Dera Ghazi Khan

ڈیرہ غازي خان
City
Dera Ghazi Khan
Ghazi University Chowk
Nickname(s): Dera
Motto: Dera phullain da sehra دیرا پھلیں دا سہرا (Translation: Dera–the garland of flowers)
ڈیرہ غازي خان Location in Pakistan
Coordinates: 30°03′N 70°38′E / 30.050°N 70.633°E / 30.050; 70.633
Country	Pakistan
Province	Punjab
District	Dera Ghazi Khan District
Foundation of Old City	1474
Foundation of New City	1910
Population
• Urban	273,5,680
Time zone	PST (UTC+5)
• Summer (DST)	+6 (UTC)
Postal code	32200
Dialling code	064[1]
Acronym	DGK
Demonym	Derawal, Dervi

Dera Ghazi Khan (Urdu: ڈيره غازي خان‎), abbreviated as D. G. Khan or traditionally as دیرہ غازی خان in nastaʿlīq script, is a city in Dera Ghazi Khan District, in Punjab, Pakistan. It is a mid-country city located at the junction of all four provinces of Pakistan. The city also gives its name to the Dera Ghazi Khan Division, which consists of the Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh and Layyah districts.

Etymology

The word "Dera" is derived from the Saraiki word ḍerā which means "encapment".^[2] Dera Ghazi Khan thus means the settlement or city of Ghazi Khan. Many cities in South Asia have Dera as a pre-fix such as Dera Ismail Khan and Dera Allah Yar. People of Dera Ghazi Khan as well as Dera Ismail Khan are also known as Derawal or sometimes as Dervi while the latter is used as Pen name or Takhallus.

Language

Following are the demographics of the Dera Ghazi Khan district, by spoken language:

• Punjab province local people different dialects: 90%
• Other: 10%

Inhabitants of DG khan District speak a great variety of Punjabi dialects, although few of these dialects are called as separate language "Saraiki", but because of good and loving nature of people there is no distinction or hate among different dialects and have a mix culture of Great (North and South) Punjab.

• Derawali (Mainly)
• Majhi or standard (Sizeable population in cities also in newly cultivated areas)
• Raangri (A mixture of Punjabi and Urdu spoken by sizeable population in cities)
• Thlochi (Border areas near Layyah & Muzafargarh districts)
• Khetrani (Border areas near Barkhan & Musa khel districts)

Other Languages include:

• Urdu is mother tongue of few people but being national language is spoken and understood by the sizeable population.

• English is also understood and spoken by the educated elite.

• Baluchi is also spoken by sizeable population in the Baluchistan province border areas.

• Pashto which is spoken by minority population in the Baluchistan province border areas and in the cities.

History

Foundation of old city

The Delhi Sultanate and later Mughal Empire ruled the region. The Multan region became predominantly Muslim due to missionary Sufi saints whose dargahs dot the landscape of Punjab region. The city was founded in 1476 on the western bank of the Indus River and named after Nawab Ghazi Khan Mirani, son of Nawab Haji Khan Mirani, a Balochi chieftain, who had declared independence from the Langah Dynasty's Sultans of Multan. Together with two other Deras, Dera Ismail Khan and Dera Fateh Khan, it gave its name to Derajat.

British era and foundation of new city

Derajat eventually came into the possession of the British Raj after the Sikh War in 1849 and was divided into two districts: Dera Ghazi Khan and Dera Ismail Khan.^[3] General Courtland was appointed as first Deputy Commissioner of this District. Presently there are three revenue sub-division or tehsils of Dera Ghazi Khan District i.e. Dera Ghazi Khan Tehsil, Taunsa Sharif, and a tribal belt/political area spread along with western side of the district. Following flash floods in 1908 which partially destroyed the original city, in 1910, the present-day city was established around 10 miles (16 km) away from the old town near Drahma.

The new town was planned in a grid plan, consisting of 66 city blocks with wide roads. Each alternative street join the main street of block to form chowks or town squares for social gatherings, and each block has two such chowks (northern and southern). The town suffered decrease in population due to the move- in 1909, there were 23,731 inhabitants, whereas in 1911 there were 18,446. In the year 1913, the Municipal Committee came into existence. At that time, the area of the town was very small. Physical growth continued and now the area was about 4 square miles (10 km²). During British periods, canals were dug in the region. Dera Ghazi Khan is in the province of Punjab.

Post independence

As a result of the Partition of British India in 1947, Hindus from Dera Ghazi Khan region migrated to India and those who settled in Delhi found Derawal Nagar along with the migrants from Dera Ismail Khan.^[4] Similarly, Muslims from different parts of India migrated to Pakistan and settled in different cities of Pakistan including Dera Ghazi Khan. This further increased the cultural diversity of Dera Ghazi Khan. The major growth of the town has taken place since 1947. The town has largely spread to the north and south; it could not expand to the west due to the danger of flooding torrents such as affected the town in 1955. However, growth has also taken place in the eastern side. Almost all of the new developments in north and east of the planned town are haphazardly built. The development in the town from 1947 to 1958 remained slow, due to lack of transportation and communication facilities. Only a boat bridge on the river Indus in winter season and steamer service for summer season linked Dera Ghazi Khan with the rest of the Punjab. The Taunsa Barrage on the river Indus was completed in 1953 and the pace of development has since gained momentum. Keeping in view the rapidly increasing population, district D. G. Khan was further divided in two districts in 1982 i.e. Dera Ghazi Khan District and Rajanpur District. During the last 5 years, 72 industrial units were established. The Ghazi Textile mills are an attempt to establish a heavy industrial complex to raise the economic base of the town.

