Contents
1.
Socio-Economic Profile .......................................................................................................... 3
2.
1.1
Demography ................................................................................................................. 3
1.2
Economy, Industries and Job Opportunities ................................................................. 4
1.3
Literacy and Education ................................................................................................. 7
1.4
Gender .......................................................................................................................... 8
1.5
Health and Nutrition ..................................................................................................... 9
1.6
People with Disabilities (PWDs) ................................................................................ 10
1.7
Multi-dimensional Poverty Index ............................................................................... 11
Biotic Environment ............................................................................................................... 14
2.1
Flora ............................................................................................................................ 14
Plains ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Potowar Plateau ........................................................................................................................ 15
Dessert Areas ............................................................................................................................ 16
Hilly Tracts ............................................................................................................................... 16
3.
2.2
Fauna .......................................................................................................................... 17
2.3
Forests and Protected Areas ....................................................................................... 20
Physical Environment ........................................................................................................... 22
3.1
Climate........................................................................................................................ 22
3.2
Geography .................................................................................................................. 23
3.3
Topography................................................................................................................. 24

Mountainous and Hilly areas .......................................................................................... 25

Potowar Plateau ............................................................................................................... 25

Plain Areas ........................................................................................................................ 26

Desert Areas ..................................................................................................................... 27
3.4
History ........................................................................................................................ 27
3.5
Natural Disasters and Seismic Activity ...................................................................... 28
3.6
Cultural and Heritage Sites ......................................................................................... 30
Table 1: Livestock Population of Punjab (2010 Livestock Census) ............................................... 6
Table 2: Number of Industries in Punjab ........................................................................................ 6
Table 3: Division Wise Literacy Rate of Punjab. Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics ............... 8
Table 4: Number of Health Institution in Punjab.......................................................................... 10
Table 5:Disabled Population of Punjab ........................................................................................ 10
Table 6: Multidimensional Poverty Index of Punjab .................................................................... 12
Table 7: District Wise MPI of Punjab........................................................................................... 13
Table 8: Common Trees in Plains of Punjab ................................................................................ 14
Table 9: Exotic Trees in the Plains of Punjab ............................................................................... 15
Table 10: Wild Plants in Plains of Punjab .................................................................................... 15
Table 11: Flora in Potowar Plateau of Punjab .............................................................................. 16
Table 12: Flora in Hilly Tracts of Punjab ..................................................................................... 17
Table 13: Diversity of Wildlife Species........................................................................................ 18
Table 14: Fauna in Mountainous Region of Punjab ..................................................................... 18
Table 15: Common and Migratory Birds of Punjab ..................................................................... 20
Table 16: Types of Forests and Their Area in Punjab .................................................................. 21
Table 17:Average monthly temperature, precipitation, and humidity level of Punjab. ................ 23
General Baseline Data of Punjab
1. Socio-Economic Profile
1.1 Demography
Rich in both culture and history Punjab is the most flourishing Province of Pakistan. British
Rule split the region of Punjab between India and Pakistan during the Independence in 1947, out
of which the control of 52% area of the Punjab was given to Pakistan. The Province of Punjab
(Pakistani Punjab) is now bordered by the Indian States of Punjab and Rajasthan in the East, Indian
Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, and Islamabad Capital Territory in the North, KPK
province in the West and the largest province of Pakistan by area, Baluchistan in the Northwest.
Punjab is the most densely populated province of Pakistan, with more than half the
population of Pakistan residing in this province. According to the 2017 consensus the Population
of Punjab is 110 M. Out of the 110 M population 97.22% are Muslims and the remaining 02.88%
are other minority religion. The largest minority religion being Christianity. The major ethnic
groups in Punjab are Jat, Rajput, Arain, Gujar and Awan, but gradually due to cultural assimilation
all of them have been merged into one single ethnic group as Punjabi. Most commonly spoken
languages in Punjab are Punjabi (with several dialects), Saraiki, Urdu and English.
There are 45 districts of Punjab, Gujrat being declared the 10th Division with 3 districts as
