Faisalabad, فیصل آباد formerly known as Lyallpur, is the third largest metropolis in Pakistan, the second largest in the province of Punjab after Lahore, and a major industrial center in the heart of Pakistan.
History
Faisalabad remained a semi-desert area where tribes traveled in gypsy manner. Because of impure ground water and its distance of 30 kilometres (19 mi) from any river (Chenab River in this case), it was never used as permanent residence by roaming tribes.
Faisalabad was originally known as Chenab Colony, then Sandalbar and then Lyallpur. It was once part of ancient district of Jhang and Sandalbar, a 5,000 square kilometres (1,900 sq mi) area consisting mainly of thick forests and inhabited by wild tribes. The tract from Shahdara to Shorkot, Sangla Hill to Toba Tek Singh, was traditionally called Sandalbar.
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| Tomb of Sir James Broadwood Lyall located in Jinnah Gardens. |
In 1870s the colonial era Punjab government decided to increase the cultivated land by making barrages and canals to meet the demand at European markets. This led to the canal based irrigation of the areas now comprising the district of Faisalabad. In 1880, a colonial officer, Captain Poham Young, with the support of Sir James Broadwood Lyall, proposed a new town. The design was based on the Union Jack, with eight roads radiating from a large clock tower in the centre.
The eight roads developed into eight separate bazaars. The construction of artificial canals allowed the surrounding areas to be irrigated. The town grew rapidly as people were invited with promises of land. A large number of settlers came from different areas of Punjab especially from Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Ambala on the promise of large agricultural lands. With the extensively planned distribution of land the canal irrigated areas of Sandal Bar soon became populated. This led to a rapid transformation of the nomadic environment of the Bar into a more agriculture based one.
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| The Chenab Club |
In 1892 the government of India decided to join Faisalabad (then Lyallpur) with a rail link to major rail network to transport agricultural surplus to the ports to be shipped to European markets. In 1895 the rail link between Wazirabad and Lyallpur was completed. In 1896, Lyallpur was given the status of a tehsil of the Jhang District, and its administration was carried on in tents on the old Theh (Mound) of Pucca Mari near Tariqabad. The majestic Clock Tower was constructed out of the funds raised by the Sikh landowners, who collected it at a rate of Rs. 18 per square of land. The fund thus raised was handed over to the Town Committee, which undertook to complete the project.
Pakistan Railways locomotive parked at Lyallpur Railway Station c. 1949
By 1902 the population of the town exceeded 4,000, including the new sialkoti jutts, particularly Bajwas, Kalloos, Cheemas & Chattas came to establish the agriculture land of Chenaab (called Chena bar). Houses and shops had been constructed to cater to the ordinary needs of the population. In 1903 it was decided to establish an agricultural college. In 1904 the new district of Lyallpur was constituted, composed of the tehsils of Lyallpur, Samundri and Toba Tek Singh, with a subtehsil at Jaranwala which later became a full tehsil. By 1906, the district headquarters began to function in Lyallpur and all the bazaars and settlements within the bounds of a ring road were nearing completion. The city began to spread outside the circular road.
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| Pakistan Railway Faislabad |
The Town Committee was upgraded to a Municipal Committee in 1909 and the Deputy Commissioner was appointed as its first chairman. In 1916, the grain market saw its shops surging with customers. In the same year the civil hospital was expanded. With the advent of World War II, there was an increase in political awareness across the city. Revolutionary meetings were held, fiery speeches made, and slogans written on walls.
The First Colonisation officer Raja Aurangzeb Khan made sure that no individual in this district owned more than 25 squares (625 acres (2.53 km2)) of land. The merit or method of allotting the land was to check each individual's hand who was applying for some land, and if the hands showed that individual had worked hard in the past, only then was land given to him, which has led to a district where there aren't any big land owners, as the land has been equally distributed amongst hard working men and it is their hard work that has led to Faisalabad becoming the third richest district in Pakistan.
The main roads in and out of the city were kept 1-acre (4,000 m2) wide; since creation of Pakistan a lot of roads have been taken over by land mafia. Some industrial areas were kept on the East of the main canal which is present-day People's Colony and Madina town. The urban areas were kept to the west of the canal, as sweet ground water flowed from the canal to the river Chenab, the consequence of changing former industrial area into urban areas has been a lack of proper drinkable water for those living in peoples colony and Madina town. Another industrial area was developed at the west end of town, now around the road towards the central Punjab town of Sargodha.
