Sunday, September 1, 2013

Sargodha

   is administrative center of Sargodha District of the Punjab province, Pakistan. Sargodha is the 11th largest city of Pakistan and 5th largest in Punjab.

Sargodha itself is located 206 km (128 miles) from Lahore the second largest city in Pakistan and 244 km (152 miles) from the capitalIslamabad.
Sargodha is located in the north-east of Pakistan. It is known as Pakistan's best citrus-producing area. It is an agricultural trade centre with various industries.[2] Sargodha is one of the few planned cities in Pakistan, the other being Gwadar, Jauharabad, Dera Ghazi Khan,Faisalabad and Islamabad.
Pakistan's largest airbase, PAF Base Mushaf (formerly PAF Base Sargodha), is situated in Sarghoda and hosts the headquarters of thePakistan Air Force's Central Air Command. The airbase is also home to the Combat Commanders School (CCS), formerly the Fighter Leader's School, an elite training facility for training Pakistan Air Force pilots in fighter tactics and weapons.

History:-

  The Sargodha District was an agricultural region with forests during the Indus Valley Civilization. The Vedic period is characterized by Indo-Aryan culture that invaded from Central Asia and settled in Punjab region. The Kambojas, Daradas, Kaikayas, Madras, Pauravas, Yaudheyas, Malavas and Kurus invaded, settled and ruled ancient Punjab region. After overunning theAchaemenid Empire in 331 BCE, Alexander marched into present-day Punjab region with an army of 50,000. The Sargodha was ruled by Maurya Empire, Indo-Greek kingdom, Kushan Empire,Gupta Empire, White Huns, Kushano-Hephthalites and Shahi kingdoms.
In 997 CE, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, took over the Ghaznavid dynasty empire established by his father, Sultan Sebuktegin, In 1005 he conquered the Shahis in Kabul in 1005, and followed it by the conquests of Punjab region. The Delhi Sultanate and later Mughal Empire ruled the region. The Punjab region became predominantly Muslim due to missionary Sufi saints whose dargahs dot the landscape of Punjab region.
Just over a century ago, there was a well owned by a Hindu named Goodha, the well was known as "Gool Khuuh" (round well), and travellers used it as a resting place. There is a market at the place where Gool Khuuh used to exist and a grand mosque above the market and it is known as "Goal Chowk", which is the center of downtown Sargodha today.[6][7]
Sargodha was a small town at the beginning of the British Empire but, due to its geographical location, the British Royal Air Force built an airport there. It took on greater importance after theindependence of Pakistan for the Pakistan Air Force. Shahpur, which is now a tehsil of Sargodha District, was the district at that time. Most parts of the tehsil Sillanwali and Kirana Hills region were part of Jhang district and were included later during the British Raj in the Sargodha district. The predominantly Muslim population supported Muslim League and Pakistan Movement. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the minority Hindus and Sikhs migrated to India while the Muslim refugees from India settled in the Sargodha District.
The 1965 war with India on September 6, 1965 meant the city was a prime target for India, due to the city close proximity with the neighbouring rival. The citizens of Sargodha supported thePakistan Army against the advancing of the Indian Army into Pakistan. In 1966, recognising this bravery, the Government of Pakistan awarded the city of Sargodha as well as Sialkot and Lahorewith the award of Hilal-E-Istaqlal.
The city also has a Pakistan Air Force base within its city. The PAF Base Sargodha now known as PAF Base Mushaf, named after the late Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir, a former Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force. The strategic location of the base has allowed the Air Force to carry out experimental work within the city. Until divisions were abolished as part of government reforms in 2000, Sargodha was divisional headquarters of Sargodha Division. Sargodha division was composed of the following districts:
Government:-
                              Sargodha is the capital of Sargodha Tehsil. Until divisions were abolished in the year 2000, Sargodha was the divisional headquarters of Sargodha Division. As of October 2012, the division system in Punjab Province has been restored, and Sargodha became the divisional headquarters of Sargodha District, Khushab District, Mianwali District and Bhakkar District. The city of Sargodha is administratively subdivided into 22 union councils



Notable landmarks:-

       Notable buildings include Garden Town gulshan-e-azeem town silaanwali road, Ghani Park, Kalyar Town, Shah Muhammad Colony, 34 Janubi, Faizan e Madina (Ali Town, Old Satellite Town),New Satellite Town,Gulshan jamal, Jamia Masjid Hamid Ali Shah, Jinnah Hall and Jinnah Library, University of Sargodha (Government College old building), Sargodha Medical college, University of Sargodha, University College of Agriculture University of Sargodha. Govt Ambala Muslim High School (Old Sikh Temple),Quenchy more,47 pul, Bomb Chowk, Khayyam Chowk, Queen's Chowk, Jamia Masjid Ashrafia (Gol Chowk),Katchery Bazar,Japan Fashion Centre, Punjab general store, Trust Plaza, Rehman Plaza, Chen One Plaza, Niazi Esqure,. Two notable gardens are Company Bagh (Jinnah Garden) and Rehmatul-il-alameeen Park.A vast ground provided for the outdoor activities is Mela Mandi Ground.Every year in March ( spring season ) Different competitions are held here.People from all over Pakistan participate in these events. 49 tail (astana fazal where free medical treatment and Kirana Hills),Sargodha Cricket Stadium,

Economy[edit source | editbeta]

Sargodha is largely an agricultural and industrial city. The vast fields in the city have allowed the farmers to develop a range of crops and animal breeding programs. Some of the main crops include citrus, wheat, rice, and sugar cane, which are exported to the other cities as well as internationally. Citrus fruits such as oranges (locally known as kinnows) and guavas are the main fruits grown in the district. Jaman, pears, dates, pomegranates, phalsa and almonds are also grown in minor quantities. Turnips, onions, cauliflower, potatoes and tomatoes are the main vegetables grown in the district. The main livestock for the city include goats, sheep, buffaloes and cattle.
Even with agricultural goods being the major income generator for the city as well as the district, the economy and industry has been diversifying itself to generate more demand for other goods which can be manufactured and produced in the city. Other industrial markets include: beverages, manufacture of diesel engines, foundry products, glass products, leather footwear, oil mills, pesticides, insecticides, poultry feed, plastics, readymade garments, tanning and textiles.

Education[edit source | editbeta]

Sargodha is home to the University of Sargodha & Allama Iqbal Open University, which are offering a range of courses from Economics to Medicine. Sargodha Medical College (SMC) is located just outside the city offering not only MBBS but also postgraduate education and training. A new 100 acre state of the art campus has been built recently to accommodate the increasing demand for medical education in the city. University College of Agriculture (UCA), A constituent college of University of Sargodha is providing education and professional training in the field of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, UCA offers degrees from undergraduate level (BSc. Honors) to PhD in different disciplines of agricultural and animal sciences.

Notable personalities[edit source | editbeta]

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