of 20221. The provincial capital of Punjab is Lahore. The area of Punjab is 205,344 square
kilometres which comprises 25.8% of total land of Pakistan2.
According to 2017 Census, a big chunk of Punjab’s population is younger than 10 years
old, about 29.2 million. Out of the total population of Punjab 50.8 percent are males and 49.2
percent are females. 57.8 percent of the population makes up the individuals aging from 15 years
1
Government of Punjab notified Gujrat as 10th division of Punjab. It consists of three districts of Gujrat, Mandi
Bahauddin and Hafizabad. Information from Dawn News article. https://www.dawn.com/news/1705443
2
"Punjab". Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016.
Retrieved 14 July 2016.
old to 65 years old. 63.1 percent about 70 million people resides in the rural areas of Punjab but
migration from rural to urban areas is gradually increasing over the years.3
Punjab is among the most urbanized regions of South Asia and is experiencing a consistent
and long-term demographic shift of the population to urban regions and cities with around 40% of
the population living in urban Punjab. The projections estimate that the urban population in Punjab
will rise to about 121 million by 2025 and 128 million by 2030. While Lahore, the capital of Punjab
and its largest city, is currently home to about 11.3 million people, its population is expected to
reach 15 million people in 2025 owing to its position as an urban magnet in the region. Punjab has
four other cities with populations in excess of one million, namely Faisalabad, Gujranwala and
Rawalpindi, and Multan. Collectively, about half of the urban population in Punjab is concentrated
in these five cities. In addition, three other large cities (Sialkot, Bahawalpur and Sargodha) are
poised to cross the one million mark.4
1.2 Economy, Industries and Job Opportunities
The province of Punjab has the largest economy in Pakistan, contributing to about 60 percent
of the total GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the country.
It is estimated that cities contribute 78% of the country’s GDP. Punjab alone contributes half
of the country’s GDP and its five large cities account for 50% of the gross value of industrial
production.5 Punjab’s share of Pakistan's GDP was 54.7% in 2000 and 59% as of 2010. It is
especially dominant in the service and agriculture sectors of Pakistan's economy. With its
contribution ranging from 52.1% to 64.5% in the Service Sector and 56.1% to 61.5% in the
agriculture sector. It is also a major manpower contributor because it has the largest pool of
professionals and highly skilled (technically trained) manpower in Pakistan. It is also dominant in
the manufacturing sector, though the dominance is not as huge, with historical contributions
ranging from a low of 44% to a high of 52.6%.6
3
4
5
Numbers and statistics are taken from this website, https://www.citypopulation.de/en/pakistan/admin/7__punjab/
https://pnd.punjab.gov.pk/system/files/Punjab_Urban_Development_Sector_Plan_2015_2.pdf
Government of Punjab, Asian Development Bank, World Bank and UK Department for International Development
(2005). “Pakistan: Punjab Economic Report”.
6
"Provincial Accounts of Pakistan: Methodology and Estimates 1973–2000" (PDF). Retrieved 19 December 2019
Punjab benefits Pakistan in agricultural economy substantially. It contributes a major share
to the agricultural economy of the country by providing about 83% of cotton, 80% of wheat, 97%
of rice, 63% of sugarcane and 51% of maize to total national food production. The land of Punjab
is a major provider of multiple crops (wheat, rice, sugarcane, cotton, maize), vegetables (onions,
potatoes, tomatoes, okra, tinda, brinjal), and fruits (citrus, mango, banana, apple, pomegranate,
guava, dates) to the overall Pakistan.
The vast irrigation system because of the Indus River and its tributaries going through north
to south of the province cover, 57 percent of the total cultivated area and 69 percent of the total
cropped area of Pakistan.
Livestock production is the second biggest economic activity for the rural population in
the country. According to The Economic Survey of Pakistan 2012-13 the Livestock Sector
contributed approximately 55.4% of the added agriculture value and about 11.9% to the National
GDP during 2012-13; it also helps in converting crop residues and agro-industrial waste as well as
by-products into edible products. Livestock breeding also provides industrial raw materials like
wool, hides, and resources for the agro-based food industry.7
Livestock population of Punjab as of 2010 Census of Livestock as reported in Punjab
Development Statistics 2018-19 is shown in the table below:
7
No.
Livestock
Heads (in million)
1.
Cattle
13.2
2.
Goats
17.3
3.
Mules
0.073
4.
Buffaloes
16
5.
Camels
0.2
6.
Asses
1.9
7.
Sheep
4.9
Statistical information taken from this link, https://pakistanalmanac.com/punjab-economic-activity/#_ftn9
Horses
8.
0.1
Table 1: Livestock Population of Punjab (2010 Livestock Census)
The Industry and Mineral Development Department of Punjab oversees the growth of
industry and minerals in Punjab. According to Punjab Development Statistics 2013-14, there are
10,255 registered factories in the province. Lahore and Gujranwala have the largest concentration
of small light engineering units. The district of Sialkot excels in sports goods, surgical instruments,
and cutlery goods. The following table shows the number of industrial units in each district.8
No. Districts
No. of Units
No. Districts
1.
Attock
52
2.
Bahawalnagar
271
3.
Bahawalpur
252
4.
Bhakkar District
14
5.
Chakwal
32
6.
Dera Ghazi Khan
201
7.
Faislabad
16,44
8.
Gujranwala
2,986
9.
Gujrat
703
10.
Hafizabad
224
11.
Jhang
154
12.
Jhelum
43
13.
Kasur
796
14.
Khanewal
263
15.
Khushab
42
16.
Lahore
3,007
17.
Layyah
25
18.
Lodhran
94
19.
Mandi Bahauddin
126
20.
Mianwali
35
21.
Multan
589
22.
Muzaffargarh
162
23.
Nankana Sahib
151
24.
Narowal
122
25.
Okara
395
26.
Pakpattan
201
27.
Rahim Yar Khan
290
28.
Rajanpur
102
29.
Rawalpindi
124
30.
Sahiwal
335
31.
Sargodha
426
32.
Sheikhupura
748
33.
Sialkot
2670
34.
TobaTek Singh
173
Total
17,738
Table 2: Number of Industries in Punjab
8
No. of Units
Pre-Investment Study 2012, (latest available) of each District
The land is linked to extensive value chains that span Punjab’s Special Economic Zones,
industrial estates and manufacturing corridors. These not only cater to the demands of the local
population but also regional and global demands through a network of global markets accessed
through land, sea and air links.
The Department of Commerce is working to bridge the gap between industries and
universities so that the right kind of research and development can take place. Bridging the gap
will also allow the universities to tailor their programs so that their graduates are not left
unemployed and the industries do have to hire workers from abroad. The Punjab government