Location

Dera Ghazi Khan is a mid-country city located on the junction of all the four provinces of Pakistan i.e. Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. Due to its location, it has been once in the list of prospective capitals of Pakistan. It has beautiful and unique landscape including Indus River, Green Fields, Pachad Desert and the Sulaiman Mountains.

	Musakhel District (Balochistan), North Waziristan (FATA)	Dera Ismail Khan District (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)	Layyah District (Punjab)
	Barkhan District (Balochistan)		Muzaffargarh District (Punjab)
	Dera Ghazi Khan District (Punjab)
	Dera Bugti District (Balochistan)	Kashmor District (Sindh)	Rajanpur District (Punjab)

Ecological features

Climate and geography

Dera Ghazi Khan is located at 30'03" N and 70'38" E. The overall climate of the city is dry with little rainfall. The winter is relatively cold and the climate is hot during the remaining part of the year, but it is very hot in summer. The temperature during summer is usually about 115 °F (46 °C), while during winter season the temperature is as low as 40 °F (4 °C). The prevailing wind direction is North-South. Due to the barren mountains of Koh-Suleman (Sulaiman Mountains) and the sandy soil of the area, windstorms are very common in the summer. During summer, the temperatures are generally amongst the highest in Pakistan. Fort Munro, located on the edge of Punjab Province, has relatively cooler weather. In winter, scattered snowfall is also reported in this area.

Fauna and flora

Along with its many other fauna and flora it has Jerdon's Babbler. It has also one unconfirmed occurrence of Markhor, the national animal of Pakistan. This specie is called Sulaiman Markhor and is found at high altitudes.

Natural resources

There are iron, gypsum, marble, limestone, cement, precious stones, uranium, coal and petroleum and gas reserves in the district. The Koh-e-Sulaiman (Sulaiman Mountains) constitutes a major part of this area, and is full of natural deposits.

Floods

The city is also vulnerable to floods from the Indus River in the East and from the Rod Kohis coming from Sulaiman Mountains in the West. In 1957 flood water entered in the city and almost after 60 years second time in history water entered in the city during 9 September 2012 heavy rains in Koh-e-suliman mountains.

Civic administration and politics

Dera Ghazi Khan Tehsil is the district headquarter of is Dera Ghazi Khan District as the district divided into two tehsils (subdivisions): Dera Ghazi Khan and Taunsa Sharif. Dera Ghazi Khan Tehsil is administratively subdivided into 41 Union Councils while the city of Dera Ghazi Khan is itself administratively subdivided into seven Union Councils.^[6]

Although majority of the population is poor but they have been ruled by the rich landlords and chiefs of Baloch tribes which played significant role in the national and provincial politics. some of these feudals, who use the title Sardar for themselves, include former President of Pakistan Farooq Leghari, Governors of Punjab Zulfiqar Ali Khosa and Latif Khosa, Chief Minister of Punjab Dost Muhammad Khosa, present Chief Secretary, Punjab Nasir Mehmood Khosa, Former Inspector General Police Punjab Tariq Khosa, and present Supreme Court Judge Asif Khosa. The city is one of the old districts in the Subcontinent and most of its politicians have been in power but Dera Ghazi Khan could not develop as other cities in Punjab. Based on the surveys of 2004-2005, Dera Ghazi Khan district is considered one of the twenty most poorest districts of Pakistan with about 51% of its population living under the poverty line.^[7] The Lund, Khosa, Leghari,Gaurmani,Rana,Warya, Qaisrani,Sulemani, Wadani, Mastoi, Nutkani and Buzdar tribes are politically active.

Political representation

National Assembly Constituencies

• NA-171
• NA-172
• NA-173

Provincial Assembly Constituencies

• PP-241
• PP-242
• PP-243
• PP-244
• PP-245
• PP-246
• PP-247
• PP-248

Notable people

• Farooq Leghari (Ex President of Pakistan)
• Zulfiqar Ali Khosa (Ex Governor of Punjab)
• Latif Khosa (Ex Governor of Punjab)
• Dost Muhammad Khosa (Ex Chief Minister of Punjab)
• Mohsin Naqvi (Known Poet)
• Tauqeer Nasir (Known Actor)

Education

Dera Ghazi Khan has a literacy rate of 60 percent, which is relatively high as compared to the national level. Due to lack of adequate higher education facilities locally, most students go to colleges and universities in other cities of Punjab. In the past few years, there has been rapid growth in institutions for higher and technical education. Dera Ghazi Khan has produced well-known scientists, educationalists and scholars. The city is famous for its doctors and engineers usually working in the big cities of Pakistan due to lack of opportunities in this small city until recently.

