Ghakhar Mandi
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| Ghakhar City | |
|---|---|
| — City — | |
 Ghakhar City
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| Coordinates: 32°11′N 74°54′E / 32.18°N 74.9°ECoordinates: 32°11′N 74°54′E / 32.18°N 74.9°E | |
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Province vision_name1 = Punjab | |
| Area | |
| • Total | 10 km2 (4 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 223 m (732 ft) |
| Population | |
| • Estimate (2008) | 130,000 |
| Time zone | PST (UTC+5) |
| Calling code | 0551 |
| Number of Union Councils | Three |
Contents |
[edit] Geography
Ghakhar CityNew name with old name Ghakhar Mandi is a city in Gujranwala district, Pakistan, located between the major cities of Gujranwala in the southeast and Wazirabad in the northwest. The surrounding villages are Kot Waris, Rahwali, Adil Gharh, Nat Kalaan, Kotli Mango Singh, Kotli Sahian, Bado-Ki, Nora Kot, Per Kot, Banka chemma, Dab cheema, Faty Ghar and Ibbenwali Kakan and Chandigharh.Kot Inayat Khan. Punjabi is the local language, however English and Urdu are also common in businesses and governmental offices. It specializes in durrees.
There are two high schools for boys; Government High School No. 1 (known as Normal High School) and Government High School No.2 (previously named D.C. High School). The brilliant student Ahmed Nadim from Govt High school No. 2, stood first in the matriculation examination of BISE Lahore in 1975.
There is one high school "Government High School for Girls" which has got higher secondary school status now and conducting Intermediate classes as well. Besides these schools there are many privately owned schools in and around Ghakhar City(Mindi).
One campus of University of Education is established in the building of formerly known as College of Elementary Teachers is at GT road. In the University campus Bachelor & Master Degrees are being conducted.
An engineering university which is a sub campus of UET Lahore named "Rachna University of engineering and technology" is located at Jaura nearby Ghakhar City(Mandi).
Ghakhar City(Mandi) is one of the bigger rice markets in Punjab.
Ghakhar also has a historic train station in the middle of the city. The historic [Grand Trunk Road] (G.T. Road) which was built by Sher Shah Suri passes through the city.
[edit] Economy
The rural areas around Ghakhar produce a variety of agricultural goods including wheat, rice. Ghakhar City(Mandi) has also have carpet/ Duree industry. Ghakhar City(Mandi) has also one of the biggest grid stations in Pakistan, which is supplying electricity to the local area as well as to some major cities of the Punjab.
Ghakhar City(Mandi) is becoming an industrial city, with industries such as ceramics, marble, maize, and furniture.
There is a library "Saddiqui Memorial Library" in the Town Committee. This library is established after the name of Ahmed Hassan Siddiqui who was a well reputed educationist of this area. He contributed a lot in raising educational standard as well as the sports level of high schools there. He remained headmaster of DC High School Ghakhar for a number of years.
Ghakhar is very much relegious city/
[edit] Education
Gakkhar is now getting well education.There are two Hihgschcools for boys and a higher secondry education schcool for girls.There is also a University college for Bsc. B.ed and M.ed classes. There is a library "Saddiqui Memorial Library" in the Town Committee. This library is established after the name of Ahmed Hassan Siddiqui who was a well reputed educationist of this area.
[edit] History
The word "Ghakhar" is derived from a tribe called Gakhars, who is said to be the founding fathers of Ghakhar City. This tribe lived at the north bank of Jehlum River. This region is known as the Pothohar Plateau. This tribe was known for its warriors. The Gakhars opposed the foreign rule on Hindustan, especially Pothohar region.
The Gakhars were fierce warriors and fought against many rulers in the past including Sher Shah Suri. He built the Rohtas Fort near the Jhelum River to stop the opposition of Gakhars against his rule. After his death, the Mughal emperor Humayun reorganised his army and made an agreement with Gakhars. The agreement was that if Humayun is victorious and occupies Delhi, he would grant them the region ten miles south of Chenab River.
Therefore, after his success, Gakhars established their state called Ghakhar. Borders of this state were recognized by building a post which can still be seen near Ghakhar Grid Station.
Ghakhar was attacked and destroyed by many conquerors and was rebuilt. Due to its importance to the stability of the rulers, many rulers including Ranjit Singh attacked Ghakhar three times. For that same reason not many preferred to live in such a dangerous area in the past. Over the years Ghakhar has grown and now its area is about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi). Ghakhar Mandi is in tehsil Wazirabad and district Gujranwala.
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