has also established three technology-based universities that will produce future skilled
workers. In addition, the commerce department will facilitate apprenticeships of 5 percent of
university students.9
1.3 Literacy and Education
2017 Census report suggests that 64.01 percent of Punjab’s total population is literate, which
makes up 51.1 million of the total population.10 Approximately 9 million have received education
till matriculation level (10 years of formal education), 4 million have received education till
intermediate level (12 years of formal education). 2.8 million Individuals are graduates i.e.
bachelor’s degree holder. 11
76.65 percent of literate population resides in the urban regions of Punjab. Rawalpindi,
Gujranwala and Lahore Divisions are the most educated zones of Punjab, with 77 percent literacy
rate being in Rawalpindi Division.12
According to the 2017 Census Report 29 million out of total population of Punjab is illiterate,
meaning they did not receive any formal or informal education. And 13 million people in Punjab
are educated till primary level.
9
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/992186-realising-punjabs-potential
https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2017/tables/punjab/Table13p.pdf
11
https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2017/tables/punjab/Table14p.pdf
12
https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2017/tables/punjab/Table13p.pdf
10
There are 51 Public sector universities and 31 private sector universities recognized by HEC
(Higher Education Commission) in the Province of Punjab. The University of Punjab is the largest
and oldest Public University in not only the province of Punjab but overall Pakistan.13
There is a significant gap between the literacy of Urban and Rural regions and also among
male and female population in division wise statistic of Punjab. As shown in the table below:
No.
Division
Urban
Male
Rural
Female Total
Total
Male
Female
Total
Male
Female
Total
1.
Bahawalpur
75.4
65.2
70.5
51.7
32.3
42.1
57.8
40.8
49.5
2.
Faisalabad
80.5
74.0
77.3
66.9
47.4
57.3
72.1
57.5
64.9
3.
D.G. Khan
74.3
60.5
67.5
35.1
53.9
41.8
57.6
35.1
46.5
4.
Gujranwala
81.6
77.7
79.7
76.3
67.3
71.6
78.3
71.1
74.6
5.
Lahore
78.7
73.8
76.4
66.5
53.2
60.1
75.1
67.6
71.5
6.
Multan
78.4
69.5
74.0
61.5
39.1
50.4
66.4
47.8
57.2
7.
Rawalpindi
88.2
78.5
83.5
83.5
64.9
73.9
85.5
70.4
77.9
8.
Sahiwal
79.5
70.0
74.9
62.3
42.9
52.8
66.3
49.1
57.9
9.
Sargodha
82.3
68.3
75.4
70.2
42.2
56.2
73.3
48.8
61.1
Table 3: Division Wise Literacy Rate of Punjab. Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
1.4 Gender
Census reports and statistics have showed that in comparison to the other provinces of Pakistan,
Punjab has lowest gender disparity or gender gap index. It means that in comparison to overall
Pakistan more women are visible in the public arena. But still by global standards the participation
of women in jobs, education and labor is still quite low.
According to Punjab Gender Parity Report 2021, published from Punjab Commission on the
Status of Women, has assessed multiple indicators like education, health, job markets, labor force,
governance and justice. The key findings of all these indicators has shown massive gender gap
statistics among the male and female demography. With slight increase of women’s participation
13
https://punjabhec.gov.pk/recognized-universities-and-subcampuses/
in some indicators like education and job market in the recent years, which is still less when
compared to their male counterparts.14
1.5 Health and Nutrition
Punjab constitutes more than half the population of Pakistan. In spite of extensive network of
health care facilities, health status of the people of the province as a whole is below the desired
level. Infant mortality rate is 77 per 1000 live births. Under 5 mortality rate is 112 per 1000 live
births. Maternal mortality ratio is estimated to be 300 per 100,000 live births, lower than the
national figure 350. Total fertility rate in the province is estimated to be 4.7. 92 percent of the
population has access to improved drinking water sources; whereas 58 percent of the population
in the province has access to sanitation.
Currently there are about four million malnourished children in Punjab, and about a third of all
pregnant women are estimated to have iron deficiency anemia. Over 34 percent of children under
the age of five years are short for their age; over 10 percent are under weight for their age and over
half anemic. Malnutrition is a major contributor to infant and maternal deaths.15
The medical hub of the province is Lahore, where relatively good health institutions are present
to provide primary, secondary and tertiary levels of health services. BHUs and RHCs which
provide basic health services are present at Union Council Level in the urban and rural areas of
the province. DHQs and THQs are hospitals present at district level which can tend the medical
needs of upto 0.5 to 3 million people.
In Punjab, DHQ hospitals are the fewest in number (27), constituting less than 1% of facilities.
Low numbers of DHQ hospitals mean that the population has limited access to specialized
secondary healthcare. The data of District Health Information System (DHIS) confirms that there
are at least 10 districts that do not have a DHQ Hospital while only 12 districts have a Teaching
Hospital, of which Lahore has 17 of a total 43 (Punjab Economic Research Institution 2017).16
14
https://wdd.punjab.gov.pk/system/files/PGPR-2021.pdf
https://health.punjab.gov.pk/PunjabHealthProfile.aspx#:~:text=Currently%20there%20are%20about%20four,age%
20and%20over%20half%20anemic.
16
https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/census_reports/pcr_punjab.pdf
15
According to the Statistics of 2017 Census, following number of Health Institutions are
working in Punjab.
S No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Health Institutions
Hospitals
Dispensaries
Rural Health Centers
T.B Clinics
Basic Health Units
Sub-Health Units
M.C.H Centers
Number of Units
373
1,327
347
39
2,530
230
284
Table 4: Number of Health Institution in Punjab
Due to the tropical climate of the region of Punjab, it is prone to ongoing epidemics and
endemics. Punjab had a severe Dengue outbreak in 2011, which resulted in hundreds of casualties
throughout the province, after which the government advised preventive measures for the public
along with establishing diagnostic and treatment centers to prevent and control the disease.
Malaria, Dengue, Typhoid, Cholera and Hepatitis are some common diseases present in the
population of Punjab. Health Care Department of Punjab has established measures to prevent,
diagnose and cure these diseases.
1.6 People with Disabilities (PWDs)
There is about 0.5 Million population of PWDs in Punjab. More than half of that population
resides in rural areas. There are more disabled men than women in Punjab. Following is the data
