Lahore facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lahore لہور لاہور
Megacity
Badshahi Mosque Lahore Fort Lahore Museum Minar-e-Pakistan Wazir Khan Mosque Akbari Sarai Shalimar Gardens
Seal
Nickname(s):  The Heart of Pakistan, Paris of the East, City of Gardens, City of Literature (by UNESCO)
Lahore Location in Lahore Show map of Lahore Lahore Location in Punjab, Pakistan Show map of Punjab, Pakistan Lahore Location in Pakistan Show map of Pakistan Lahore Location in South Asia Show map of South Asia Lahore Location in Asia Show map of Asia Lahore Location in Earth Show map of Earth
Country	Pakistan
Province	Punjab
Division	Lahore
District	Lahore
Founded	Between 1st and 7th centuries CE
City status	1040; 985 years ago (1040)
Metropolitan status	1890; 135 years ago (1890)
Zones	10
Government
• Type	Metropolitan corporation
Area
• Metro	1,772 km2 (684 sq mi)
Area rank	1st (Punjab) 2nd (Pakistan)
Highest elevation	231 m (758 ft)
Lowest elevation	196 m (643 ft)
Population  (2023 census)
• Megacity	13,004,135
• Rank	1st (Punjab) 2nd (Pakistan) 26th (world)
• Metro density	7,339/km2 (19,010/sq mi)
• Language(s)	Punjabi (native & majority) Urdu (minority)
Demonym(s)	General: Lahori English: Lahorite
Time zone	UTC+5 (PKT)
Postal code	53XXX – 55XXX
Dialing code	042
GDP (PPP)	$84 billion (2019)

Lahore is the capital and largest city of the Pakistani province of Punjab. It is the second largest city in Pakistan, after Karachi. Lahore is also the 26th largest city in the world, with over 13 million people.

Located in north-eastern Punjab, along the River Ravi, Lahore is the biggest Punjabi-speaking city globally. It is one of Pakistan's main centers for industry, education, and business. Lahore has been the historic capital and cultural heart of the wider Punjab region. It is known as one of Pakistan's most open-minded and modern cities.

Lahore is a very old city, dating back thousands of years. It became important in the late 900s with its strong Walled City. Lahore was the capital for many empires, including the Mughal Empire from the late 1500s to the early 1700s. During this time, it was one of the largest cities in the world.

In 1739, the city was captured and looted by the Persian ruler Nader Shah. After a period of decline and many invasions, Ranjit Singh captured Lahore in 1799. He became the Maharaja of Punjab, and Lahore became the capital of the Sikh Empire in the early 1800s. This helped the city regain some of its past glory.

In 1849, the East India Company took over Punjab, and Lahore became the capital of British Punjab. Lahore was very important for the independence movements of both India and Pakistan. It was where the Declaration of Indian Independence was made and the resolution for Pakistan was passed. The city saw terrible riots during the partition in 1947. After Pakistan became independent, Lahore was the capital of West Punjab and later West Pakistan.

Lahore is mainly home to Punjabis and has a strong cultural and political influence in Pakistan. It is a UNESCO City of Literature and a major center for publishing. Lahore also has some of Pakistan's best universities. It is home to Pakistan's Punjabi film industry and is a big center for Qawwali music. Many tourists visit Lahore to see places like the Walled City, the famous Badshahi and Wazir Khan mosques, and several Sikh and Sufi shrines. The Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

What's in a Name?

The exact origin of Lahore's name is not fully clear. Early historians wrote the city's name in different ways, like Luhawar and Lāhanūr.

One idea is that Lahore's name comes from Ravāwar, which might be linked to the Ravi River. Another idea is that it comes from Lohar, meaning "blacksmith".

A popular legend says that Lahore was named after Lavpur or Lavapuri, meaning "City of Lava". Lava was the son of Sita and Rama from an ancient Hindu story.

A Look at Lahore's Past

There are no clear records of Lahore's very early history. This has led to different ideas about how it started. Ancient Hindu stories say that Keneksen, a famous founder, came from this city.

