LAHORE

Lahore is the capital of the province of the Punjab. It is the second largest city with a population of nearly 5.5 million. Lahore is a famous historical city situated on Karachi - Peshawar railway line and G. T. Road (Grand Trunk Road), about 1,287 km from Karachi and about 280 km from the Capital of Pakistan, Islamabad. It is an old city which considerably developed during Sultanate period. It has been closely associated with the legendary traditions of the past and has witnessed the history making events of the ancient and modern times. The famous Lahore Resolution, which shaped the destinies of the millions of the Muslims of South Asia, was passed at Lahore in 1940. Lahore also has the distinction of staging the Second Islamic Summit in 1974.

The Mughal rule greatly enhanced its cultural and social aspect. A great many buildings, monuments and archives of Mughal period are safely preserved in Lahore. The most significant buildings of the Mughal period are Badshahi Mosque, Shalimar Gardens, Shahi Qila and Jahangirıs Tomb. These buildings are the excellent examples of the splendid architecture of the Mughal period. Akbar the Great (1556-1605) began the construction of the magnificent Fort of Lahore. The Lahore Fort is one of the most striking examples of Mughal architecture. The Diwan-e-Aam, the marble Baradari and the splendid Sheesh Mahal, studded with glittering mirrors are treat to watch. The Badshahi Mosque, built by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1670 is one of the largest mosques in the world. It can accommodate nearly 100,000 worshippers in its spacious yard to offer their prayers. Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, the poet of the East who put forward the idea of Pakistan is buried just outside this mosque.

The Minar-i-Pakistan is situated in the famous Iqbal Park ground as the symbol of the sacrifices and struggle of the Muslims of the subcontinent. The Summit Minar has been erected in front of the Assembly Chambers which adds to the beauty of Lahore.

Lahore is an important educational centre and is known as the City of Colleges with a large number of educational institutions. The famous and influential seat of high learning in Asia, Government College, Lahore is situated in the heart of city. It is a traditional institution having produced a large number of celebrated men in all walks of life. Besides Government College,  there is the University of the Punjab, King Edward Medical College, University of Engineering and Technology, F. C. College, Islamia College, Kinnaird College and lot of other educational institutions spreading the light of knowledge throughout the country.

 Lahore has been termed as the city of Gardens and historical monuments. The historic Shalimar Garden, the Bagh-i-Jinnah and its botanical gardens are really the fascinating spots. The botanical gardens consists of a Zoo, a mosque and the beautiful and rich Quaid-i-Azam library.

Lahore is a great commercial and trade centre. There are a large number of commercial and trade markets dealing in different types of trade and business. Like Karachi, Lahore is also a cosmopolitan city where people of different nationalities can be seen. It has combined the life style of east and west and presents a lively mixture of old and new patterns of life.

There is a large number of industrial factories which are running day and night to play their vital role in countryıs economy. Ittefaq foundries is one of the biggest and most important industrial unit which has played its role commendably in stabilizing the countryıs economy. Lahore is also an important centre of journalistic activities. A large number of newspapers, journals and magazines are published here.

Lahore has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It is a fine place to watch the world rush by. The improbable mix of painted trucks, cars, bullock carts, buses, handcarts, scooters with whole families. A classical city, according to the words of Nur Jahan.

            "I have purchased Lahore with my life, By giving my life for Lahore,

              Actually I have purchased another Paradise," Empress Nur Jahan