Schools

The city has a variety of schools, public and private sector, with the Government High School No. 1 being the most prominent and old school of the city for boys. With the adjoining primary school No. 1, it was constructed pre-partition. Government City High School and Government Comprehensive School are also prominent schools for boys. Similarly, there are several schools for girls. All of them are affiliated with the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Dera Ghazi Khan. These schools hold several academic and extra-curricular awards. A large proportion of the students go on to serve in prominent positions all over the world. Three high (matriculation) school for girls and four for boys provide enough facilities to educate the young. The Divisional Public School is the oldest private school established in 1986 and is the only school to offer A-levels. The city includes branches of private nationwide school chains, such as Garrison college, Bloomfield Hall School (BHS), Pakistan Atomic Energy School, The City School (TCS), The Educators, AIMS Army Public School Dera Ghazi Khan Cantt, and the Danish School. Many newly established of international and national standards are also established like The Education Zone (TEZ).APS Choti DG Khan

D.G.Khan Cantonment

In DG Khan, the Army Cantonment was established in 2006 near D.G.Khan Int. Airport. Since, Cantonment is at a distance from the main city, APS Choti was established inside the Cantonment area to facilitate the wards of Army personnel.

Initially, the school was housed in a temporary building and was up till primary level with eleven faculty members and sixty students. The school got its affiliation with APSACS in January 2007 and in the same year Classes VI–VII commenced. In 2009 and 2010 the school was upgraded to Matric level. The school was shifted to its present custom-built campus in 2010.

Army Public Schools & Colleges System (or APSACS) is an educational institution with branches in the four provinces of Pakistan. Army Public School has a branch in Dera Ghazi Khan Cantt. area near the airport. APSACSs are semi-private institutions, affiliated with the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Islamabad.

Colleges

[[File:D.G.KHAN MEDICAL COLLEGE.jpg|thumb|D.G.KHAN MEDICAL COLLEGE]]

There are following colleges in Dera Ghazi Khan:^[8]

General

• College of Agriculture, DG Khan Sub-Campus University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. (CADGK)^[9]
• PAEC Inter Science College, Dera Ghazi Khan
• Army Public school and College D.G.Khan Cantonment near airport.
• Govt. Postgraduate College, Dera Ghazi Khan
• Govt. College for Women, Model Town
• Govt. College for Women
• Govt. College for Women, kot chutta
• Govt. College, Behind Shalimar Hotel, Dera Ghazi Khan
• Govt. College for Women, Choti Zareen (Dera Ghazi Khan)
• Indus International Institute: It is affiliated with Federal Urdu University of Science and Technology has been established by private sector.^[10] For the needs of remote area students, the institute has its own buses to facilitate the transport availability for the students. Indus has a library and Computer Lab as well.

. Govt. Degree College Choti Zareen (Dera Ghazi Khan)

Commerce

• Govt. College of Commerce
• Citi College of Commerce

Education

• The College of Education: It was established in 1989 under the affiliation of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. The college became a constituent institution of the University of Education in 2002 and is in its new building adjacent to the Shah Faisal (Bihari) Colony. The campus has a hostel for boys and onel for girls. The campus offers teacher education programs like BEd Secondary, MEd, M.A. Education and B.A. BEd Several private sector colleges also exist in the city.
• Govt. College for Elementary Teacher (M)
• Govt. College for Elementary Teacher (W)

Law^[11]

• Indus Law College, Near General Bus Stand Road, Dera Ghazi Khan
• Multan Law College, Dera Ghazi Khan
• Pak Law College

Medical College

• D.G.Khan Medical College: The government decided to establish a medical college in Dera Ghazi Khan in 2008 to improve the facilities in southern part of the province.^[12] Ghazi Medical College was established in 2010 in Dera Ghazi Khan. The foundation stone for Ghazi University and D.G.Khan Medical College was laid on December 2011.^[13] Medical classes started from 30 March 2012. Niaz Ahmed Baloch has been appointed as a principal of D.G.Khan Medical College. D.G.Khan Medical and Dental College has been developed as a state-of-the-art medical institution imparting accredited and approved medical education and research. The D.H. Hospital and Research Institute, which will be a research oriented teaching hospital, will fulfill the requirement of training and research of medical students. The curriculum of D.G.Khan Medical and Dental College will be in line with the PM&DC regulations and international health standards in producing community and research oriented doctors who will be competent to deal with the common health problems of the people in a scientifically sound and cost effective manner, using the appropriate technology and holistic approach. Its graduates will be able to assume leadership in a health care team and will communicate effectively as a good clinician in accordance with the code of medical ethics.