of PWDs in Punjab from 2017 Census,
Total
Urban
Rural
Total
515,815
159,829
355,986
Male
320,352
97,721
222,631
Female
193,326
61,195
132,131
Table 5:Disabled Population of Punjab
Census of persons with disabilities provide a clearer picture of the national status on disability
and how to better address these issues via a number of inclusive infrastructures, disability-assistive
technologies such as wheelchairs and the provision of independent living facilities and special
needs schools. Part of the reason inclusivity activism falls behind in Pakistan is due to societal
prejudices and attitudinal barriers.
Although development sector organisations and the government have worked tirelessly for
awareness campaigns and inclusive infrastructure in offices, there is still much more to be done.
Persons with disabilities living in rural Pakistan suffer much more because of the above-mentioned
obstacles. They do not have the resources to attain mobility, skills, or education to become
productive individuals and members of society. Resultantly, they are left isolated, unattended and
in miserable conditions in their own homes. Pakistan’s non-disabled population must also realise
the potential of persons with disabilities given that they are provided with the right information
and easy access to inclusive resources.
Not only would the provision of these tools create family contentment, but it would prove a
great asset to our national economy. 6.2 percent is at least 14 million citizens of Pakistan, which
includes 0.5 million disabled people of Punjab as, which is no small number of unemployed,
unhappy people. The reason this number is so high in our country is attributed to the additional
challenges of natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes and even the fearful terrorist attacks
that still threaten this nation. If we start tackling natural calamities with proactive disaster
management and terrorism with the establishment of higher national security, the probability of
disability development as a result of such accidents would significantly decrease.17
The 2017 Census Report states that only 10 percent of the PWDs are employed in Punjab, and
approximately 40,000 PWDs in Punjab are students.18
1.7 Multi-dimensional Poverty Index19
Multidimensional poverty Index is the parameter to measure the acute poverty, it is developed
by OPHI and UNDP. The MPI calculates consumption based poverty measures with deprivations
that individuals face across multiple dimensions (indicators of MPI) like, education, health,
standard of living. MPI is generated by the product of Headcount Ratio (H) of Multidimensional
Poverty and Intensity of Deprivation.
17
https://www.nation.com.pk/01-Feb-2023/disability-in-pakistan
https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2017/tables/punjab/Table19p.pdf
19
https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/migration/pk/MPI-4pager.pdf
18
The statistics and calculations of MPI from the data drawn out by PSLM (Pakistan Social and
Living Standards Measurements Surveys suggests that Years of schooling (29.7 percent), followed
by access to health facilities (19.8 percent) and child school attendance (10.5 percent) contribute
most to the MPI in Pakistan. At the dimensional level, deprivations in education are the largest
contributor to the MPI (42.8 percent), followed by living standards (31.5 percent) and health (25.7
percent).
The MPI of Punjab is 0.152, with only 6.3 percent headcount ratio (H) in urban areas and 43.7
percent headcount ratio (H) in rural areas of Punjab. Even though the Incidence Rate (H) is low in
urban areas the Intensity of Multidimensional Poverty is on a relative high of 41.8%. Overall
Multidimensional Poverty in Punjab is mentioned in the table below,
MPI
Incidence (H)
Intensity (A)
Total
0.152
31.4%
48.4%
Urban
0.026
6.3%
41.8%
Rural
0.214
43.7%
48.9%
Table 6: Multidimensional Poverty Index of Punjab
District of Muzaffargarh has the highest MPI of 0.338 and Lahore has the lowest MPI of
0.017. Even though Incidence rate (H) i.e. number of individuals in poverty is fluctuating
throughout the districts of Punjab, the Intensity of MP is a constant 40 percent to 50 percent
throughout the districts. It means that individuals living in poverty are deprived across
multidimensional poverty indicators at a higher intensity. Multidimensional Poverty of Punjab by
district is included in the table below,
No. Districts of Punjab
MPI
Incidence (H)
Intensity (A)
1.
Attock
0.041
9.9%
41.1%
2.
Bahawalnagar
0.244
50.1%
48.7%
3.
Bahawalpur
0.273
53.0%
51.5%
4.
Bhakkar
0.255
51.7%
49.3%
5.
Chakwal
0.056
12.9%
43.6%
6.
Chiniot
0.199
42.1%
47.4%
7.
D.G. Khan
0.351
63.7%
55.1%
8.
Faisalabad
0.086
19.4%
44.5%
9.
Gujranwala
0.064
14.0%
45.6%
10.
Gujrat
0.078
18.4%
42.1%
11.
Hafizabad
0.152
32.3%
47.0%
12.
Jhang
0.196
41.6%
47.2%
13.
Jhelum
0.035
8.5%
40.2%
14.
Kasur
0.095
21.9%
43.6%
15.
Khanewal
0.189
39.5%
47.4%
16.
Khushab
0.200
40.4%
49.7%
17.
Lahore
0.017
4.3%
38.8%
18.
Layyah
0.214
45.6%
46.9%
19.
Lodhran
0.230
46.8%
49.2%
20.
Mandi Bahauddin
0.147
31.5%
46.7%
21.
Mianwali
0.239
46.9%
50.8%
22.
Multan
0.173
35.7%
48.5%
23.
Muzaffargarh
0.338
64.8%
52.1%
24.
Nankana Sahib
0.110
24.6%
44.6%
25.
Narowal
0.118
26.6%
44.3%
26.
Okara
0.185
39.5%
47.0%
27.
Pakpattan
0.189
42.6%
44.4%
28.
Rahim Yar Khan
0.289
56.8%
50.8%
29.
Rajanpur
0.357
64.4%
55.4%
30.
Rawalpindi
0.032
7.5%
43.0%
31.
Sahiwal
0.140
30.8%
45.6%
32.
Sarghodha
0.166
35.4%
46.8%
33.
Sheikhupura
0.093
21.4%
43.5%
34.
Sialkot
0.059
14.0%
41.8%
35.
T.T. Singh
0.107
23.8%
45.0%
36.
Vehari
0.200
41.9%
47.6%
Table 7: District Wise MPI of Punjab
2. Biotic Environment
2.1 Flora20
The flora of Punjab Province is very unique because of the diverse landscape of the region.
The flora of this region is discussed according to the landscape of Punjab.
Plains
Common trees in the plains of Punjab are listed in the table below.
No.
Vernacular Name
Scientific Name
1.
Shisham
Dilbergio sissoo
2.
Kikar/Babul
Acacia Arabica
3.
Pipal
Ficus religiosa
4.
Mulberry
Morus alba
5.
Aam
Mangifera indica
6.
Neem
Melia indica
7.
Sohanjna
Moring ptorygosperma
Table 8: Common Trees in Plains of Punjab
Exotic trees existing in the plain of Punjab are listed in the table below.
No.
20
Vernacular Name
Scientific Name
1.
Sumbul
Ceiba pentandra
2.
Bael
Aegle marmelos
3.
Dhak
Butea monosperma
4.
Kuchnar
Bauhinia variegate
5.
Imli
Tamarindus indica
6.
Bana/Bamboo
Bambuseae
7.
Sufaida
Manilkara zapota
Information assembled in this section is taken from this website, https://pakistanalmanac.com/punjab-flora-andfauna/#:~:text=Flora%20includes%20van%20(Salvadora%20abeoides,dry%2C%20deciduous%2C%20scrub%20typ
e.
Table 9: Exotic Trees in the Plains of Punjab
Most common flowers are nilofar (water lily), kanwal or lotus, kundar or Olibanum (also
luban in Urdu), singhara (water chestnut), and water weed (Hydrililla verticillata and Vallisneria