Historians with Alexander the Great did not mention a city near Lahore in 326 BCE. This suggests it either wasn't built yet or wasn't important enough to be noted. However, Ptolemy mentioned a city called Labokla near the Chenab and Ravi rivers, which might have been ancient Lahore. A Chinese traveler named Xuanzang visited the area in 630 CE. He described a large and rich city that could have been Lahore, calling it a great Brahmin city.

The first time Lahore is mentioned by name is in a book from 982 CE called Hudud al-'Alam. It describes Lahore as a town with "impressive temples, large markets and huge orchards". Lahore became a well-known city in the 1000s, especially during the time of the Sufi saint Ali al-Hajvery.

Medieval Times

Ghaznavid Rule

Sultan Mahmud of the Ghaznavid Empire conquered Lahore between 1020 and 1027. He made Malik Ayaz its governor. Malik Ayaz helped rebuild the city, which had been damaged by the invasion. He also built city walls and a strong fort. Lahore became a center for culture and learning, especially known for poetry. In 1152, Lahore officially became the eastern capital of the Ghaznavid Empire.

Delhi Sultanate and Mongol Invasions

In 1186, Muhammad captured Lahore, ending Ghaznavid rule. Lahore became an important city for the Mamluk dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. Under Sultan Qutb ud-Din Aibak, Lahore attracted many poets and scholars.

However, the threat of Mongol invasions made Delhi a safer capital. Lahore was attacked and damaged by the Mongol army in 1241. The Mongols invaded northern Punjab several times, causing Lahore to become a frontier city.

Lahore briefly became strong again under the Tughluq dynasty (1320-1325). But it was attacked again by Mongols and then by the Khokhar chief, Shaikha. When the Mongol conqueror Timur captured the city in 1398, he did not loot it because it was no longer rich.

Later Sultanates

Control of Lahore was given to Khizr Khan, who later started the Sayyid dynasty in 1414. The city was attacked twice by Jasrat, ruler of Sialkot. Later, Bahlul Lodi took control and established the Lodi dynasty. Lahore then came under the governorship of Daulat Khan Lodi, who was an employer of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

Mughal Empire's Golden Age

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  Badshahi Mosque

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  Lahore Fort

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  Tomb of Jahangir

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  Shahi Hammam

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  Tomb of Khan-e-Jahan Bahadur Kokaltash

Early Mughal Period

Babur, who founded the Mughal Empire, captured Lahore. The city became a safe place for Humayun when Sher Shah Suri took power. Humayun later won Lahore back in 1555. Mughal rule brought the most successful time in Lahore's history. Lahore has more Mughal monuments than Delhi or Agra.

During this time, most people in Lahore lived in areas outside the city walls. Lahore was also connected to smaller market towns like Kasur and Amritsar.

Emperor Akbar's Contributions

In 1584, Lahore became the Mughal capital. Emperor Akbar rebuilt the city's old fort, starting the Lahore Fort we see today. He also rebuilt the city walls and made them bigger. The Akbari Mandi grain market, which is still used today, was set up during his rule. Many of Lahore's old mansions, called havelis, date from this time. Lahore reached its cultural peak under Akbar, with many mosques, tombs, and other buildings.

Jahangir and Shah Jahan

During Emperor Jahangir's rule in the early 1600s, Lahore's markets were busy with many goods and foreign visitors. In 1606, Jahangir's son, Khusrau Mirza, attacked Lahore. The Sikh Guru Arjan Dev was executed in Lahore in 1606 for being involved in this rebellion. Emperor Jahangir chose to be buried in Lahore, and his tomb was built by his wife Nur Jahan.

Jahangir's son, Shah Jahan (who ruled from 1628–1658), was born in Lahore in 1592. He made many improvements to the Lahore Fort with beautiful white marble. He also built the famous Naulakha Pavilion in 1633. Shah Jahan gave Lahore some of its most well-known buildings, like the Shahi Hammam (1635), the Shalimar Gardens, and the richly decorated Wazir Khan Mosque (both in 1641). Lahore's population was probably at its highest during his reign.

Aurangzeb's Legacy

Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal Emperor, also helped Lahore grow. He built the Alamgiri Bund embankment in 1662 to protect the city from the Ravi river. The largest Mughal building in Lahore, the Badshahi Mosque, was built during Aurangzeb's rule in 1673. He also built the iconic Alamgiri Gate of the Lahore Fort in 1674.

