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Sargodha

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Sargodha is a major urban center in the Punjab province of Pakistan.

M2 Sargodha
M2 Sargodha

It is the sixth-largest city in Punjab and the 11th-most populous city in Pakistan. The city is famously known as the "City of Eagles." Unlike many older cities, Sargodha is one of the few planned cities in the country. It serves as the headquarters for both the Sargodha district and the Sargodha division. The city is located in central Punjab near the Kirana Hills.

University of Sargodha
University of Sargodha

It sits at an elevation of 190 metres above sea level.

The geography of the region is defined by flat and fertile plains. This landscape is ideal for large-scale agriculture. Two major rivers shape the area around the city. The River Jhelum flows along the western and northern sides of Sargodha. The River Chenab flows on the eastern side. The climate in the city is characterized by extremes. Summers bring intense heat to the region. In contrast, winters can be moderately cold. Temperatures have been recorded as low as the freezing point during the winter months.

Sargodha has a specific historical origin tied to British administration. The British established the city in 1903 as a canal-colony. At that time, the name was spelled "Sargoda." It was originally a tehsil of the Shahpur district. The city was founded by Lady Trooper under the supervision of Sir Charles Montgomery Rivaz. Rivaz was a colonial administrator and the Lieutenant-Governor of the Punjab from 1902 to 1907. The city faced significant challenges early on. It suffered from a bubonic plague outbreak in 1903 and a milder one in 1904. Although it began as a small town, the British Royal Air Force built an airport there due to its strategic location.

The name "Sargodha" itself carries a linguistic history. It comes from two specific words. "Sar" comes from "sarowar," which means pond. "Godha" means "Sadhu." Therefore, the name translates to "Pond of Godha." Over time, the city's administrative importance grew. It became the District Headquarters in 1940. Later, in 1960, it was granted the status of a Divisional Headquarters. Today, the Sargodha Division manages a large population of about 8.1 million people.

Agriculture is the primary driver of the local economy. Sargodha is the largest kinnow-producing district in the world. Because of its high-quality citrus production, it is often called the "California of Pakistan." The city produces large quantities of wheat, cotton, rice, and vegetables. These goods are sent to different parts of Pakistan and are also exported globally. Beyond farming, the city has textile mills and rice processing plants. It is also home to juice factories like Nestle and Shezan.

Burj Ismail Mall Sargodha 2024
Burj Ismail Mall Sargodha 2024

Commercial activity is supported by the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The city is famous for its fifteen distinct bazaars, or markets. Each bazaar specializes in specific types of goods. For example, the Sarafa Bazaar is known for gold and jewellery. The Faisal Bazar provides spices, oil, meat, and poultry. The Karkhana Bazaar sells crockery and cutlery. The Liaquat Bazaar is a place to find new bicycles and sports cycles. Modern shopping is also available in large malls.

Mall of Sargodha
Mall of Sargodha

Examples include the Burj Ismail Mall and the Mall of Sargodha. These centers include both national and international outlets.

Sargodha is also a vital educational hub for the Sargodha Division. The city hosts four universities and many specialized colleges.

University of Sargodha
University of Sargodha

Students can study law, medicine, IT, commerce, and engineering. The literacy rate has seen significant growth. In 1998, the literacy rate was 67.8%. By 2017, this number rose to 80.5%. The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Sargodha, manages examinations for the entire division. This educational infrastructure supports a rapidly growing population. In 2017, the city's population was 872,557, a 43.94% increase from 1998.

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File:Mall of Sargodha.jpg
Mall of Sargodha.jpg
File:Burj Ismail Mall Sargodha 2024.jpg
Burj Ismail Mall Sargodha 2024.jpg
File:University of Sargodha.jpg
University of Sargodha.jpg
File:PAF Public School Sargodha HQ 2003.jpg
PAF Public School Sargodha HQ 2003.jpg

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