spiralis) are common water plants.
Wild plant in the plains of Punjab include,
No.
Vernacular Name
Scientific Name
1.
Aak
Calotropis amiltonit
2.
Lana
Suda ruiteasa
3.
Phog
Calligonum polygonoides
4.
Khair
Acacia chundra
5.
Piazi/Wild Onion
Asphodelus tenuifoliius
6.
Tumma/Jand
Prosopis juliflora
7.
Wild Rose/Rosa
Woodsii Lindl
8.
Puth Kanda
Litsaea chinensia
9.
Pohli
Carthamus oxyacantha
10.
Niazboo/Tulsi
Carthamus oxyacantha
11.
Pudina/Mint
Menthe species
12.
Bathu
Chenopodium album
Table 10: Wild Plants in Plains of Punjab
Potowar Plateau
The plant and grass species found throughout the Potawar Plateau of Punjab include,
No.
Vernacular Name
Scientific Name
1.
Van
Salvadora abeoides
2.
Malla
Zizyphus nummularia
3.
Phulai
Acacia modesta
4.
Kau/Wild olives
Oleo cuspidate
5.
Sanatha Gugura
Monotheca buxifolia
6.
Pataki
Gymonospo riaroyleana
7.
Sarilala
Heteropogan contortus
8.
Khawai
Cymbopogan jwaranncusa
9.
Mesquite
Prosopis juliflor
10.
Karir
Capparis aphylla
Table 11: Flora in Potowar Plateau of Punjab
Dessert Areas
The desert area or Cholistan in Punjab is in the extreme southeast of the province and is
part of the Great Thar Desert. The flora of Cholistan is unique because of its variety and richness.
The indigenous trees of Cholistan are, jand (Prosopis spicegera), karir or karril (Capparis
aphylla), jal or vann (Savadora obeides), red lei or philchhli (Tamarix gallica), kallar lei (Tamarix
species), okan (Tamarix dioca), babul (Acacia eburna), ber (Zizyphus jujube), phog (Calligonum
polygonoides), khar (Acacia chundra), khavi or lemon grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), khip or
broom bush (Leptadenia pyrotechnica Forssk. Decne), and seewan or false teak (Gmelina
arborea)
. In addition, a large variety of medicinal plants are also found in the desert including puth
kanda (Achyranthes aspera), boil (Aerva javanica), lal saag (Amaranthus trilocular), peela
dhatoora (Argemone mexicana), and sanna makki (Cassia senna). The area generally supports a
desert scrub type of vegetation. There is a surface layer of perennial grasses.
Hilly Tracts
In the upper reaches of the Murree hills, the main trees,
No.
Vernacular Name
Scientific Name
1.
Deodar
Cedar deodar
2.
Biar
Pinus encelsa
3.
Paludar
Abics smilhiana
4.
Banangi
Querreus lassiflora
5.
Babul
Acacia nilotica
6.
Kumta
Acacia Senegal
7.
Chir
Pinus longi flora
8.
Oak
quercus
9.
Sanatha
Dodona viscosa
10.
Toot
Morus marrceae
11.
Papal
Ficus religiosa
Table 12: Flora in Hilly Tracts of Punjab
The most common type of grass is deb (amuricatus). Floral varieties include kuchnar,
wild pomegranate, black berries, cranberries, and wild pears.
2.2 Fauna21
Wildlife Diversity Research carried out in irrigated forest plantations and sub-mountainous
tract of Punjab in May-June 1999, shows habitats of diverse fauna in Punjab. Ten areas were
studied extensively for this research which was published in 2001. The ten areas were,
i.
Changa Manga forest plantation (WS)
ii.
Daphar and Pakhowal Forest Plantation (WS)
iii.
Kundian Forest Plantation (WS)
iv.
Lal Suhanra National Park (NP)
v.
Bhagat forest plantation (GR)
vi.
Shorkot forest plantation (WS)
vii.
Kamalia plantation (WS)
viii.
Cheechawatni forest plantation (WS)
ix.
Kathar, District Rawalpindi (GR)
x.
Potential areas for wildlife in District Attock i.e., Kala Chitta, Mahora, Kheri
Murat and Kali Dauli (GR)
The observations in these habitats are mentioned in the table below.
No. Habitats
21
No. of Wildlife
M. Anwar Maan and A. Aleem Chaudhry, 2001. Wildlife Diversity in the Punjab (Pakistan). Journal of Biological
Sciences, 1: 417-420.
DOI: 10.3923/jbs.2001.417.420 URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=jbs.2001.417.420
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians Insects
1.
Changa Manga
14
50
6
2
27
2.
Attock
9
25
2
2
19
3.
Kundain
6
56
1
2
--
4.
Lal Suhanra
10
40
6
2
--
5.
Bhagat
6
30
2
2
19
6.
Shorkot
6
24
3
2
24
7.
Kamalia
7
40
1
2
27
8.
Cheechawatni
7
50
1
2
22
9.
Daphar
11
35
6
2
28
10.
Kathar
4
24
3
2
13
Table 13: Diversity of Wildlife Species
Fauna dwelling in mountainous region of Punjab are listed in the table below.
No.
Margalla Hills National
Park
Lal Sunhanra National
Park
Scrub Forests
(Kala Chitta, Salt Range, Himalayan
Foothills, Potowar Region)
1.
Asiatic Leopard
Black Buck
Tigers
2.
Grey goral
Long-Eared Hedgehog,
Leopards
3.
Wild Boar
Nilgai Antelope
Wild Cats
4.
Fruit Bat
Chinkara Gazelle
Punjab Urial
5.
Red Fox
Hog Deer
Barking Deer
6.
Gazelle
Bengal fox
Wolves
7.
Pheasants
Golden Jackal
Chinkara
8.
Spotted Doves
Porcupine
Partridges
9.
Egyptian Vultures
Caracal Cat
Monkeys
10.
Falcons
Mongoose
Ducks
11.
Hawks
Indian Black-Naped Hare
Geese
12.
Russell’s Viper
Smooth-Coated Otter
Quail
13.
Indian Cobra
Little Civet
Chakor
14.
Saw-Scaled Viper
Indian Rhinoceros
Songbirds
Table 14: Fauna in Mountainous Region of Punjab
The riverine forests of the Potowar region support a variety of wildlife like the urial,
chinkara gazelle, wild pigs, wolves, foxes, wild cats, and peacocks.
Vast Indus flood plains have been cleared of natural vegetation to grow crops. Very little
wildlife habitat has been left untouched. Only animals like the jackal, mongoose, jungle cat, civet
cat, scaly anteater, desert cat, and the wild hare thrive in these areas. Hog deer and chinkara deer
are found in riverine tracts. Crop residues and wild growth support reasonable populations of black
and grey partridges.
Wolves and wild pigs are common, as well as wild boar, hare, porcupines, and hedgehog.
A large variety of game birds such as the Great Indian Bustard, houbara bustard (tiloor), pintail,
common sand grouse, black partridge, quail (several varieties), kunj and nester (pigeons) are
common. A large variety of ducks, water fowls, and other migratory birds can be found on the
banks of rivers, canals and other water reservoirs/ bodies. A large variety of snakes and wild lizards
still abound.
The fauna in dessert regions like Cholistan is very diverse. Variety of wildlife species
abandon this region of Punjab. Wolves, deer, black buck, blue bull, fox, jackals, hare, wild cat,
mongoose, shrew, wild rats, larks, owls, eagles, wild pigeons, sparrows, crows, kites, parrots, sand
grouse, and quails are still found in abundance.
A large variety of lizards like the monitor lizard (goh), varanus monitor (kirra), uromaslix
(Sahna or Sanda), chameleons, common wall lizard, and desert lizard are some of the varieties of
lizards. Kansh, kirla, and sanaha are poisonous lizards. Common snakes are kala mushki,
sangchoor, dhobi, ludi, kharpa, and jalebi, sah pina, phanyar, naag or cobra, tirmar, phullan,
jharoha, ghora, sambal, wains, kulsar, kaignag, and chit kannan.
Mammals found in the swamp areas are pigs, hog deer, otter, jackal, fox, wolf, and bullan,
chinkara deer, ravine deer, wild ass, wild cat (caracal), desert rat (gerbil), desert hedgehog,
porcupine, hare, fox, jackal, hyenas, wolves, and desert mongoose.