Technology and Specialization

• UAF College of Agriculture, Dera Ghazi Khan: It is constituent college of University of Agriculture Faisalabad located near the airport imparts training in the degree of BSc (Hons.) Agriculture. The college consists of teaching sections of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil and Forestry Range Management and Wildlife, Agricultural Entomology, Plant Pathology, Animal Production and Health, Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Social Sciences and Rural Development. It aims to develop as a university.
• Govt. Institute of Technology: It is situated at airport road, is one of the biggest institute in the region offering diploma and BTech classes in more than ten technologies in morning and evening shifts. Diploma courses in technologies are Civil, Mechanical,Electrical, Auto-mechanical, Petroleum, Chemical, Petrochemical, I.T. and Computer etc.
• Science institute of Technology college: It is situated at Mohsin Town near by Pull Dot,is second of the biggest institute in region which offering Diploma classes in more than four technologies in morning and evening shifts.DAE courses are Electrical,Electronics,Civil,Mechanical,Chemical and etc.

Universities

The government has established a state-of-the-art Ghazi University in Dera Ghazi Khan since 2011 near airport.For this purpose 1000 acre land has been acquired for next 50 yeares requirement of the university.The foundation stone for Ghazi University and Ghazi Medical College was laid on December 2011.^[14] The Govt. Postgraduate College,FAU Agriculture College and Ghazi Medical College will work under this university. The Virtual University of Pakistan has established its campus here since 2004 which is providing both campus based and distance learning education primarily based on IT tools and technology. Another prominent educational organisation is the Allama Iqbal Open University campus. The government has approved Akhuwat University of Engineering and Technology in Dera Ghazi Khan since 2012.^[15] The university will be established on 351 kanals and will offer courses in Engineering, Veterinary Science, Computer Science, Information Science, Communication Science and Management Science. Sardar Kaurey Khan donated 84000 kanal area for education in Jatoi. Saraiki medium Saraiki University for Health, Engineering, Sciences & Arts can be established by this huge amount of revenue.

Historical and interesting places

Tomb of Hazarat Sakhi Sarwar

Hazrat Syed Ahmad, also known as Sultan Sakhi Sarwar, Lakh Data, Sakhi Sultan and Lalan Wali Sarkar, was the son of Hazrat Zain ul Abedin, who migrated from Baghdad and settled in Shahkot, near Multan in 13th century. He studied from Syed Muhammad Ishaq, known as Miran Badshah who came from Iran and settled in Lahore during the time of the Tughlaq dynasty and is buried in the courtyard of Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore. Syed Ahmed later went to Dhaunkal, Wazirabad for further education and is also reported to visit Baghdad. Sakhi Sarwar preached Islam in Sodhra, Wazirabad. From Dhounkal, Sakhi Sarwar came to Dera Ghazi Khan and settled in Nagaha, now named after him, Sakhi Sarwar. He died at the age of 53. His shrine was built in Sulaiman Mountains, 35 kilometres (22 mi) from Dera Ghazi Khan city. It is located in a small village named Muqam. Later, Mughal king Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur amended his tomb. It is a unique building of Mughal architecture. Thousands of people from all over the Subcontinent come here on the Annual Celebrations of Birth of Sakhi Sarwar in March every year.

Tomb of Ghazi Khan

The tomb of Nawab Ghazi Khan Mirrani, locally called as handeera in Saraiki, was built in the beginning of 15th century. This seems like the tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam in Multan. It is located in the Mulla Quaid Shah Graveyard. Its main gate is from eastern side and two small doors are in side of north and south. In it there are 11 graves, which are of the family of Nawab Ghazi Khan Mirrani. Every side of the tomb is 13 feet (4.0 m) and 3 inches (76 mm) from inside and there are conical minarets from the outside. Its circular distance from the earth is 17 feet (5.2 m) and half. The half diameter of the conical minarets remains 34 inches (860 mm) on the highest of 19 feet (5.8 m). There are 28 ladders from northern side in the internal side. The graveyard was built up around the tomb of Nawab Ghazi Khan Mirrani. This is the oldest building in the city. The tomb condition is continuously deteriorating and many social activists are raising voice to preserve this heritage.^[16]

Tomb of Ali Ahmed Qadri

(Darbar Qadiriyya) Hazrat Ali Ahmed Qadri (1898–1962) was born in 1898 in Kaithal, India.[13] His father died three years after birth. He was considered to be an in-born wali. He belonged to the Qadiriyya Sufi order from the lineage of 17th-century saint Shah Kamal Qadri Kaithaly. After the partition of India, he migrated to Pakistan in 1949. Initially, he settled in Kot Qaboola (Arifwala Tehsil, Pakpattan District) and Multan and then finally moved to Dera Ghazi Khan. He died in 1962 and his tomb is in Block 35.

Taunsa Barrage

Taunsa Barrage is also the location of one of the notable structures on the Indus River called Taunsa Barrage, located several kilometres north of Dera Ghazi Khan city. Taunsa Barrage produces 100,000 kilowatts of electricity. It is a best visiting place and lot of families make trip to this tourist spot. It was designated a Ramsar site on 22 March 1996. The Taunsa Barrage was completed in 1958, and it has been identified as the barrage with the highest priority for rehabilitation. It requires urgent measures to avoid severe economic and social impacts on the lives of millions of poor farmers through interruption of irrigation on two million acres (8,000 km²) and drinking water in the rural areas of southern Punjab, benefiting several million farmers. In 2003, the World Bank approved a $123 million loan to Pakistan to rehabilitate the Taunsa Barrage on the River Indus whose structure had been damaged owing to soil erosions and old-age. The project was designed to ensure irrigation of the cultivated lands in the area of the Muzaffargarh[2] and Dera Ghazi Khan Tehsil[3] canals, and through the Taunsa-Panjnad Link Canal that supplements the water supply to Panjnad headworks canals.