Decline of Mughal Rule

After Aurangzeb died in 1707, civil wars weakened the Mughal Empire's control over Lahore. This led to a long period of decline for the city. Trade routes shifted away from Lahore, and its importance decreased.

In 1739, Nader Shah invaded the Mughal Empire, taking control from the local governor. After he left, the city's trade routes had changed, and Lahore became less important.

Invasions and Sikh Rule

Lahore faced many invasions from the Durrani ruler Ahmad Shah in the mid-1700s. The city was captured and recaptured several times. By 1765, after the Durranis left, Sikh forces took over. The city was badly damaged and had lost its former greatness.

Rise of the Sikh Empire

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  Samadhi of Ranjit Singh

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  Gurdwara Dera Sahib

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  Haveli of Nau Nihal Singh

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  Hazuri Bagh

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  Gurdwara Janam Asthan Guru Ram Das

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  The Lava Temple at the Lahore Fort dates from the Sikh period, and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lava

In 1799, Ranjit Singh captured Lahore. He became the Maharaja of Punjab, and Lahore became the capital of the Sikh Empire. Ranjit Singh helped Lahore regain some of its lost glory. He built a mint in the city and moved into the Mughal palace at the Lahore Fort. He also built a Gurdwara Ram Das to mark the birthplace of Guru Ram Das.

However, during Sikh rule, many precious Mughal monuments were damaged. Ranjit Singh's armies took white marble from several Mughal buildings, like the Tomb of Asif Khan and the Tomb of Nur Jahan. The Badshahi Mosque was even used as an ammunition storage and horse stable.

End of Sikh Rule

After Ranjit Singh's death, the Sikh Empire faced many challenges. There was a lot of fighting among Sikh nobles. This weakness led to conflicts with the British during the Anglo-Sikh wars. After these wars, the Sikh Empire fell apart. The British captured Lahore and the wider Punjab region.

British Colonial Period

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  University of the Punjab

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  Government College University

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  Lahore Museum

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  Lahore High Court

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  King Edward Medical University

The British East India Company took control of Lahore in 1846. By 1849, Punjab was officially part of the British Indian Empire. When the British took over, Lahore had about 120,000 people. The city was mostly the Walled City with some smaller settlements around it.

The British saw the Walled City as a place for problems, so they mostly left it alone. Instead, they developed areas south of the Walled City, which became known as "Civil Station." They also repurposed many old Mughal buildings. For example, the Tomb of Anarkali was first used as offices and then as an Anglican church.

The British built the Lahore Railway Station outside the Walled City. It was designed like a castle with thick walls to defend against attacks. Lahore's main government and business places were built in Civil Station, especially along The Mall. This area is still important today. The British also built the large Lahore Cantonment for their military.

Many important buildings were built in the late 1800s in the Indo-Saracenic style. This style mixes British and Islamic designs. Examples include the Lahore Museum and the Mayo School of Industrial Arts.

Lahore played a key role in the independence movements. The Declaration of the Independence of India was passed in Lahore in 1929. The Lahore Resolution was passed in 1940, calling for the creation of Pakistan.

The Partition of India

The 1941 census showed that Lahore's population was 64.5% Muslim and 35% Hindu and Sikh. As tensions grew, Lahore experienced some of the worst riots during the Partition. Many homes were destroyed. Hindus and Sikhs began to leave the city as it became clear Lahore would go to Pakistan. By late August 1947, most Hindus and Sikhs had left. The Shah Alami Bazaar, once a Hindu area, was completely burned down.

When Pakistan became independent on August 14, 1947, Lahore was given to Pakistan. It became the capital of the Punjab province. The city received many refugees from eastern Punjab and northern India.

Modern Lahore

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  Islamic Summit Minar

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  Minar-e-Pakistan

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  Grand Jamia Mosque

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  Provincial Assembly of the Punjab

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  WAPDA House

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  Arfa Karim tower in Lahore

After Partition, Lahore's economy and culture were weakened. Industrial production dropped. Capital flight also hurt the city's economy. Because of its weakened economy and closeness to the Indian border, Lahore was not chosen as Pakistan's capital. Karachi was chosen instead.

