Ghakhar Mandi
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Ghakhar Mandi
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General Information
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| Country | Pakistan |
| Province | Punjab |
| Coordinates | Coordinates: |
| Elevation | 223 m (732 ft) AMSL |
| Area | 7 km² (3 sq mi) |
| Time zone | PST (UTC+5) |
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Government
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| Nazim (Mayor) | Ch Jameel Hunjra |
| No. of Union Councils | Three |
Ghakhar Mandi (Urdu: گکھڑ منڈی) also known as Ghakhar City or simply Ghakhar (also spelled as Ghakkhar or Gakhar) is a small town in northeastern Punjab, Pakistan with a population of approx. 60,534.
[edit] Geography
Ghakhar Mandi is located at 32.30° North, 74.15° East and is 734 feet above sea-level. It is located between the major cities of Gujranwala in the southeast and Wazirabad in the northwest. The surrounding villages are Rahwali, Adil Gharh, Nat Kalaan, Kotli Sahian, Bado Ki and Ibbenwali Kakan and Chandigharh. Punjabi is the local language, however English and Urdu are also common in businesses and governmental offices.
There are two high schools for boys; Government High School No. 1 (known as Normal High School) and Government High School No. 2 (also known as D.C. High School ). There is one high school for the girls as well. Besides these schools there are many private owned schools in and around Ghakhar Mandi.
In addition to the Government schools the Hira Schools of Pakistan Ghakhar Mandi branch plays vital role in developing the education standard of the city. It is accredited with the Hira Education Foundation of Pakistan which has more than 1000 schools all over the Pakistan. Its name is derived from the cave of Hira where, according to Muslim beliefs, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) received his first revelation. The school is located at the Hira School Street which is near the main city railway station and also near the main city post office. It is also easily accessible from the main City bus stop.
The city is famous for its finest duree factories which makes world class rugs, carpets, durees, and other cotton products. These products are not only sold all over Pakistan but they are also exported all over the world. Ghakhar also has a historic Train Station in the middle of the city. The historic Grand Trunk Road (G.T. Road) which was built by Sher Shah Suri passes through the city.
Ghakhar is proud to be the home city of the 11th President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; Mr. Muhammad Rafiq Tarar. Who became president of Pakistan in January 1998. He also visited Ghakhar during his short presidency.
[edit] Economy
The rural areas around Ghakhar produce a variety of agricultural goods including wheat, rice, and carpet. Ghakhar is also home to one of the biggest grid stations in Pakistan, which not only supplies electricity to the surrounding areas but many major cities as well. Ghakhar is rapidly becoming an industrial city and over the years has seen rapid economic growth due to the opening of many new industries such as ceramics, marble, maiz, furniture, carpet (duree), rice and poultry farms. There are a number of poultry farms in and around Ghakhar City.There is also a library name Saddique Memorial library in the Ghakhar City near municipal office.
[edit] History
The word "Ghakhar" is derived from a tribe called Gakhars, who is said to be the forefathers of Ghakhar City. This tribe lived at the north bank of Jehlum River. This region is known as the Pothohar Plateau. This tribe was known for its warriors. The Gakhars opposed the foreign rule on Hindustan, especially Pothohar region.
The Gakhars were fierce warriors and fought against many rulers in the past including Sher Shah Suri. He built the Rohtas Fort near the Jhelum River to stop the opposition of Gakhars against his rule. After his death, the Mughal emperor Humayun reorganised his army and made an agreement with Gakhars. The agreement was that if Humayun is victorious and occupies Delhi, he would grant them the region ten miles south of Chenab River.
Therefore, after his success, Gakhars established their state called Ghakhar. Borders of this state were recognized by building a post which can still be seen near Ghakhar Grid Station.
Ghakhar was attacked and destroyed by many conquerors and was rebuilt. Due to its importance to the stability of the rulers, many rulers including Ranjit Singh attacked Ghakhar three times. For that same reason not many preferred to live in such a dangerous area in the past. Over the years Ghakhar has grown and now its area is about 7 kilometres (10 miles). Ghakhar Mandi is in Gujranwala District, tehsil Wazirabad.