Ghazi Ghat

Ghazi Ghat is also the location of one of the notable structures on the Indus River called Ghazi Ghat, located 10 kilometres east of dera ghazi khan city.It is a best visiting place and lot of families make trip to this tourist spot. It welcomes the people coming from Multan.There are lot of fresh river fish stalls where score of people come to eat this delicious dish.There is a nice view of Indus River.Boat riding is available for rent.There is a petrolstation and a very nice and famous hotel

Fort Munro

Fort Munro, locally in Balochi language it is called "Nimroo". It is a hill station in Dera Ghazi Khan which lies on the Quetta Road at 80 km west ward from Dera Ghazi Khan city in the Sulaiman Mountains Range. According to renowned research Scholar Ghulam Qasim Mujahid Baloch: "the hill station was named during the British forward policy era in 1880 on the name of Colonel Munro the commissioner Dera jaat and Layyah Division. The old Balochi name of this place was "loh larhi (the iron rock) and "Anari Molh" (the peak of pomegranates). The famous Balochi poet of Rind Era Mir Mando visited this top and narrated the classical Balochi "Fairy Poem" which is included in the "popular poetry of the Baloches" written by famous orientalist Mr. Longworth Dames the Deputy commissioner of Dere Ghazi Khan. A lake at Fort Munro on the name of Mr. Longworth Dames still exists as: "Dames Lake"(Ref: "Biaz e Dera" University College of Education (Government Elementary College) Dera Ghazi Khan, 2005, PP.176–188). The Fort Munro is away from dusty and hot climate of Multan and D.G.Khan. It is blessed with clean and cool weather. Its altitude is 18e of 00 meters (6,470 feet) above sea level and attracts many people for short stays during the summer. Many school trips and families use to go for recreation. Families from south Punjab cities, such as Multan, Muzaffar Garh, Rajanpur, Jampur, Layyah, Taunsa, Kot addu, Lodhran, Bahawalpur and Kot Mithan make trips to this beautiful hill station during summer. In summer when the temperature reaches 48 °C (118 °F) in south Punjab, the temperature remains at 20 °C (68 °F).

Pir Zinda near cement factory

It is located near D. G. Khan Cement Factory some 40 km away from city. It is believed that a Sufi saint lived and preached here in Suri nala (Rod Koh). Its nearest village is Sahar. There is small mazar of Pir Zinda Sahib. Many people come here during pir zinda mela. Beside this mazar is its speciality, which is hot water chashma. Warm and salty water constantly comes from the ground, due to pressure. There are lot of mineral and Sulfur rich warm water ponds and springs (chashmas). People normally take bath from these ponds, in the belief that they cure disease. These warm waters have minimum temperature of 35 °C (95 °F) and are rich in salts and minerals, especially sulphur that is anti itching and effective in eliminating skin diseases. These are called thermal and medical baths. Many people come here for their refreshment and the hope of recovery from different diseases and sickness. The road conditions around this place are very poor.

Tribal area and Koh-Suliman Mountains

The Sulaiman Mountains, or the Kesai Mountains, are a major geological feature of southeastern Afghanistan (Zabul, most of Loya Paktia and northeastern Kandahar Province) and Pakistan (South Waziristan and most of northern Balochistan and Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur districts of Punjab). The Sulaiman Mountains form the eastern edge of the Iranian plateau where the Indus River separates it from the Indian Subcontinent. Bordering the Sulaiman Range to the north are the arid highlands of the Hindu Kush, where more than 50 percent of the lands lie above 2,000 meters.

Famous mosques

• Jamia Masjid is the biggest Masjid of the city. It was constructed in year 1916. There is a large pool in the Masjid which is used for making ablution. It has a big hall whose length is 100 feet (30 m) and width is 45 feet (14 m), in which 3,000 people can say their prayer at one time. Its courtyard is also wide, and can fit 10,000 men in. The minarets of the Masjid are 85 feet (26 m) high, in which there are 100 ladders.

• Shah Bagh Mosque was the first Mosque in which people performed their first Jumma Namaz after the destruction of the old Dera Ghazi Khan when the people of Dera Ghazi Khan shifted in the new city. It is named after the Imam of the time. It is in Block No. 7.

• Maulvi Fazl-e-Haq Masjid is also one of the oldest and big mosques in the city.

• Eidgah near the Nizamabad is one of the oldest one while another Eidgah is near the Company Park.

• Imambargah Haidrea Imam Bargah Haidrea is oldest Imambargah of the city.

• Canal Colony Mosque(Located in DGKhan Medical College) is also a well known mosque.

Parks of the city

• Nawaz Sharif Park is at Quetta road near Virtaul University Campus with a beautiful scenery and covering vast area. Its exact location is between the grid station and the cricket stadium. Its main gate is on Dera-Gadai road in front of the Model Town.

