Lahore is Queen of Cities; others are like a golden ring, she the diamond. In the 12th Century a poet imprisoned in Persia yearned for Lahore as for a woman: I want, some velvet form which emanates the fragrance of Lahore. For longing for Lahore heart and soul faint within me.
For ages Lahore has been a brilliant symbol of a gracious way of life. It had been the abode of great people, both in the spiritual as well as worldly realms. It has the imposing reflections of its Muslim builders wearing ambitions and cosmopolitan tastes. The complex variety of Lahore which has grown forms the wilderness, when Changez Khan’s orders destroyed its suburbs, to the 20th Century developments, is distinctive character of the city in various places and provides testimony to its cultural heritage. Lahore having been the seat of many imperial dynasties, possesses interesting historical reminiscences. There is a fascinating and colorful panorama of extraordinary mosques, mausoleums, forts, gardens and the like. The grandeur of Lahore cannot be solely attributed to its buildings, gardens, monuments and other historical places. Rather it is its atmosphere and ambience, its moods of joy and sorrow, fairs and funs, pains and pleasures, and above all the colorful life of its people which actually render impetus to the spirit and sole of Lahore.
Ancient names of the city were Laohur, Lauhure, Lahvar, Lahur. Lahore was founded in 1021 AD. Most important events in history of Lahore area are:
- Conquered by Mehmood al Ghaznavvi 1021 AD
- Provincial Capital of Ghaznavid Empire
- Construction of Wall 1556-1605
- Sikh Rule 1767 - 1849
- British Rule up to 1947
- Sanitation Committee was formed 1858
Landmarks of the City
A few prominent landmarks of the city are enlisted below:
- Minar-e-Pakistan
- Jahangir Tomb
- Badshahi Masjid
- Lahore Fort
- Shalimar Garden
- Mazar-e-lqbal
- Jinnah Hall
Sister Cities of Lahore
The cities referred as sister cities of Lahore are:
- Dushanbe - Tajikistan
- Xi'an - China
- Istanbul - Turkey
- Kortrijk - Belgium
- Cordoba - Spain
- Fez - Morocco
- Fresl1 California - United States
- Sarivvon - Korea
- Paris - France
- London - United Kingdom
Salient Features
Lahore is known for its:
- Historical Background
- Architectural Heritage
- Natural Resources
- Industry
District Statistics
Tehsils | 05 |
Union Councils | 274 |
Villages | 573 |
Total Area | 3587 sq. km |
Road Network | 1312 sq. km |
Municipal Committees | 09 |
Livestock | 0.717 m |
Major Occupations | Civil, Armed Services, Overseas and Farming |
Literacy Rate | 73% |
Industries
ICI Soda Ash | 01 |
Pakistan Tobacco Company | 01 |
Cement | 02 |
Mari Petroleum | 01 |
OGDCL | 01 |
Brick Kilns | 80 |
Flour Mills | 16 |
Total | 102 |
Land Statistics
Particulars | Area |
Cultivated Area |
316,815 acres |
|
33,832 acres |
|
282,983 acres |
Uncultivated Area |
541,952 acres |
|
110,491 acres |
|
149,971 acres |
|
281,490 acres |
Total Area | 858,767 acres |
Population
Male | 7.27 m (52%) |
Female | 6.71 m (48%) |
Total Population (Estimated) | 13.979 m (2023 census) |
Demography / Sectarian Profile
According to 2017 census:
Cast | Percentage | Numbers |
---|---|---|
Kamboh | 05 | 0.55 million |
Rajput | 05 | 0.55 million |
Miscellaneous | 20 | 2.23 million |
Kashmiris | 30 | 3.33 million |
Arain | 40 | 4.45 million |
Sectarian Profile
Sect | Percentage | Numbers |
---|---|---|
Minorities | 05 | 0.55 million |
Ahl-e-Tashi | 10 | 1.11 million |
Ahl-e-Hadith | 10 | 1.11 million |
Deobandi | 25 | 2.78 million |
Barelvi | 50 | 5.56 million |
Electoral Constituencies
National | 14 |
Provincial | 40 |
Educational Institutions
Total Schools | 1120 |
Total Colleges | 63, (26 boys + 37 girls) |
pitals
Teaching Hospitals (Specialized Health | 19 |
THQ Hospitals | 01 |
Indus THQ Hospital | 05 |
RHCs | 05 |
BHUs | 38 |
Rural Dispensaries | 21 |
MCH Centers | 50 |
Total | 139 |