. It features grand shrines, including those of Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Hazrat Bahauddin Zikria. Its mosques and mausoleums showcase its splendor, and the Hussain Agahi bazaar is among the world's most fascinating. The city is also celebrated for its vibrant handicrafts.

Punjnad

Head Panjnad is the main river in Punjab, formed by the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers. A dam on Panjnad provides irrigation to Punjab and Sindh. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, known for its freshwater fish market and riverside dining, making it ideal for picnics. The route is scenic and beautiful.

Rahim Yar Khan

Rahim Yar Khan, located in Punjab, Pakistan, is one of the few cities still in its pioneering stage, similar to London and Damascus. It has undergone various name changes over the past 5,000 years. The city offers strong educational facilities, with Sheikh Zayed Medical College and Khawja Fareed Engineering University as recent additions.

Landmarks

Shrine Khawaja Awais Kagha

The Khawaja Awais Kagha tomb in Dera Basti, Multan, was built around 1300 for the Sufi saint Khawaja Awais Kagha. It has a square plan with tapered corner turrets and a prominent dome, resembling the 10th-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum in Bukhara. This reflects the architectural experimentation in 13th-century Multan with domed mausolea.

Mausoleum of Bibi Pak Daman

Bibi Pak Daman, or Bibi Rasti, was the mother of Sufi saint Shah Rukn-e-Alam and a disciple of Bahauddin Zakariya. Her roughly rectangular tomb features Multan's signature blue and white tiles, reflecting the region's flat-roof design tradition. Inside, a square chamber serves as her resting place, with an antechamber to the south containing family graves.

Uch Sharif

Uch Sharif, located 50 km west of Bahawalpur, features significant historical ties to Alexander. It is home to beautiful tombs and shrines, with the most famous being the octagonal tomb of Bibi Jaiwindi, built in the 15th century overlooking the confluence of the Satluj and Chenab rivers. The shrine of Hazrat Jalal-ud-Din Surkhposh Bukhari is also located here. The town is renowned for its stunning architecture.

Anarkali Bazaar

Anarkali is one of South Asia's oldest surviving markets, dating back over 200 years. It derives its name from the nearby mausoleum of a courtesan believed to be Anarkali, who was exiled by Mughal Emperor Akbar for her affair with his son, Prince Salim, later Emperor Jahangir. Anarkali Bazaar is a major marketplace in Lahore, known for its vibrant atmosphere, variety of goods, and rich cultural heritage.

Data Darbar

Data Ganj Bakhsh, a notable Sufi saint from Ghazni, Afghanistan, is honored at his shrine west of Bhatti Gate, just outside the Old City. Born Abdul Hasan Ali, he was called Data Ganj Bakhsh (the Bestower of Treasures) for his generosity. A hospital and institutions for the needy have been established nearby, attracting thousands of devotees for qawwali music and spiritual gatherings.

Gurdwara Nankana Sahib

Nankana Sahib is the capital of Nankana Sahib District in Punjab, Pakistan, named after Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs, who was born and began preaching there. It is a city of historic and religious significance, attracting Sikh pilgrims from around the world. Founded by Rai Bhoi, a wealthy Rajput landlord, it was originally known as Rai-Bhoi-Di-Talwandi before being renamed ‘Nankana Sahib.’

Gurdwara Janam Asthan

Gurdwara Janam Asthan represents the home of Guru Nanak’s parents, Mata Tripta and Baba Kalo. The large walled compound includes a main square, Saroor Sahib (holy water pool), Sardar Lachhman Singh’s memorial, and about 500 rooms for pilgrims. The massive golden main door is intricately carved with sacred symbols and depictions of Sikh leaders, contributing to the serene and spiritually enriching atmosphere for visitors.

Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur

Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, or Kartarpur Sahib, is located in Shakargarh, Narowal District, Punjab, Pakistan. It stands on the historic site where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, settled and established the Sikh community, living there for 18 years until his death in 1539. The site offers Indian Sikh pilgrims rare visa-free access to Pakistan and is claimed to be the largest gurdwara in the world.

Abbasi Mosque

Abbasi Masjid is a mosque and national heritage site in the Cholistan Desert of Pakistan. Built in 1849 by Nawab Bahawal Khan, it replicates the Jama Masjid in Delhi and the Moti Masjid in Lahore. The mosque features white marble and a dark, golden dome, and is surrounded by ruins from various eras, including the Indus Valley Civilization. Its exquisite craftsmanship showcases intricate calligraphy and detailed tile work, reflecting the architecture.

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