• D.C. Garden has an area of 81 canals and 3 marlas. Divisional Public School and Wild Life Park was also the part of D.C. Garden. Although it is an administrative and residential area, it has natural greenery. Dera Ghazi Khan administration has made the Dera Ghazi Khan officers' club inside the D.C. Garden, where the officers play games such as squash, badminton, and tennis. Government employees, advocates, politicians, journalists and local people are also members of this club.

• Company Bagh is called the second garden of the city. The East Indian Company made the company bagh in every district. This is known as company bagh. Its area is 162 canals and 12 Marlas. In 1948 a friends' club was made in this area. Company Bagh is used to play football, hockey, volleyball, badminton and table tennis, amongst other games

• Ghazi Park is a decent sized theme park, and is the largest theme park in the city. It is located at the North-West outskirts of Dera Ghazi Khan. Exhibitions are arranged through part of the year since 1999, which attract many more visitors than on other days when there are usually only a handful. The exhibitions are held between February and March.

• The Bank of Indus River is a peaceful picnic point for the people of Dera Ghazi Khan. From here the view of the river is beautiful. It is also known as the name of Ghazi Ghaat. Ghazi Ghaat welcomes the people coming to Dera Ghazi Khan from the eastern side. There is a boat renting service available at the river.

• Wild Life Park Dera Ghazi Khan has recently been re-developeding. It is a good place for recreation. It has many types of animals and birds. It is commonly called Dera Ghazi Khan Zoo. The Wild Life Park is government funded and free to visit.

• D.G.Khan and Kachi Canal is becoming a peaceful picnic point for the people of Dera Ghazi Khan. From here the view of both canals is beautiful. It is very near to city at and can access via airport road.It welcomes the people coming from Fort Munro, Sakhi Sarwer and Balochistan to Dera Ghazi Khan.

Churchyard

It is situated in the northern side of the Canal colony, residential colony in front of the Central Jail Dera Ghazi Khan. It has the walls on its four sides. This churchyard could not spread because of Christian minority in the local area. This was constructed in 1910.

Economy

Agriculture

Dera Ghazi Khan is located in rich agricultural land with cotton, wheat, sugarcane, rice, tobacco being the major crops grown. Dera Ghazi Khan is also well known for its dates. The district is now connected by railroad with other parts of the country including Multan, Lahore, Karachi and Quetta. The railway was built by the British before the partition of India.

Large industries

The prominent employers in Dera Ghazi Khan are the D. G. Khan Cement Company Limited, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, the Al-Ghazi Tractors and Rahim Bux textile Mills. It is considered that these companies, along with various other flour mills, companies in the cotton, chemical and textile industries, as well as rice, sugar, and ghee mills, form the backbone of the Pakistan's economy. However, private sector investment is increasing rapidly and a large number of private banks and national corporations are offering their services in the city. The city also has an oil refinery owned by OGDC located in the Sulaiman mountain, near Taunsa. In addition to this there are also many oil rigs owned by the Dewan Group located in the tribal areas.

Dera Ghazi Khan is also famous for the production of automotive oil,air and fuel filters. Advance Auto Filters is one of the leading filters manufacturing industry in country.

Foreign Remittances

Due to lack of industries and job facilities in the city, large numbers of people work in other countries mostly is GCC (Arab countries).and they share large amount in foreign remittances.There is a strong demand of night landing facility and direct flights from Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Qatar to and from D.G.Khan International Airport.

Real estate

The property and real estate businesses have very much progressed in the past few years. New housing schemes near Sakhi Sarwar road, Jampur road and Multan road have been established with all modern facilities.

Hotels and restaurants

There are many hotels in the city like the Shalimar Hotel, Pakeza Hotel, Ajwa Hotel, Indus Hotel, D.G. Hotel, Mola Bux Hotel, Mugel_e_Azam Hotel, Alsarwar Hotel, Madina Hotel etc. Moula Bux Hotel is the oldest hotel in the city and it was established in 1935 and now they made Pakeeza Hotel and Kashif Bakers etc.

Markets

The following shopping Markets/Centres are situated in the city:

• Model Bazaar is a new and modern bazaar at jail road in the city.
• Pathar Bazaar is considered as the oldest bazaar in the city.
• The Grain market of Dera Ghazi Khan is renowned in the south Punjab. Mostly, farmers and traders of the region are affiliated with the grain market. Cotton, rice and wheat are the major crops of the area.
• Rani bazar is a business center situated in city Dera Ghazi Khan. All kinds of jewellery and beautiful dresses for ladies are available in this market. Mostly ladies purchase their items from this market.
• The cloth market is a business centre of the city and situated in Saddar Bazar near Committee Gollai.
• The garments market is a business centre of the city located in Block-10 behind Govt. City High School and situated in Rani Bazar near Committee Gollai.
• The electronic market falls within the middle of the city, near the Gollai Committee.
• The medicine market is situated near the Civil Hospital Dera Ghazi Khan. All kinds of medicine are available from the market. Traders supply a variety of medicines for consumption by the populace.
• The vegetable and fruit market is situated within the area near the Faridi bazar. A huge quantity of apple, apricots (khubani), plums(aalubukhara) and other vegetables are brought in this market from Baluchistan and from there are supplied to the other districts the of Punjab province.
• The mobile market is a big market in the heart of Dera Ghazi Khan. Every type of mobile phone and mobile-related shops are in this area.
• The Mowaish Mandi is held in Shah Saddar-Din.
• The spices industry Diamondstar Salt & spices is the famous name in spice industry in Dera Ghazi Khan.

