Faisalābad is the third largest city in Pakistan. It has an estimated population of almost 2 million citizens. It is an important center for transport and production and is located in the Punjab province. Faisalabad is west of Lahore.
History
The city was founded by the British in 1895 by Sir James Lyall for whom it was originally named Lyallpur. Prior to the British making the area into an urban center, it largely consisted of various villages. However, the construction of various canals allowed the area to be irrigated. After the founding of the city, people were invited to the city with promises of land if they were to work it. This allowed the city to grow rapidly.
In 1977 the city was renamed Faisalabad in honor of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia who had been assassinated.
Introduction and Location
The district lies from 30 - 35 to 31 - 47'C North latitude and 72 - 01 to 73 - 40°C East longitude. It is bounded in the North by Gujranwala and Sheikhupura Districts, in the East by Sheikhupura and Sahiwal districts, in the south by Sahiwal and Toba Tek Singh districts and in the West by Jhang district.
Area and Population
Faisalabad district has an area of 5,856 km² and a population of approx. 35,47,446 souls. This district consists of six sub-division, the area and population of each sub-division is as under:
- Faisalabad (City)
- Faisalabad (Sadar)
- Chak Jhumra
- Jaranwala
- Samundri
- Tandlianwala
Faisalabad district has been endowed by nature with a rich soil. Aided by an efficient irrigation system, it has earned a name for agricultural productivity.
Climate
The climate of the district touches two extremes. The maximum temperature in summer reaches upto 50 °C (122°F). In winter, it may, at times. fall below freezing point. The mean maximum and minimum temperature in summer are 39 and 27 °C respectively and in winter, 21 and 6 °C respectively. The summer season starts from April and continues till October. May, June and July are the hottest months. The winter season, on the other hand, starts from November and continues till March. December, January and February are the coldest months.
Education
Faisalabad city has the distinction of being a seat of world famous Agricultural University and equally renowned Agricultural Research Institute , Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) and National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) . Besides the Punjab Medical College there are several other professional Universities and Colleges like Hamadard University Faisalabad Campus , University of Faisalabad , Commerce College , Textile College , Poly Technical College, Superior Science College and many others.
Development
The city continues to grow, and is now connected through the newly built motorway to both Lahore and Rawalpindi. It is an important city for textiles and other industries. It is home to numerous colleges and universities such as the Agricultural University and Punjab Medical College. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was from the city as well.
Industry
Faisalabad district has made rapid strides in the field of industry after independence. It is now called the "Manchester of Asia" for its extensive development of textile industry. This development has been made possible by the continued efforts of pioneering entrepreneurs as well as workers over a period of four decades. Before independence, there were only five industrial units in Faisalabad City (then Layallpur).
Now, there are dozens of textile mills with other subsidiary units. Roughly, there are 512 large industrial units out of which 328 are Textile units, 92 engineering units and 92 of chemicals and food processing units. Other industries include hosiery, carpet and rugs, nawar and lace, printing and publishing and pharmaceutical products etc. There are also some 12000 house-hold industries, which include some 60000 power loom factories.
External Links
- Images of Faisalabad http://www.worldisround.com/articles/56576/index.html
- About Faisalabad on itsPakistan http://www.itspakistan.net/pakistan/faisalabad.aspx - About Pakistan and Major Cities
Last updated: 02-07-2005 09:53:58