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| Faislabad Clock Tower |
These earlier development of industrial areas led to industrialization of the city of Faisalabad right from its inception. Initial industrial setup were related to cotton and basic textiles, still the most dominant industry of the city with more value added products. Besides textiles food processing, grain crushing and small chemical industry was established in the pre-second World War era.
The prestigious Chenab Club, a social club built during the reign of the British Empire
In 1943, Mohammad Ali Jinnah came to Lyallpur and addressed a gathering of over 2 million in Dhobi Ghat Grounds.
After independence, the city of Lyallpur enjoyed considerable development, and became a major commercial and industrial center. The population grew quickly past one million. There was an expansion of the provision of health and education in the city. In 1977, the name of the city was changed to "Faisalabad" (City of Faisal), in honour of the late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, who was held in high regard in Pakistan. In 1985, the district was upgraded to a division with the new districts of Faisalabad, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh.
Economy
A PricewaterhouseCoopers study released in 2009, surveying the 2008 GDP of the top cities in the world, calculated Faisalabad's GDP (PPP) at $55 billion. The city was third behind Karachi ($78 billion) and Lahore ($60 billion). Faisalabad's GDP is projected to rise to $87 billion in 2025 at a growth rate of 5.7%, higher than the growth rates of 5.5% and 5.6% predicted for Karachi and Lahore.
Faisalabad has a strong industrial base including textiles, jewellery, home furniture, and pharmaceuticals, assisted by the expanding transport network which includes newly built motorway and highways to Lahore, Multan, Sargodha and Islamabad/Rawalpindi. Faisalabad is one of the three planned cities of the country.The eight bazaars of the city each have different types of markets and goods.The State Life Building - Faisalabad Zone
The textile industry of Faisalabad constitutes more than 65% of the textile export market of Pakistan, which itself forms 58% of total exports from Pakistan. This makes Faisalabad's share of total exports from Pakistan more than 40%.
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| Hassab Shopping Mall |
The district is unparalleled for its agricultural productivity. The area grew in importance as the grain belt of the Punjab during the wake of colonisation. This led to the economic development of towns and villages within the district. Faisalabad's major export crops include the Kharif crops which include maize, rice, sugarcane and bajra as well as the Rabi crops which include wheat, barley, gram and fodder (locally known as barseen). In addition to these, there are Zaid Kharif and Zaid Rabi crops. Zaid Kharif crops are toria, raiya, sarsoon and Zaid Rabi crop is tobacco. The use of tractors is becoming popular and is fast replacing the conventional ploughs. Improved varieties of seeds, fertilisers and pesticides have greatly increased per-acre yield and with that the prosperity of the peasant community which has toiled for three generations to transform a barren land into verdant fields. The Faisalabad district is famous for its fruit production. Important fruits are oranges, bananas, apples, sugarcanes, tangerines, fruiter, mangos, guava and Faalsa. The total area under fruit orchards is 34,517 acres (13,969 ha).
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| State Life Building Faislabad |
The rise of the middle class as a result of economic boom in the past decade has led to the construction of major malls and shopping plazas amid investment from the United Arab Emirates as well as many European firms. Faisalabad has been called the "Manchester of Pakistan" because it has a major impact on the economy of Pakistan. The city generates 25% revenue for the trade and commerce activity of Pakistan.
Besides traditional industrial base of Faisalabad, the city has diversified a lot in other commercial activities. Banking sector has gained a lot of ground in the economy of Faisalabad. All the local and National banks have their regional corporate banking head offices in Faisalabad. A number of international banks like City Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Barclay's Bank, HSBC have their commercial banking operation in Faisalabad. In addition to banking, insurance sector has boomed. State Life Insurance, Eastern federal Union Insurance, Jubilee Insurance, AIG Insurance are a few to name as the major player in Faisalabad.
Education has stepped up as another major contributor to the economy of the city. Rise of a few good universities, many good professional schools and primary and secondary education schools by private sector has contributed a lot not only to the education sector but also to the economy of the city.
