Sialkot

Sialkot, famously known as “The Land of Iqbal”, is one of the most historic and industrially significant cities of Pakistan. Located in the northeast of Punjab, it borders Narowal in the east, Gujrat in the west, Gujranwala and Sheikhupura in the south, and the Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir to the north. It is separated from Jammu by the Working Boundary.

Sialkot spans 3,016 km² with a population of approximately 3.89 million. The terrain is flat and fertile, enriched by River Chenab and Nala Dek, making it ideal for agriculture.

A Glimpse into Sialkot’s Rich History

Sialkot’s history dates back thousands of years. It is believed that Raja Sul, a Hindu king, founded the city and named it Sulkot, which later evolved into Sialkot. The city has been home to Greeks, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Persians, Afghans, Turks, and Mughals.

Ancient Era

Sialkot is identified with the ancient city of Sagala, the capital of the Indo-Greek Kingdom. Excavations in the area have revealed ancient coins and stupas. This makes Sialkot one of the oldest cities in South Asia.

Islamic & Mughal Era

The arrival of Shahab-ud-Din Ghauri marked the beginning of the Muslim era. Later, during Emperor Akbar’s reign, Sialkot became part of Rachna Bar Sarkar. The city saw extensive development under Ali Mardan Khan during the Mughal rule.

Colonial Period

The British colonial era began in 1849 after defeating Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh. During this time, major developments occurred including the establishment of Murray College (1889) and railway links to Jammu and Narowal.

Sialkot’s surgical instruments industry also began during this time when British doctors used local craftsmen to repair and then manufacture surgical tools.

Sialkot’s Role in Pakistan Movement and Wars

Sialkot remained peaceful during the early riots of the Pakistan Movement, despite nearby cities like Lahore and Amritsar facing turmoil. The city is the birthplace of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the philosopher-poet who inspired the idea of Pakistan.

During the 1965 war, Sialkot was the site of the second-largest tank battle in modern history at Chawinda. In recognition of the bravery of its people, Sialkot was awarded the prestigious Hilal-e-Istaqlal in 1966.