Lahore slowly regained its importance as an economic and cultural center. The Shah Alami Bazaar was rebuilt in 1949. The Tomb of Allama Iqbal was built in 1951 to honor the poet who inspired the Pakistan movement. From 1955 to 1970, Lahore was the capital of all West Pakistan. The iconic Minar-e-Pakistan was finished in 1968, marking where the Pakistan Resolution was passed. With help from the United Nations, Lahore was rebuilt, and most signs of the Partition violence were removed.

In 1974, the second Islamic Summit Conference was held in Lahore. In 1996, the Cricket World Cup final was held at the Gaddafi Stadium. The Walled City of Lahore restoration project began in 2009.

Lahore's Location and Weather

Lahore is in the northeastern part of Pakistan, near the River Ravi. It covers a total area of about 404 square kilometers.

Climate

Lahore has a Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers. June is the hottest month, with temperatures often going above 45°C (113°F). The monsoon season starts in late June, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms in July, August, and September. January is the coolest month, with thick fog.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Lahore was 50.4°C (122.7°F) on June 5, 2003. The most rainfall in one day was 337 mm (13.3 inches) on August 1, 2024.

People of Lahore

Population

In 2023, Lahore's population was over 13 million people. The city is growing quickly. More than 40% of its residents are under 15 years old, making it a very young city.

Backgrounds and Groups

The largest group in Lahore are Arain Punjabis, making up 40% of the population. Punjabi Kashmiris are the second largest group at 30%. Other groups include Rajput Punjabis and Kamboh Punjabis.

Religions in Lahore

Religion in Lahore District 2023
Religion			Percent
Islam			95.26%
Christianity			4.64%
Others			0.1%

Most people in Lahore are Muslims (95.26%). Christians make up 4.64% of the population. There are also small numbers of Ahmadis, Baháʼís, Hindus, Parsis, and Sikhs.

Lahore has some of Sikhism's holiest sites, making it a major pilgrimage spot for Sikhs. Lahore's first church was built in the late 1500s but was later taken down. Today, there are two Hindu temples in the city: the Shri Krishna Mandir and the Valmiki Mandir.

Languages Spoken

The most common language spoken in Lahore is Punjabi. About 73.58% of people in Lahore speak Punjabi as their first language. Lahore is the largest Punjabi-speaking city in the world.

About 21.1% of people speak Urdu, and smaller numbers speak Pashto and Mewati. Urdu and English are used for official purposes, education, and media. Punjabi is also taught at higher levels and used in theaters, films, and newspapers. Many people want Punjabi to be used more officially in schools and government.

Lahore's Look and Feel

The Old City

Lahore's modern look includes the historic Walled City of Lahore in the north. This area has several World Heritage Sites. The city's design grew over time, with small streets and neighborhoods. Even though some areas were named after certain groups, they were usually diverse.

Lahore's old city is similar to other ancient cities in South Asia, like Peshawar and Delhi. They were all built near a major river and had a walled city and a royal fort.

By the end of Sikh rule, many of Lahore's large mansions, called havelis, were taken over by new residents. Today, there are no original Mughal havelis left in Lahore.

The historic walled city was once surrounded by thirteen gates. Some of the remaining gates include the Raushnai Gate, Masti Gate, and Lahori Gate. Southeast of the walled city is the large British-era Lahore Cantonment.

Architecture Styles

Lahore has many beautiful buildings from the Mughal Dynasty, Sikh Empire, and the British Indian Raj. The style of the Walled City of Lahore is mainly influenced by Mughal and Sikh designs.

Sikh Period Buildings

When the Sikh Empire arrived in the late 1700s, Lahore was not as grand as it used to be. Ranjit Singh and his followers tried to rebuild the city, influenced by Mughal styles. Lahore was known as the 'City of Gardens' during this time.

However, Sikh rule also caused damage to Mughal buildings. Ranjit Singh's armies took valuable white marble from many Mughal monuments, like the Tomb of Asif Khan and the Tomb of Nur Jahan. The Shalimar Gardens also lost much of its marble. The Sikh state also destroyed some shrines outside the city walls.