Transportation

Dera Ghazi Khan International Airport

Dera Ghazi Khan International Airport is over 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the city of Dera Ghazi Khan.^{[citation needed]} It is near D.G. Khan Cantt. It has a single, double-sided runway. It was built in 1996.

The airport provides flights to Multan, Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad. Because of high demand, it has been operating flights to and from Dubai since 2008, making it an international airport. The traffic to and from most airports is usually high, although flights to Karachi, especially, get a large number of passengers. From November 2012 Shaheen Air started its operation from this airport. In 2013 Air Indus also began its flights from this airport. FlyDubai agreed to start flights from the D.G. Khan International Airport if night landing facility is provided. Although it is international airport, a night landing facility is still not provided.

Airlines and destinations

Airlines	Destinations
Pakistan International Airlines	Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Bahawalpur, Dubai, Jeddah
Shaheen Air	Karachi [begins 28 October 2012]
Air Indus	Karachi [begins 2013]
FlyDubai	Dubai [soon]

Motorways and Road

The city is well connected with whole country by road. It is the only city in country which is at the cross of two National Highways: N70 Quetta to Lahore and N55 (Indus Highway) Karachi to Peshawar. Indus Highway, which connects the country from Karachi to Peshawar, and National Highway from Gowader to Lahore passed through Dera Ghazi Khan.

The M-5 Motorway is a planned four-lane motorway that will link Multan with Dera Ghazi Khan. It will be constructed after the completion of the M-4 Motorway. The M-6 is a planned four-lane motorway that will link Dera Ghazi Khan with Ratodero. It will be constructed after the completion of the M-5 Motorway Daewoo Express Bus Service, Faisal Movers and other bus services operate from the city to the entire country.

Pak China Link Road Via D.G.Khan

"The project will help save time, cost and freight charges, as it is the shortest route between China, the Middle East and European countries through Gwadar port.Pak China Link Road will cross through D.G.Khan The prime minister said a Chinese delegation would arrive in Islamabad Monday to review the proposed economic corridor project. He added that special economic zones would be established in D.G.Khan and along the economic corridor, and that Chinese companies have shown willingness to set up industries in the zones. Gwadar port has the potential to become a free port, adding that a special status like of Hong Kong could be awarded to Gwadar.

Rail

Dera Ghazi Khan is connected with the country through Chiltan Express and Khushal Express trains.

Demography

Population

The population according to the 1901 census of India (then a British colony) was 471,149 – the great majority being Baloch Muslims. The frontier tribes on the Dera Ghazi Khan border include the Ahmedani, Mazari, Lashari, Changwani, Jarwar, Qaisrani, Bozdar, Khosa, Lund, Leghari, Khetran, Nutkani(Notkani) Gurchani,Dasti, Jaskani, Marri, Mastoi,Jatoi, Mirani, Bugti, Malghani is part of Nutkani or Notkani and Bamozai Known as Akhund/Akhwand tribes, whose ancestors came in from Afghanistan around 200 years ago and settled in the old Dera Ghazi Khan.Also the local Saraiki clans, Bhatti, Langah , Khundo, Koriya , Daha , Bhutta , Metla , Mochi , Khakhi , Khakh, Hinjra , Chajra , living in the city.Because these saraiki clans are local son of the soil there fore tribes coming from outside also learnt and now speak the local Saraiki language.

Historical populations of Dera Ghazi Khan city^[17]

National Census Year	Population
1972	720,343
1981	1020,007
1998	198,9680
2010	271,3520

Health

In D.G. Khan, there is a civil hospital called the Divisional Headquarters Hospital (DHQ), along with many private hospitals and labs. The number of beds is being doubled from 250 to 500 in DHQ. Along with the DHQ there are several private hospitals working for the welfare of the people of Dera Ghazi Khan. The overall conditions of public health are miserable in the city. more over the Dera Ghazi Khan is a very beautiful city.Lot of people from Balochistan coming to D.G.Khan for treatment.

Religion

Islam came into this region during eighth century when Muhammad bin Qasim (695–715), the Ummayad general entered Sindh and Punjab. More than 99% people are Muslims.

Culture

Charpai and Hamacha

In the city there is Charpai, locally known as khatt and Hamacha culture. Charpai and Hamacha means a big wooden cart, which are kepts at chowks and baithaks. Normally peoples sit on charpai and hamacha in the evening and on holidays. There they discuss their daily personal, social and political issues in friendly environment.

