My Hometown

Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan

 Introduction

Chakwal is a city in Chakwal District, in the Potohar region of Punjab, Pakistan.It is the 66th largest city of Pakistan. by population. Chakwal is located 90 kilometres south-west of the federal capital, Islamabad and 270 kilometres from the provincial capital, Lahore. It is accessible by both the Islamabad International Airport  as well as the Lahore International Airport. Chakwal was created as an independent district of Rawalpindi in 1985 by combining sub division Chakwal of district Jhelum, sub division Talagang of district Attock and the police station Choa Saidan Shah, carved out of sub division Pind Dadan Khan of district Jhelum. In addition to being the district headquarters, Chakwal city is also the administrative centre of Chakwal tehsil (a subdivision of the district). The Chakwal District is divided into five Tehsils, namely, Kalar-Kahar, Choa Saidan Shah, Lawa, Talagang and Chakwal itself. The city of Chakwal itself is divided into five Union Councils, and Chakwal district is divided into 68 union councils.

History

According to the District Gazetteer Jhelum 1904, the city Chakwal is named after Chaudhry Chaku Khan, from Jammu who founded it in 1525 during the era of the Mughal emperor, Zaheerudin Babur. It remained a small but central town of Taluka Dhan Chaurasi for many centuries. In 1881, during the British era, it was declared the Tehsil Headquarter. It was finally upgraded to district status in 1985. Chakwal is situated in Dhani region of potohar in northern Punjab. Chakwal and surrounding areas are home to ancient Soan civilization and it has a very rich history. The history of the area dates back to the semi-mythical period of the Maha-Bharat. Chakwal is a site of famous encounter of Alexander the great with Raja Ambhi. For many early years, this region was under the reign of Dogra Rajputs and Khokhar Rajputs.

Culture Heritage

Chakwal is a special place where different cultures and traditions come together. It's famous for its lively music, and festivals that showcase the rich Punjabi culture. Every year, the Katas Raj Temples fair draws huge crowds of visitors and pilgrims celebrating the area's history and heritage. The local food is also a big attraction, offering a variety of delicious traditional Punjabi dishes that are sure to tantalise your taste buds. What's more, the people of Chakwal are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature, making visitors feel right at home.

University of Chakwal

The University of Chakwal, established in 2020, is a prominent higher education institution located in Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines including engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The university aims to provide quality education and foster research and innovation to meet the evolving needs of the region and the country. Equipped with modern facilities and a dedicated faculty, the University of Chakwal is committed to nurturing talent and contributing to the academic and socio-economic development of its community.

Salt Range

Salt Range is an area of great natural beauty that covers approx 2,500 sq km area. The place is a geologist’s dream with a rich variety of minerals and rocks. World’s 2nd largest Salt Mines are located here at Khewra, accessible via M-2 motorway about 260 km from Lahore and 160 km from Islamabad. Khewra City is also known as The Kingdom of Salt because of rock salt which is 98% pure and natural source of Salt in Pakistan. The Salt Mines extend from River Jehlum to Indus, covering an area of around 250 square kilometres.

Cement Factory

Chakwal, being part of Punjab, Pakistan, is known for its significant presence in the cement industry. One notable cement factory in the Chakwal district is the Best way Cement Limited, located near the city of Choa Saidan Shah.Best way Cement Limited is one of the largest cement producers in Pakistan and operates multiple cement plants across the country. The Chakwal plant, situated in the heart of the Salt Range, benefits from the region's rich limestone deposits, which are crucial for cement production. The company's Chakwal plant plays a vital role in meeting the demand for cement in the local market and beyond.

The Colonnade Chakwal

The Colonnade Chakwal is a real estate development located in Bhaun Chowk, Chakwal. It is considered the largest and most significant real estate project in Chakwal's history and is being developed by HNs Developments. The Colonnade offers shops for sale, with units ranging from 310 to 455 square feet. The development priorities quality, integrity, and customer value. The Colonnade Chakwal features a ground floor and a ladies' floor, with a 25% discount for bookings.

Economic Hub

Chakwal is not only a city with a rich history and natural beauty, but also a important economic centre in the region. The city's farms produce a wide range of crops like wheat, barley, and vegetables, which contributes significantly to the local economy. Its strategic location along major roads has also made it a hub for trade and commerce, with busy markets and commercial areas that serve both locals and visitors. This has turned Chakwal into a thriving economic hub, making it an important place for business and trade in the region.

