Faisalabad
Faisalabad (Lyallpur until 1979), is the third-most-populous city in Pakistan, and the second-largest in Punjab. Historically one of the first planned cities within British India, it has long since developed into a cosmopolitan metropolis.
Faisalabad has grown to become a major industrial and distribution centre because of its central location in the region and connecting roads, rails, and air transportation. It has been referred to as the "Manchester of Pakistan" because it contributes over 20% toward Pakistan's annual GDP. Faisalabad's average annual GDP is USD$20.55 billion of which 21% comes from agriculture. The surrounding countryside, irrigated by the lower Chenab River, produces cotton, wheat, sugarcane, vegetables and fruits. The city is an industrial centre with major railway repair yards, engineering works, and mills that process sugar, flour, and oil seed. It is a major producer of superphosphates, cotton and silk textiles, and is recognised as the centre of the textile industry in Pakistan, contributing to half of Pakistans total textile shipments. |
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How to Get There:
Fly:
Fly to Faisalabad Airport, from Karachi, Lahore or Multan domestically. Or from UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar internationally. |
Train:
Take a train to Faisalabad from almost all Pakistani cities and towns. Travel time varies on train's speed and stops. Railway Schedule |
Bus:
Daewoo bus offers service to Faisalabad. It takes 2.5 hours from Lahore, and 8.5 hours from Karachi. Schedule: Daewoo website |
Drive:
Drive on the N-5 or N-55 highway for 18 hrs, from Karachi. Take Lahore-Islamabad Motorway and then M-4, from Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar. |
Sights |
Ghanta Ghar
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Jinnah Garden or Company Bagh
The oldest park in the city is Jinnah Garden, the city's central park, commonly known as "Company Bagh" and where the monument of Sir Charles James Lyall is situated.
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Canal Park
Canal Park, a family park located on the west bank of the Rakh Branch Canal.
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Gatwala Wildlife Park
The Gatwala Wildlife Park is a botanical natural reserve located at Gatwala that was renovated by the city district government.
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Faisalabad Hockey Stadium
It is the third largest hockey stadium in the country.
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Allama Iqbal Library
The library is housed in the 1911-built colonial building originally named "Coronation Library" during the rule of the British Empire.
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Lyallpur Museum
A heritage museum and art gallery open to the public. The museum is primarily focused on regional history with a collection of artwork, artifacts and photographs.
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Food
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Shopping
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Activities & Recreation
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"Rang-e-Bahar" festival
The arrival of spring brings the annual "Rang-e-Bahar" festival where the Parks & Horticulture Authority of the city district government organise a flower show and exhibition at Jinnah Gardens.
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Kissan Mela
The University of Agriculture organises a flower show and exhibition at their main campus
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Canal Mela
Five days of festivities including the main canal in the city being decorated with national floats and lights ending with a musical concert to conclude the festival.
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