Faisalabad is one of the most historic cities of Pakistan. It has immense importance in the economic as well as cultural sector of the country. It is considered to be the textile hub of Pakistan.
Faisalabad was known as Lyallpur and is the third most populous city of Pakistan after Karachi and Lahore.
Faisalabad’s settlement was established in 1892 after the colonization of Chenab river. To honor the Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab. This newly formed city was named after Sir James Lyall and was named Lyallpur.
Lyallpur’s name was changed into Faisalabad in 1977 by the Government of Pakistan to honor the King Faisal of Saudi Arabia who had made remarkable contributions in the financial betterment of the country.
Faisalabad was one of the first planned cities developed under the British Raj. It was built and maintained on the city plan of big metropolises and cosmopolitan cities of the world.
Manchester of Pakistan
Faisalabad is also termed as “Manchester of Pakistan” as it earns billions of revenue every year. According to a survey, 20 percent of Punjab’s GDP is generated by Faisalabad.
Faisalabad is very famous for its 8 markets coming out from a conjunction of clock tower. It is one of the most historic and old places of Pakistan which is considered to be part of cultural heritage. Faisalabad is bestowed with agricultural and topographic landscape therefore a lot of people are connected with the agriculture sector apart from textile being one of the main sources of occupation.
Let’s have a look at some of the most important establishment of Faisalabad which have been beautifying the city since the British rule days:
Chenab Club
- One of the oldest clubs of Pakistan, founded for elites
- Conceived and founded by Deputy Commissioner M.W. Douglas.
- It was founded in 1910
- Situated right next to Company Garden now known as Bagh-e-Jinnah.
- Till 1942, membership was restricted to white people only.
- It offered ballroom dancing, bar, golf and polo before independence.
- It is still one of the most sought after clubs in Faisalabad
Clock Tower
- Clock tower is one of the oldest monument in Pakistan still standing in its original state.
- It was built during the British raj
- The foundation was laid on 14 November 1903
- It’s called ghanta ghar in Urdu
- Clock is placed in the center of the tower which is in the middle of eight famous markets of Faisalabad
- Built in the loving memory of Queen Victoria
- Red brick stone was used in clock tower
- It has 4 levels and height of 100 meters
Gumti Water Fountain
- A preserved monument from the British era
- Built in early nineteenth century to have general meeting with the city folks.
- It has been turned into a traffic roundabout
- Restored and illuminated at night
- Situated opposite the famous Qaisri gate
- Was built to welcome queen Victoria.
- It had 12 stairs which have been reduced now
- Architect is Anglo-Mughal
Sir James Lyal Monument
- It’s a structure in the memory of Sir James Lyal.
- Faisalabad’s former name was Lyallpur named after Sir James Lyal
- It is a structure resembling a church
- Made out of white marble
- The condition of the monument is not good as it is still not taken under heritage of Pakistan.
- It is a small makeshift tomb for Sir James Lyal as he is in reality buried in Kent, United Kingdom
Also Read: Top 15 Historic Buildings and Landmarks of Karachi