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| Bird Eye View of Faislabad |
Faisalabad is home to the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, a body that represents the textile industry of Pakistan at all national and international forums. Mian Muhammad Mansha, an industrialist from Faisalabad has remained the chairman of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association for a decade.
Government
Faisalabad district formerly consisted six sub-divisions: Faisalabad City, Faisalabad Sadr, Chak Jhumra, Samundri, Jaranwala, and Tandlianwala. In 2005, Faisalabad was reorganised as a City-District composed of eight autonomous towns:
Lyallpur Town
Madina Town
Jinnah Town
Iqbal Town
Chak Jhumra Town
Jaranwala Town
Samundri Town
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| Central Jail Faislabad |
City of Faisalabad is governed by the City District Government, chaired by the district coordination officer Naseem Sadiq. Since 2009 the government of Punjab has revived the colonial draconian system of commissionaire and enacted a commissionaire for Faisalabad. This has reduced the City District Government power, severely hindering the process of transfer of power to grass-root level.
Language
Punjabi is the native language of the province and is the most widely spoken language in Faisalabad. Punjabi is the primary means of communication in both the city and adjoining rural areas. Punjabi has no official status in Faisalabad and some Punjabi activists have raised demands for recognition of Punjabi. English has become increasingly popular with educated and younger people due to its official status in government and preferred language status for business. Many Punjabi speakers in Faisalabad are known as Majha Dialect Of Punjabi. According to the 1998 census, 74% of the population are Punjabis; 20.2% are Urdu speakers and the Seraikis, at 5.4%.
Culture
Compared to its more tourist-attractive provincial capital, Lahore, Faisalabad is basically an industrial and agricultural city. It is the largest business city in Punjab and it is a region for investment and economic prosperity. Textiles generate the best business in this city. There is a selection of sites and tourist attractions; however, even with such fast growth the country lacks historical significance since it was developed mostly in the last hundred years. The Faisalabad Clock Tower, locally called "Ghanta Ghar", was one of the first main market of Faisalabad and it is the oldest area of the city. Here one can find the remains of buildings which mainly belonged to the British Raj. This market has eight bazaars, forming a "Union Jack" (British flag), which can be seen from above. There are still structures from previous settlements such as Zoroastrian temples, Buddhist monasteries, Hindu mandirs and Sikh gurudwaras still visible, however, since the creation of Pakistan these have been converted into schools and museums. "D Ground" is the second most important market after Ghenta Ghar. The area has been continually developing into a shopping area with many brands from all over the world. It is seen at its busiest at night when local people come out for an outing. There are many local and western restaurants ranging from Namwah Chinese, Bundu Khan, KFC, Al Maida, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Olive Garden, Sardines, Yummy 36, Cube and many open-air barbecues.
The Jinnah Garden is probably the best known park in Faisalabad. It is locally known as "Company Baagh". The tomb of Sir James Broadwood Lyall is here. He was the founder of this city and the city was first named Lyallpur in his honour. There are many food outlets, walking paths and cycling lanes, and a huge fountain structure. The park is often used by the local council for rallies, concerts, shows and melas. Getwala Park is a small park situated on the edge of Faisalabad. It is popular for family picnics and relaxing. Canal Park is on the west bank of the Rakh Branch Canal. It is also a good place for families.
The are several water parks, incorporating swimmings pools, slides and similar facilities, as well as an amusement park located near the Iqbal Stadium.
Rex City is a shopping mall that specialises in computer-related merchandise. Kohinoor One is another mall, serving more general requirements.
The Chenab Club is a social club in Jinnah Garden. It was the first such club in Faisalabad, being established in 1910. It is used by the elite society of Faisalabad.
Faisalabadi cuisine is very much Punjabi cuisine. The samosas of Faisalabad are different from any others because here you can get the chatani variety. The very famous name Chacha Samosay Wala is in the D Ground and Babar Chowk. Dahi Bhale is prepared by a Thele Wala at Jinnah Coloney, near Chatri Wala Ground. Gol Gappay are basically made with flour into a ball shape and filled with black grams, onions, potatoes and other supplements. The most famous is a person who sells gole gappe on tehla in the start of the AminPur bazaar. A sour drink called "khatta" is served with them. Biryani and pulao are very popular. Jehangir's Murgh Pulao is popular. English and continental foods are easily available. There are some Punjabi drinks like rabri, lassi, limo pani and sugar cane rusk.
