Multan, Pakistan

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Multan, Pakistan

Region: Punjab

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Geographic Coordinates: 30.197800, 71.469700

Climate: Hot and dry summers, with occasional dust storms, and mild winters with some rainfall.

Population: 1871843

Language: Urdu

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Multan is a historic city located in the southern Punjab province of Pakistan. It is often referred to as the City of Sufis due to its rich cultural and religious heritage. The city has been inhabited for over 5, 000 years and has been ruled by various empires such as Alexander the Great, The Mughals, And the British. One of Multan’s most iconic landmarks is its ancient fort known as Qila Kohna. The fort dates back to the 12th century and was built by Muslim ruler Mahmud Ghaznavi.

It served as a military stronghold during various invasions of India and today serves as a popular tourist attraction where visitors can explore its intricate architecture and learn about its history. Another must-visit site in Multan is the shrine of Saint Shah Rukn-e-Alam. This revered saint was born in Multan in 1251 AD and his shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims every year from all over Pakistan. The shrine’s stunning blue dome can be seen from miles away, Making it one of Multan’s most recognizable landmarks.

Multan is also known for its vibrant bazaars where visitors can shop for traditional handicrafts such as pottery, Textiles, Jewelry, And brassware. One popular market is Hussain Agahi Bazaar which offers a wide range of goods at affordable prices. Food lovers will be delighted with Multan’s delicious cuisine which includes mouth-watering dishes like Sohan Halwa (a sweet made from semolina), Sajji (spiced lamb roasted on skewers), And Daal Chawal (lentils served with rice). Visitors can try these delicacies at local restaurants or street vendors throughout the city.

Multan also boasts several beautiful parks such as Bagh-e-Jinnah which features lush green gardens, Fountains, Walking paths, Picnic areas, And playgrounds for children. The park is a popular spot for families and friends to relax and enjoy the scenery. Overall, Multan is a city rich in culture, History, And traditions. Its beautiful architecture, Religious shrines, Bustling bazaars, Delicious cuisine, And scenic parks make it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience authentic Pakistani culture.

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1. Multan Fort
2. Shah Rukn-e-Alam Shrine
3. Tomb of Bahauddin Zakariya
4. Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower)
5. Hussain Agahi Bazaar
6. Qasim Bagh Stadium
7. Eidgah Mosque
8. Multan Museum
9. Khooni Burj
10. Mausoleum of Sheikh Yusuf Gardezi

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1. Multan is a significant city in Pakistan, known for its diverse range of industries and businesses.
2. The textile industry is one of the major industries in Multan, which includes cotton spinning mills, weaving units, dyeing, and printing factories.
3. The city is also located in the heart of Pakistan’s agricultural belt and produces wheat, sugarcane, mangoes, citrus fruits and vegetables.
4. Multan has a thriving leather industry that produces high-quality leather goods such as shoes, belts and bags.
5. There are several pharmaceutical companies operating in Multan that produce medicines for local consumption as well as export.
6. The growing population’s demand for residential properties has led to growth in the construction sector with many small to large scale businesses involved.
7. The food processing industry is also growing rapidly with many businesses manufacturing snack items like chips etc.
8. Traditional handicrafts such as pottery making, embroidery work, gold & silver embroidery on clothes etc are offered by the city.
9. Retail/wholesale markets dealing with various products like clothes, spices, grains etc are also available due to its importance as a trade hub.

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1. Alexander the Great’s conquest of Multan in 326 BC.
2. The Mauryan Empire ruled Multan from 322 BC to 185 BC.
3. The Kushans ruled Multan from the 1st century AD to the mid-3rd century AD.
4. The Arab conquest of Multan in 711 AD by Muhammad bin Qasim.
5. Mahmud Ghaznavi captured and looted the city in 1005 AD and again in 1021 AD.
6. Sultan Shahabuddin Ghori conquered Multan in 1180 AD.
7. Mughal Emperor Akbar visited Multan several times during his reign (1556-1605).
8. Sufi Saint Shah Rukn-e-Alam lived and died in Multan (1251-1335).
9. Bahauddin Zakariya, a Sufi saint, scholar, and poet is buried in Multan (1170-1267).
10. Allama Muhammad Iqbal was born near Lahore but had strong connections with Multan where he spent some time as a professor at Government College (1877-1938).