Despite this, Sikh rule left Lahore with several new monuments and a changed Lahore Fort. Many havelis (mansions) were built, though only a few remain today.

British Period Buildings

As the capital of British Punjab, Lahore's architecture was greatly influenced by the British. Buildings were often built in the Indo-Gothic style, which mixes Victorian and Islamic architecture designs. The Indo-Saracenic style was also popular. The British also built the neoclassical Montgomery Hall, which is now the Quaid-e-Azam Library.

The Lawrence Gardens were created near Civil Station. These gardens had over 600 types of plants. The green areas south of the Old City and the Cantonment were mostly developed by the British. They feature colonial-era buildings along tree-lined streets.

Important buildings like the Lahore Museum and Mayo School of Industrial Arts were built in the Indo-Saracenic style. Other examples include Aitchison College, the Lahore High Court, and the University of the Punjab. Many of Lahore's key buildings were designed by Sir Ganga Ram, who is called "the father of modern Lahore."

Parks and Gardens

Lahore is known as "the city of gardens" because it has so many. The Shahdara Bagh was one of the first Mughal gardens, built in the 1400s. It contains the Tomb of Jahangir. The Shalimar Gardens were built during Shah Jahan's rule. They were designed to look like the Islamic paradise described in the Qur'an.

In 1818, Hazuri Bagh was built during Ranjit Singh's rule to celebrate him getting the Koh-i-Noor diamond. The Circular Garden, which goes around the Walled City, was created by 1892. The former parade ground near Badshahi Mosque was renamed Minto Park by the British.

Other gardens and parks in the city include Iqbal Park, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park, Model Town Park, Jilani Park, and Jallo Park. The Bagh-e-Jinnah is a large botanical garden with entertainment, sports, and a library.

Lahore's Economy

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  Expo Centre Lahore

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  PIA Head Office

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  Emporium Mall

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  MCB headquarters

In 2008, Lahore's economy was estimated to be worth $40 billion. It is growing at about 5.6% per year. Lahore contributes about 11.5% to Pakistan's national economy and 19% to Punjab's economy. Lahore's economy is expected to reach $102 billion by 2025.

Lahore is a major industrial area with about 9,000 factories. In recent years, it has moved from manufacturing to service industries. About 42% of its workers are in finance, banking, real estate, and social services. The city is Pakistan's largest center for software and hardware production. It also has a growing computer-assembly industry.

Lahore has always been a center for publishing. About 80% of Pakistan's books are published here. It is still the main center for literature, education, and culture in Pakistan. The Lahore Expo Centre is one of the city's biggest projects. Defense Raya Golf Resort, a large golf course, is also being built. These projects are expected to boost the country's economy.

Getting Around Lahore

Public Transport

Lahore's public transport is run by the Lahore Transport Company (LTC) and Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA). The main parts of the system are the PMTA's Lahore Metrobus and the Orange Line of the Lahore Metro train. LTC and PMTA also run many buses that serve most parts of the city and connect to the Metrobus. The Orange Line metro is 27.1 kilometers (16.8 miles) long and travels at 80 kilometers per hour (50 mph).

Metrobus

The Lahore Metrobus is a fast bus service in Lahore. It works with the local bus service to provide a connected transport system across Lahore and nearby areas.

Vans and Wagons

Smaller vans and wagons, called Low Occupancy Vehicles (LOVs), also run on routes throughout the city. They work like buses and are used on many city routes.

Metro Train

Orange Line

The Orange Line Metro Train is an automated train system in Lahore. It is the first of three planned metro lines. It is 27.1 kilometers (16.8 miles) long, mostly above ground. It cost about $1.6 billion. The line has 26 stations and is designed to carry over 250,000 passengers daily. The trains are heat-resistant and have energy-saving air conditioning. Commercial operations started on October 25, 2020.

Future Metro Lines

• Blue Line: A planned 24-kilometer (15-mile) line from Chauburji to College Road Township. It will connect areas like Mozang Chungi and Jail Road.
• Purple Line: A planned 19-kilometer (12-mile) line from Bhaati Chowk to the Allama Iqbal International Airport. It will connect places like Railway Station and Dharampura.