Besides the local cuisine, Faisalabad is home to many national and international renowned food chains. Pizza Hut operates at three locations, KFC runs one restaurant and two take-away points, McDonald's operates two restaurants, and Hardee's has one restaurant. Some renowned national food brands like Lal Qila, Al-Nakhal, Bundu Khan, Bar B Q Tonight, Masooms, Usmania, Lasania and China Town have restaurants in Faisalabad. Local names for food are Sardines (a seafood specialty restaurant), Silver Spoon (for steaks and Pakistani cuisine), Real Taste (for BBQ), Namwah, Kingwah (for Chinese cuisine). A growing culture is of the Sheesha lounges and cafes like Jammin Java, Kaps and Sheesha lounge.
Faisalabad Arts Council is near Iqbal Stadium. The council has a major role in promoting the cultural activities and the art in the city. It has an auditorium, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Auditorium, named after Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan from Faisalabad, with a seating capacity of 500 people. Arts council organize many cultural events including exhibitions and cultural shows. The current resident director of the Arts Council is Ch Muhammad Asif Pervaiz, who has played an important role in its establishment and development.
An important cultural activity in Faisalabad is the culture of revering great Sufi saints. Faisalabad is home to the shrine of Sufi saints like Hazrat Noor Shah Wali and Hazrat Lasoori Shah. Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan are two of the famously known followers of Hazrat Lasoori Shah. Many religious congregations (Mahafils) are set up on the 11th day of every lunar month to revere the greatest name of Sufism Hazrat Syed Abdul-Qadir Gilani. A number of Mahafil e Nasheed/Naat are held on the 12th of Rabi ul Awwal (third month of the Islamic calender) to celebrate the birth of Muhammad, prophet of Islam.
Sport
A test match taking place at Faisalabad's Iqbal Stadium
Cricket, a national sport in Pakistan, is the most popular sport in the city. It is played anywhere a city dweller will find a large piece of land. This is known as Bat aur Gendh. It is played in the narrow by-lanes of the city. Night-time cricket can be seen at weekends when people play brightly lit matches on less-traversed city streets, disused construction sites, parks and several grounds in the district. The oldest and only venue for international cricket matches is Iqbal Stadium. The Faisalabad Wolves, Faisalabad's local team, are based at this venue and often regional matches are played throughout the spring season which draws in plenty of crowds such as Faysal Bank T20 Cup. The ground hosted matches for the 1987 Cricket World Cup as well as the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
Other popular sports in the city are hockey, Weightlifting, association football, Kabaddi, table tennis, billiards and snooker, squash, and horse racing. Sports like badminton, volleyball and basketball have started to gain popularity as western influences have affected the locals. Faisalabad has its own team, called the PMC FC who take part in the Pakistan Premier League. The Punjab Medical College has its own stadium built on its campus to train and host matches for the sport.
The city has facilities for hockey. The Faisalabad Hockey Stadium on Susan Road mostly hosts field hockey matches for most national and some international matches. The stadium has plenty of shops and restaurants which bring a lot of life to the area. A new sports complex is being planned to host athletic and gymnastic matches as well as Olympic training for future Pakistan participation.
PMC Club Athletico Faisalabad is the city's only participant in the Pakistani Premier Football League. Athletico's city rival Panther FC plays in the 2nd Division of Pakistani Football pyramid
Education
The population of Faisalabad has a literacy rate of approximately 58%, with a split of 60% for males and 56% for females (all figures are higher than the national average). There are several institutions of higher education and several research centres including:
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Divisional Public School & College Faisalabad
Institute of Engineering & Fertilizer Research
Institute of Cost and Management Accountants
Institute of Chartered Accountants
Government College University, Faisalabad
National Textile University
University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore Faisalabad Campus
University of Faisalabad (also known as Medina University)
Government College of Technology
Punjab Medical College
University of Education
Punjab Group of Colleges
Dar-e-Arqam Schools
Punjab Law College
Allama Iqbal Open University
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