Birds include the peacock, storks, purple moorhen (jal kukar), common teel, water fowl
(murghabi), magpie, babblers, kal-chirr, and weaving birds. Other common birds are houbara
bustard, sand grouse (tilyar), partridges, and falcon.
Alligators, tortoises, crocodiles, common frog, rana tigrina, and toads abound in River
Sutlej. The following chart shows some common birds, as well as migratory birds found in various
parts of the province:
Common birds
Cheer Pheasant
Grey Partridge
Collard Dove
White Crested Khalij
Chakor
Blue Rock Pigeon
Peafowl
See-see
Hoopoe
Black Partridge
Common Quail
Various kinds of
Parrots
Black and White-Cheeked
Nightingale
Woodpecker
Starling
Swallow
White Wagtail
Red Vented Nightingale
Pied Kingfisher
Green Pigeon
Indian Roller
White Breasted
Kingfisher
Weaving Birds
Crows
Pheasant
Mynah
Cuckoo
Spotted Owlet Red-Wattled
Lapwing
Imperial Sand Grouse
Houbara
Bustard
Grey-leg
Goose
Mallard
Marbled Teal
Green Bee-Eater
Common Migratory birds
Indian Sand Grouse
Common Crane
Greater Flamingo
Brahminy Duck (Surkhab)
Shoveler
Common Shell Duck
Garganey
Demoiselle Crane
Bar-Headed Goose
Widgeon
Common Teal
Table 15: Common and Migratory Birds of Punjab
2.3 Forests and Protected Areas
Punjab has a diversified landscape with Coniferous Forests upto the elevation of
approximately 6,000 feet above the sea level in the north, while in South it has range areas around
Cholistan desert. The foothills of Himalaya stretching from Mangla Dam in Jhelum upto Jinnah
Barrage in Mianwali traversing districts of Chakwal and Khushab is the famous Salt Range
comprising the natural Scrub Forests. The Indus Plain is the canal irrigated tract having several
irrigated plantations. Likewise, the either sides of river Jehlum, Chenab, Ravi and Indus have
Riverain Forests, locally known as “Belas” located in several districts. The total forest area in
Punjab is 1.66 million acres which is almost 3.1% of the total land area of the province.22
The following table shows the area under each forest type.
No. Forest Types
22
Area (acres)
Percentage
From Punjab Forestry Sector, Government of Punjab, Punjab Forest Policy 2019
https://fwf.punjab.gov.pk/system/files/Punjab%20Forest%20Policy%2C%202019%20.pdf
1.
Coniferous Forests
144060
8.6
2.
Scrub Forests
679549
41
3.
Riverain Forests
143548
8.6
4.
Irrigated Plantations
456175
27.4
5.
Range Lands
240172
14.4
Total
1663504
100
6.
Table 16: Types of Forests and Their Area in Punjab
Punjab is also home to multiple state protected and maintained forest sites which inhabits
a diverse wildlife and flora. Spread across an area of 12,510 acres, Changa Manga is the largest
forest in Pakistan and one of the worlds’ largest man-made forests. Located in Kasur District
of Punjab, and about 80 km southwest of Lahore, this wildlife reserve in Pakistan is closely
connected to the National Highway (N-5). The forest falls under the care of the Punjab Forest
Department. The department has converted a large portion of this region into a public-friendly
space and recreational area that comprises a swimming pool, an artificial lake for boating, a
mini wildlife refuge, and a motel coupled with a cafeteria.
Featuring a wide range of recreational activities, lush green spaces, swaying trees, and
exceptional views, Pabbi Forest is another famous wildlife park in Punjab. The unparalleled
beauty of Pabbi Range Forest. Featuring a wide range of recreational activities, lush green
spaces, swaying trees, and exceptional views, Pabbi Forest is another famous wildlife park in
Punjab. The unparalleled beauty of Pabbi Range Forest.
Boasting some of Pakistan’s most diverse and surprising ecosystems, this nature reserve
in Punjab is home to beautiful landscapes coupled with captivating views of Jhelum River. That
said, Lehri National Park – also known as Lehri Nature Reserve – is home to a wide variety
of birds, animals, and plants. The forest is spread across an area of 17,000 acres and houses
wild bushes, valleys, hills, and stark rocks, all in one place. Situated around 7 km north-west of
Mangla Cantonment, Lehri National Park is the perfect getaway to truly feel like you have
discovered a new world in Pakistan. The park is situated close to a small village in Punjab
named Lehri, hence the name ‘Lehri National Park’.23
Figure 1: Forest Cover Map of Punjab
3. Physical Environment
3.1 Climate24
Located at an elevation of 168.2 meters (551.84 feet) above sea level, Punjab has a
Subtropical desert climate (Classification: BWh). The region’s yearly temperature is 31.01ºC
23
24
Information taken from https://www.zameen.com/blog/list-forests-punjab.html
https://weatherandclimate.com/pakistan/punjab
(87.82ºF) and it is 10.12% higher than Pakistan’s averages. Punjab typically receives about 22.18
millimeters (0.87 inches) of precipitation and has 47.45 rainy days (13.0% of the time) annually.
Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Record
29.0
35.0
44.0
49.0
52.0
56.0
53.0
51.0
50.0
37.0
45.0
33.0
High ⁰C
Average
22.16 24.86 30.63 37.69 43.33 45.57 43.44 41.14 40.57 30.15 37.55 24.7
High ⁰C
Daily Mean
17.04 20.04 25.86 33.45 39.72 42.43 40.65 38.21 36.75 25.34 33.09 19.58
⁰C
Average
10.19 11.88 16.35 23.87 30.51 34.42 34.28 31.87 28.81 18.27 24.85 13.21
Low ⁰C
Record Low
4.0
5.0
9.0
15.0
22.0
25.0
26.0
25.0
23.0
11.0
18.0
6.0
11.15 26.02 31.48 26.27 20.41 18.85 49.15 43.03 32.22 2.71
2.46
2.42
2.0
1.0
0.45
⁰C
Average
Precipitation
mm
Average
3.91
5.27
6.36
4.27
4.55
7.27
7.73
3.91
0.73
Precipitation
Days
(≥ 1.0 mm)
Average
43.91 46.55 44.18 28.13 19.09 22.03 22.03 41.06 37.2
28.24 26.89 29.96
Relative
Himidity
Mean
8.4
9.39
11.26 12.87 13.61 14.06 13.83 13.17 12.12 8.59
8.68
8.49
Monthly
Sunshine
Hours
Table 17:Average monthly temperature, precipitation, and humidity level of Punjab.
3.2 Geography25
Punjab, province of eastern Pakistan. It is bordered by the Indian state of Jammu and
Kashmir to the northeast, the Indian states of Punjab and Rajasthan to the east, Sindh province
25
https://www.britannica.com/place/Punjab-province-Pakistan
to
the
south, Balochistān and Khyber
and Islamabad federal
capital
area
Pakhtunkhwa provinces
and Azad
Kashmir to
to
the
the
west,
north.
The provincial capital, Lahore, is located in the east-central region, near the border with India.
The name Punjab means “five waters,” or “five rivers,” and signifies the land drained by
the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, which are tributaries of the Indus River.
Figure 2: Map of Punjab
3.3 Topography26
Predominantly, Punjab comprises of a leveled plain, in addition to some mountainous and hilly
areas, which are mostly situated in its northwest and extreme southwest. Adjacent to these
mountains is a plateau, known as the Potwar, Potohar, or Potowar Plateau. A desert belt, known
as Cholistan, lies in the southeastern side of the province. Punjab can be divided into 4 broad
topographic regions as follows:
26