Famous Personalities

Chakwal has produced many notable personalities who have achieved recognition in various fields. Here is a list of some famous personalities who belong to Chakwal:

Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar

Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar is a celebrated war hero in Pakistan, honoured as the first recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, the country's highest military award for bravery. Born on November 10, 1910, in Sanghori village in the Gujar Khan area, which is part of the Chakwal district, Sarwar joined the British Indian Army in 1929. After Pakistan's independence in 1947, he served in the Pakistan Army.

Field Marshal Ayub Khan

Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan was a significant figure in Pakistan's history, serving as the country's first military ruler and its second President from 1958 to 1969. Born on May 14, 1907, in the village of Rehana in Haripur District, which was part of Chakwal District at the time, Ayub Khan rose through the ranks of the British Indian Army and later the Pakistan Army after the country's independence in 1947.

Manmohn Singh

Dr. Manmohan Singh, a prominent Indian economist and politician, served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He was born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, a village that is now in Chakwal District, Punjab, Pakistan.

Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi

Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi is a prominent Pakistani politician who has had a significant influence on the political landscape of Punjab, particularly in the Chakwal district. Born on November 1, 1945, in Gujrat, he hails from a renowned political family, with his father, Chaudhry Manzoor Elahi, also being a prominent politician.

Lieutenant General Abdul Majeed Malik

General Abdul Majeed Malik was a distinguished Pakistani military officer and politician, hailing from Chakwal. Born on July 1, 1925, in the village of Pindi Sarhal, Chakwal District, he had a notable career in both the military and political arenas.

Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed 

Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed is a prominent Pakistani military officer known for his key roles in the Pakistan Army. He hails from the district of Chakwal in Punjab, Pakistan. General Faiz Hameed served as the Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan's premier intelligence agency, from June 2019 to November 2021. His tenure at ISI was marked by significant developments in regional security and intelligence operations.

Ayaz Amir

Ayaz Amir is a well known Pakistani journalist, Columnist, and Politician hailing from chakwal. He has been a prominent voice in Pakistan's media landscape, renowned for his insightful and often critical columns in major national newspapers, including "Dawn" and "The News International." Ayaz Amir's writing is distinguished by its eloquence and incisive analysis of political and social issues.

Temples 

Chakwal is a city with a rich history and a lot of cultural significance. It has many old and historic places that tell us about its past. Some of the notable old places in Chakwal include:

Katas Raj Temples

Located near the town of Katas, these ancient Hindu temples date back to the 6th century CE. The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are surrounded by legends and folklore. The site includes several temples, holy ponds, and a large complex of ancient buildings.

Katas Mandir

Another Hindu temple in the Katas area, the Katas Mandir is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman. It is located near the Katas Raj Temples and is revered by Hindu pilgrims.

Shive Temple

Talagang, a town in Chakwal district, is home to several temples, including the Shiv Mandir. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is visited by devotees seeking blessings.

Lakes in Chakwal

Dharabi Lake

Dharabi Lake is a beautiful and peaceful spot near the village of Dharabi in Chakwal district. The lake is surrounded by hills and green landscapes, making it a perfect place for nature lovers and those looking for a relaxing getaway. You can enjoy boating or simply sit by the lake and take in the stunning views. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a refreshing break from the city's hustle and bustle.

Kallar Kahar Lake

Kallar Kahar Lake is a beautiful natural lake near the town of Kallar Kahar in Chakwal district. The lake is surrounded by hills and greenery, making it a peaceful oasis in the heart of Punjab. Its clear waters offer a perfect spot for boating and picnicking, attracting visitors from all over. The lake's serene atmosphere and stunning views make it a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing getaway from city life. Whether you're a nature lover or an adventure seeker, Kallar Kahar Lake is a must-visit spot.

Swaik Lake

Swaik lake is in kalar kahar tehsil. It is 10 kilometres from Kalar kahar, and there is a waterfall here too. Now it is a famous tourist spot and tourists come here in large numbers.

Dhok Talian Lake

It is a beautiful lake that has an immense capacity to store water. Dhok Talian Lake is 22 kilometres away from Sikki Lake. This place is declared a tourist spot by the Punjab Government, which is full of scenic and enchanting views. Several types of fish and migratory birds from Siberia visit this lake. Moreover, the views of the surrounding valley invite the tourist to visit this fascinating lake.

Khai Lake

Khai Lake is near Chakwal City and is a favourite tourist spot for the locals, which converted into a dam in 2007. It is among the favourite destinations of the people residing in nearby areas.

Conclusion

Chakwal is a special place that offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. It's a city that blends old-world charm with modern comforts. Visitors can explore ancient temples, try local food, hike through beautiful landscapes, and more. Chakwal has something for everyone and is a great starting point to explore the wonders of Punjab. The city promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you enchanted and eager to discover more.