Sahiwal (Punjabi and Urdu: ساہِيوال), formerly known as Montgomery, is a city in Punjab, Pakistan. It is the 21st largest city in Pakistan by population and the administrative capital of both Sahiwal District and Sahiwal Division. Cattle are also kept and Sahiwal is famous for its water, buffalo milk and presence of one of the ancient civilizations on archaeological evidence dated 3000 to 5000 B.C. 15 miles southwest from downtown in the suburb of Harappa which was the northern city of Indus Valley Civilization.
The city was founded in 1865 and was named for Sir Robert Montgomery, then lieutenant governor of Punjab in British-controlled India. It was constituted as a municipality in 1867. The city acquired its present name in 1969. Sahiwal is connected by rail and road with Lahore (northeast) and Multan (southwest). Sahiwal, formerly Montgomery, city, east-central Punjab province, eastern Pakistan. It lies on the vast Indus River plain in the densely populated region between the Sutlej and Ravi rivers. The city was founded in 1865 and was named for Sir Robert Montgomery, then lieutenant governor of Punjab in British-controlled India. It was constituted as a municipality in 1867. The city acquired its present name in 1969. Sahiwal is connected by rail and road with Lahore (northeast) and Multan (southwest). It is an important cotton centre, with ginning factories and textile and carpet production. Among its other manufacturers are food and dairy products, pharmaceuticals, and cooking oil. Institutions include a hospital and several colleges affiliated with the University of Punjab. Irrigation in the region is provided by the Bari Doab Canal system. The principal crops grown are wheat, cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, legumes, and oilseeds. Cotton goods and lacquered woodwork are manufactured. Southwest of Sahiwal is Harappa, one of the major sites of the Indus civilization, the earliest-known urban culture of the Indian subcontinent. About 28 miles (45 km) west of Sahiwal, Kamalia, is the site of a Malli city captured by Alexander the Great in 325 BCE. Pop. (1998) 208,778.
Places to Visit
Harappa Museum
Harappa is an archaeological site located 35 km from Sahiwal city. Harappa is a Bronze Age city that was inhabited in 2600 years BC. In Harappa, the Indus Valley Civilization has been found. The Harappan Museum houses rare artefacts from the ancient city that add to the significance of Sahiwal.
Yadgar-e-Sahiwal
This monument is located near the railway road. According to the monument, MA Ashraf has written in his book on the history of Sahiwal. That is why the place is known as Yadgar Sahiwal.
Zafar Ali Stadium
Zafar Ali Stadium is located near the memorial in Sahiwal city. The stadium is used for many purposes, such as cricket or football tournament matches. The stadium is named after Maulana Zafar Ali Khan.
Shuhda Masjid
The mosque is one and a half kilometres away from College Chowk. The mosque was built in memory of the soldiers who were martyred in the 1971 war. The mosque was built in Turkish style which looks beautiful to the visitors.
Sahiwal Coal Power Plant
It is located in Sahiwal. This plant is a part of CPEC.
Ravi River Bridge
The city of Sahiwal is situated on the banks of the river Ravi. That is why another tourist destination of Sahiwal is the bridge over the river Ravi which offers the best view of the river.