Mountainous and Hilly areas

Potowar Plateau

Plain Areas
https://pakistanalmanac.com/punjab-topography/

Desert Areas
 Mountainous and Hilly areas
The mountainous/ hilly areas of Punjab consist of a number of important mountain tracts:

The first tract of mountains and hills is located in the northwest of the province and
consists of the sub-Himalayas or Siwaliks Range in the northeast, and the Salt
Range in the south of this tract

the Suleiman range of mountains (southwestern Punjab),

Kala Chitta Range

Kirana Hills
The mountains and hills in the north of Attock and northeast of both Rawalpindi and
Jhelum districts consist of an extension of the sub-Himalayas or Siwaliks Range. The height of
these mountains varies from 2,000 meters to 2,500 meters above Mean Sea Level (MSL).
The Salt Range is located in the central part of Jhelum and the northern part of Sargodha
district. These hills run in an east-west direction, reaching heights varying from 500 to 1,000
meters above MSL.
The Suleiman Mountains are the southern extension of the Hindu Kush mountain system,
located in southwestern Punjab. The highest peak is the Takht-e-Suleiman in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, which is 3,382 meters high.
The Kala Chitta Range of mountains is located in the Attock district in northern Punjab.
This range rises to an average height of 450-900 meters (3,000 ft) above MSL and extends for
about 72 km (45 mi) in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Kala Chitta Range
extends eastward across the plateau towards Rawalpindi.
The Kirana Hills is a small mountain range which spans approximately 64 km (40 mi) across
the districts of Sargodha and Jhang.
 Potowar Plateau
The Potowar Plateau is bounded in the north by Kala Chitta (Salt Range) and the Margala
ranges (foothills of the Himalayas), in the east by Jhelum River, in the south by the Salt Range
and in the west by the Indus River. Most of the area of the plateau slopes from northeast to
southwest and drains through the Soan River into the Indus. However, the southeastern part of
the plateau slopes more towards the east and drains into the Jhelum River. It is a plain region,
cut by deep ravines and form ridges.
The elevation of the Potowar Plateau varies from 300 to 600 m (1,000 to 2,000 ft) in a
system of residual hills and hillocks formed from glacial debris as remnants of the Ice Age.
The Kala Chitta Range or Salt Range thrusts eastward across the plateau towards Rawalpindi;
the valleys of the Haro and Soan rivers cross the plateau from the eastern foothills to the Indus.
Most of the hills and rivers are bordered by dissected ravine belts. The streams, due to constant
rejuvenation, are deep set, and of little use for irrigation purposes.
 Plain Areas
The plain areas of Punjab are a part of the Great Indus Plain. While the southern part of the
plain (known as Lower Indus Plain) is mostly in Sindh, the northern part of the same plain
(known as Upper Indus Plain) forms a greater part of the Punjab province (both East and West
Punjab), with the greater part of it in Pakistan. This has been formed by the River Indus and its
tributaries. This plain slopes gradually towards the Arabian Sea. Near Sargodha, Chiniot, and
Sangla some old dry hills rise above the plain; these hills are known as the Kirana Hills.
Land which lies between 2 rivers is known as “doab” (two waters) or interfluves. The Punjab
plain is divided into doabs including the Bari doab (land between Sutlej and Ravi), the Rechna
doab (land between the Ravi and the Chenab), the Chaj doab (land between the Chenab and the
Jhelum) and the Sindh Sagar doab (land between the Kirana Bar in the middle of the Chaj doab).
The central parts of these doabs are higher than the ravines and are called bars. Some of these
include the Nili Bar (in Bari doab), the Ganji Bar (the old course of the rivers Beas and the
Ravi), the Sandal Bar (in Rechna Doab) and the Kirana Bar (in Chaj doab). These bars are
scalloped interfluves in between two rivers.
The sub-mountain plain area, west of the Indus, known as Derajat, lies in between the Indus
and the foothills of the Suleiman range (Suleiman piedmonts) and is divided into the districts of
Dera Ghazi Khan and Dera Ismail Khan. It has a flat or undulate surface.
The annually flooded riverine area is called Bet. Agriculturally, it is the most important area.
Most riverine areas lie along the river basins.
 Desert Areas
The southeastern part of the Indus plain, from eastern Bahawalpur to the Tharparkar region
in the south, is an extension of the Thar Desert which is located between Pakistan and India. It is
separated from the central irrigated zone of the plains by the dry bed of the Ghaggar River in
Bahawalpur and the Eastern Nara Canal in Sind. The desert is known as the Cholistan or Rohi
Desert in Bahawalpur and the Pat or Thar Desert in Sind. The surface of the desert is a maze of
sand dunes and sand ridges which occasionally rise to 150 meters above the surrounding areas.
In Punjab, parts of the Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan districts together
form the Cholistan or Rohi desert. The Cholistan is spread over an area of 16,638 km2 of which
10,006 km2 are located in Bahawalpur, 2,528 km2 in Bahawalnagar and 4,040 km2 in Rahim
Yar Khan. The desert is divided into Greater and Smaller Cholistan. The Greater Cholistan desert
extends over an area of 11,200 km2 in the extreme south with mostly sandy surfaces and sand
ridges (rocky), which is commonly known as Rohi.
The Smaller Cholistan desert, also called Hakra, consists of a low surface area alongside the