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1. Multan Museum houses a variety of artifacts from different eras, including the Indus Valley Civilization, Islamic art, Gandhara art and calligraphy.
2. Shah Rukn-e-Alam Shrine is a significant pilgrimage site for Muslims and is the final resting place of Sufi saint Shah Rukn-e-Alam.
3. Multan Fort is an ancient fort that dates back to the 12th century and has undergone multiple renovations throughout history.
4. Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) is a famous landmark in Multan city and serves as a popular meeting spot for locals.
5. Bahauddin Zakariya University has an impressive campus with beautiful gardens and fountains that provide visitors with a peaceful atmosphere to relax or take a stroll.
6. Tomb of Bahauddin Zakariya honors Sufi saint Bahauddin Zakariya and attracts many tourists every year due to its historical significance.
7. Hussain Agahi Bazaar offers an array of goods such as textiles, jewelry, spices, handicrafts making it one of the busiest bazaars in Multan city.
8. Kohna Qasim Bagh Park features lush greenery along with picnic areas, walking paths, playgrounds making it an ideal spot for families to spend quality time together.
9. Shrine of Hazrat Hafiz Jamal-ud-Din Bukhari pays homage to another famous Sufi saint who lived in Multan during the 16th century AD.
10. Mausoleum Of Sheikh Rukn-I-Alam is one of Pakistan’s most important shrines located within the walls of Multan Fort. The mausoleum was built between 1320-1324 AD by Ghias-ud-Din Tughlaq, the Sultan Of Delhi.

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1. Multan Cricket Association – Established in 1955, this association promotes and organizes cricket tournaments within the city. It has played a crucial role in developing cricket talent in the region.
2. Multan Football Club – This football club was founded in 2018 and is part of the Pakistan Premier League. Despite being one of the newest teams to emerge from Pakistan, it has already garnered a significant following among football fans.
3. Multan Tigers Hockey Club – Founded by passionate hockey players who aimed to promote grassroots level participation in hockey across Pakistan, this team competes at various national-level tournaments.
4. Multan Gymkhana Club – A prestigious social club that offers an array of sports facilities such as tennis courts, squash courts, swimming pools etc., to its members.

In conclusion, while there may not be any major professional sports teams based out of Multan itself; locals can still participate in their favorite sports through these various clubs and organizations within the city.

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1. Urs of Shah Rukn-e-Alam: This is an annual three-day festival held in honor of the Sufi saint Shah Rukn-e-Alam. Devotees from all over Pakistan attend this festival.
2. Multan Mango Festival: This is a yearly celebration that highlights the city’s famous mangoes. It includes various events such as mango exhibitions, competitions, and cultural performances.
3. Eid-ul-Fitr: Muslims worldwide celebrate this significant religious festival, including Multan residents. It symbolizes the end of Ramadan and involves feasting, gift-giving, and spending time with loved ones.
4. Urs of Bahauddin Zakariya: This important Sufi festival honors the teachings of Bahauddin Zakariya in Multan.
5. Basant Festival: Although safety concerns have led to its recent ban, Basant Festival was once a popular springtime event where people flew kites and enjoyed traditional food and music.
6. National Horse & Cattle Show: The Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh Stadium in Multan hosts this annual show featuring horse racing, cattle shows, cultural performances, and other farming tradition-related activities.
7. Independence Day Celebrations: August 14th marks Pakistan’s independence day from British colonial rule in 1947; it is celebrated throughout Pakistan with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, fireworks displays and cultural events showcasing local talent.

Note – Due to Covid-19 pandemic some festivals have been cancelled or postponed so it’s recommended to check before attending any event/festival for updates on scheduling changes or cancellations.

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• Sajji: A dish made with marinated whole lamb or chicken that is roasted on a skewer over an open flame.
• Sohan Halwa: A traditional sweet made from semolina, sugar, ghee and nuts.
• Multani Chaat: A spicy snack made with chickpeas, potatoes, onions and tamarind chutney.
• Kebabs: Various types of kebabs such as seekh kebab (minced meat), shami kebab (ground meat) and chapli kebab (flat patty).
• Lassi: A refreshing drink made from yogurt and sugar.

Some popular restaurants in Multan to try these dishes are:

1. Al-Makkah BBQ & Grill
2. Shahjahan Grill
3. Pakwan Restaurant
4. Nando’s
5. Pizza Hut

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1. Qasim Bagh
2. Shah Shams Park
3. Multan Cricket Stadium
4. Fort Kohna Park
5. Multan Zoo Safari
6. Bosan Road Park
7. Ghanta Ghar Chowk
8. Multan Arts Council
9. Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam
10. Multan Museum and Library

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