Fairs and festivals

• Sangh Mela, is a Vaisakhi fair during March and April, is celebrated in Sakhi Sarwar by people coming from Jhang and Faisalabad since centuries. This festival is celebrated by Hindus and Muslims especially at the time of wheat harvesting and at some places it is called as Basant. Throughout history, a large number of followers coming from different religions became the followers of Sakhi Sarwar. Max Arthur Macauliffe, a colonial office appointed in Punjab, observed in 1875 that not only Muslims but Hindus also visited the shrines during the [urs]. In the 1911 census of India, 79,085 Sikhs reported to be the follower of Sakhi Sarwar.^[18]

• Pir Adil Mela is also very famous which is celebrated at the shrine of Hazrat Pir Adil in a village named after him. Sometimes, the Jalsa or National Horse and Cattle Show is merged with this mela.

• Jalsa, similar to National Horse and Cattle Show, is also celebrated at airport road in February every year for ten days.

• Jhand is the ceremony of first haircut of the child as part of a Rite of passage ceremonies which is very common in the rural areas of Dera Ghazi Khan as well. This ceremony usually takes place in the desi month of Chaitr at some shrine like Pir Adil or Fateh Shah.

Literature and poetry

Dera Ghazi Khan is also famous for its poets in Balochi, Saraiki and Urdu languages. The tradition of Mushaira is still very common in the city and villages. Famous Urdu poet Mohsin Naqvi was born in Dera Ghazi Khan.

Cuisine

• Sohanjhnrran (Saraiki: سوہانجڑاں) or the flowers of Moringa oleifera is very peculiar food of Saraiki culture including Dera Ghazi Khan.
• Sohan Halwa is traditional sweet made by boiling a mixture of water, sugar, milk and wheatflour (coarse pieces)/cornflour until it becomes solid. Umar ka sohan halwa, Muhhamadi ka sohan halwa, Ustad Rahim Bux halwai and Chhati Bazar (Choti Zareen) Ka Sohan Halwa are very famous and even send abroad.
• Sohbat is very peculiar food of Saraiki culture including Dera Ghazi Khan and Taunsa.
• Sijji is very peculiar food of Saraiki culture including Dera Ghazi Khan and Fort Munro.

Sports

Dera Ghazi Khan has a cricket stadium which is still under construction. It also has a hockey stadium but without AstroTurf. Other popular games are shooting volleyball, kabaddi and desi wrestling. Imran Abbas is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium fast bowler who has played for the Pakistani cricket team. Najeeb Amar, famous Hong Kong cricketer, was born in Dera Ghazi Khan in 1971.

Following traditional games are also very famous:

• Geeti Danna (گیٹی ڈنا) or Gilli-danda is one of the famous traditional sports especially in boys in rural areas.
• Doda Saraiki Game
• Baandar Killa
• Pittu Garam
• Stapu
• Kabaddi
• Ludo
• Akh Macholi
• Yassu Panju
• Dubbiyan
• Chirri Uddi, Kawa Udda
• Pugan Pugai
• Luk Chhap or Chuppan Chupai
• Bantay, also called as Chidday or Goliyan

Arts and entertainment

The city has produced various famous artists like Tauqeer Nasir, which are known nationally and internationally. The National Arts Council, D. G. Khan is also established to promote the arts and theatre in the city.

Press and media

Daily Jang is also published from Dera Ghazi Khan^[19] along with many local newspapers in Urdu, Saraiki and Balochi languages.Daily Kasak is also published in D.G.Khan.

Gallery

• 

  University Building

• 

  Ghazi University outside view

• 

  Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan

• 

  An ornament in Dera Ghazi Khan city

• 

  Dera Ghazi Khan International Airport

• 

  Fort Munro, Dera Ghazi Khan

• 

  Snowfall in Fort Munro

• 

  On way to Fort Munro

• 

  Trimu (Water fall) in Fort Munro

• 

  Bahria Town, Fort Munro

• 

  View of the Valley, Fort Munro

See also

• Dera Ghazi Khan District
• Dera Ghazi Khan Tehsil
• Dera Ghazi Khan Airport
• Punjab
• Pakistan
• Indus river
• Derawal
• Taunsa Sharif
• Saraiki language
• Saraiki literature
• Saraikistan
• Sulaiman Mountains
• Saraiki Wasaib
• Saraiki Culture
• Central Jail Dera Ghazi Khan

References

Notes

Bibliography

• "How Pakistan Made Nuclear Fuel" by Munir Ahmad Khan, former chairperson of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission: Islamabad The Nation 7 February 1998, page 7 [Pakistan: Article on How Pakistan Made Nuclear Fuel: FBIS-NES-98-042 : 11 February 1998].

External links

• Official website of the Dera Ghazi Khan, Complete Encyclopedia about Digerians
• Lot of information about current D.G. Khan
• October 2009+19:28:42 Dera Ghazi Khan
• Dera Ghazi Khan – Pakistan Special Weapons Facilities
• Dera Ghazi Khan. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001–05
• Dera Ghazi Khan travel guide

Coordinates: 30°03′N 70°38′E / 30.050°N 70.633°E / 30.050; 70.633

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