cultivated area. This is a barren plain known as Dehar. It comprises 4,800 km2 and its soil is
alluvial and calcareous.
3.4 History27
Urban civilization existed in the Indus River valley from about 2500 to 1500 BCE, when, it is
believed, Aryan incursions brought it to an end. The area entered recorded history with the
annexation of Punjab and Sindh to the Persian empire by Darius I (c. 518 BCE). The founder of
the Maurya dynasty, Chandragupta, incorporated the region into his Indian empire about 322 BCE.
The first Muslims to penetrate northern India were the Arabs, who in 712 CE conquered the lower
Punjab. The rest of the Punjab was conquered (1007–27) by Maḥmūd of Ghazna. The area
subsequently came under various other Muslim rulers until the victorious entry of the Mughals in
1526. Under the Mughals the province enjoyed peace and prosperity for more than 200 years.
Their power declined after 1738, however, and in 1747 Lahore fell under weak Afghan rule marked
by lawlessness and disorder. The religious sect called the Sikhs rose to power in the latter part of
27
https://www.britannica.com/place/Punjab-province-Pakistan
the 18th century. The Punjab came under British occupation in 1849, after the British victory over
the Sikhs in the battles of Chilianwala and Gujrat. When the Indian subcontinent received its
independence in 1947, Punjab was split between Pakistan and India, with the larger western
portion becoming part of Pakistan. The present provincial boundaries were established in 1970.
3.5 Natural Disasters28 and Seismic Activity29
Punjab’s area mostly consists of an alluvial plain formed by the southward-flowing Indus
River and its four major tributaries in Pakistan, the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers. The
general slope of the land is from northeast to southwest, but it rises in the areas between rivers.
The alluvial plain has a diversity of landforms: its active floodplains are flooded every rainy season
and contain changing river channels, while meander floodplains lying adjacent to the active
floodplain are marked by relict and abandoned channels. In the northern parts of the province are
the Murree and Rawalpindi and the Pabbi hills, part of the Sub-Himalayas, and in the far north is
the Potwar Plateau. Although the region is a traditional floodplain, the extraordinary flooding of
the Indus River in the summer of 2010 was especially disastrous in Punjab, where millions of
people were affected (by some estimates, one-half of all Pakistanis affected were in Punjab). The
government’s failure to alert the public of the impending disaster elicited much criticism; some
felt that officials, having had previous experience handling flooding there, should have been able
to provide Punjabis with more forewarning.
28
29
https://www.britannica.com
https://pakistanalmanac.com
Figure 3: 2010 Flood in Pakistan (see region of Punjab)
During the floods of 2022, 223 people died and 3,858 others suffered injuries in
Punjab.30 In Taunsa Sharif, many settlements were submerged in floodwater. In the historical town
of Mangadotha, west of Taunsa Sharif, hundreds of houses and livestock were swept away by
flood waters.31 7,200 km2 (1,780,000 acres) of farmland were also lost.32 Residents of
communities adjacent to flooded rivers began to evacuate, with most families moving away. Most
of the families have moved to safer places on foot and camels while carrying only essential supplies
as roads and bridges were washed away.33
Most of Punjab’s regions fall in Zone 2B of the Seismic Zone Map of Pakistan; this is the
minor to no damage zone. The northern regions like Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, and
Islamabad areas belong to Zone 2A, which is the minor to moderate damage zone.
30
https://cms.ndma.gov.pk/storage/app/public/situation-reports/November2022/N2n1eEarMt6q6Rb8ZYwn.pdf
https://www.dawn.com/news/1705435/taunsa-city-submerged-by-floodwater
32
https://reliefweb.int/report/pakistan/pakistan-2022-monsoon-floods-situation-report-no-03-26-august-2022
33
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/982658-govt-mulls-evacuation-after-flood-warning-in-dg-khan
31
3.6 Cultural and Heritage Sites
The region of Punjab has a diverse and ancient history. It has the remains of earliest Indus Valley
Civilization in Harappa. And remains of ancient Buddhist history in Taxila. The Mughal Empire
has left it’s remain in this as well and also the empires before it. British Raj established some
infrastructures in this region and also the excavations of ancient remains were also carried out in
during British Raj. There are many National Monuments which symbolizes the Freedom Movement
of Pakistan.
UNESCO has identified six World Heritage Sites in Pakistan out of which three sites are in Punjab,
which are

Rohtas Fort Dina, Jhelum

Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens

Remains of Neolithic Budhist Centre in Taxila34
There is also a tentative list of sites, which includes
34
35

Badshahi Mosque, Lahore

Wazir Khan Mosque, Lahore

Tomb of Jahangir, Asif Khan and Akbari Sarai, Lahore

Hiran Minar, Sheikhupura
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Tomb of Shah Rukn e Alam, Multan
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Archeological Site of Harappa,
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Desert Forts of Derawar, Cholistan Desert
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The Salt Range and Khewra Salt Mine 35
https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/pk
https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/?action=listtentative&state=pk&order=states