Taxis and Rickshaws

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are available. Motorcycle rides are also offered by private companies.

Auto rickshaws are an important part of public transport in Lahore. In 2019, there were about 82,000 auto rickshaws and 65,000 motorcycle rickshaws. Motorcycle rickshaws, often called chingchi, are cheaper and can carry multiple passengers. Auto rickshaws usually carry one passenger or group. Since 2002, all auto rickshaws must use compressed natural gas. Electric rickshaws were introduced in 2023.

Travel Between Cities

Railways

Lahore Junction Station is the main railway station. It is a major hub for all Pakistan Railways services in Northern Pakistan. Trains go to Peshawar, Islamabad–Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Quetta.

Buses

Lahore Badami Bagh Bus Terminal (known as "Lari Adda") is the main hub for intercity bus services. Many bus companies offer services to Punjab and other provinces. Lahore Jinnah Bus Terminal is another major bus stand.

Airports

Allama Iqbal International Airport (IATA: LHE) is Pakistan's third busiest airport. It is located on the city's eastern side. The new passenger terminal opened in 2003. The airport is named after the national poet, Muhammad Iqbal. It is a secondary hub for Pakistan International Airlines. Walton Airport provides services for smaller planes. Nearby airports like Sialkot International Airport and Faisalabad International Airport also serve the Lahore area.

Allama Iqbal International Airport connects Lahore with many cities around the world and within Pakistan.

Roads

Lahore is served by many city, provincial, and national roads:

• City Roads:
  • Canal Road – a major road running north to south.
• Provincial Highways:
  • Lahore Ring Road
  • Lahore–Kasur Road (Ferozepur Road)
  • Lahore–Raiwind Road
  • Lahore–Sharaqpur Road
  • Lahore–Wagah Road
  • Grand Trunk Road (G.T Road)
• Federal Highways:
  • M-2 motorway
  • M-3 motorway
  • M-11 motorway
  • N-5 National Highway (Multan Road)
  • N-60 National Highway (Sargodha–Lahore road)

Festivals and Celebrations

People in Lahore celebrate many festivals throughout the year. These include Islamic, traditional Punjabi, Christian, and national holidays.

During public holidays, many people decorate their homes and light candles. Roads and businesses are often lit up for days. Many Sufi shrines in Lahore hold yearly festivals called urs to honor their saints. For example, the Data Darbar shrine has an annual urs that attracts up to a million visitors. The popular Mela Chiraghan festival takes place at the shrine of Madho Lal Hussain. Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha are celebrated with decorated public buildings and shopping centers. People also remember the martyrdom of Imam Husain during the first ten days of Muharram with large processions.

Basant is a traditional Punjabi festival that marks the start of spring. Basant celebrations in Pakistan are mainly in Lahore. People from all over the country and abroad come for the festivities. Kite-flying competitions traditionally happen on rooftops. The Lahore Canal is decorated with floating lanterns. However, kite-flying has been banned due to safety concerns.

Lahore's churches are decorated for Christmas and Easter. Shopping centers also have Christmas decorations, even though Christians are a smaller part of the population.

Places to Visit in Lahore

Lahore is a popular place for tourists in Pakistan. The Walled City of Lahore was renovated in 2014 and is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some popular sights include the Lahore Fort, which has the Sheesh Mahal, the Alamgiri Gate, and the Naulakha pavilion. The fort and the nearby Shalimar Gardens have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.

The city has several old religious sites. These include Hindu temples like the Krishna Temple and Valmiki Mandir. The Samadhi of Ranjit Singh, near the Walled City, holds the ashes of the Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The most famous religious building is the Badshahi Mosque, built in 1673. It was the largest mosque in the world when it was built. Another popular sight is the Wazir Khan Mosque, built in 1635, known for its beautiful tile work.

Local Food

Lahore is famous for its delicious food, known as Lahori cuisine.

Religious Sites

Here are some well-known religious sites in Lahore:

Museums to Explore

Important Tombs

Sufi Shrines

Sikh Samadhis

• Bhai Vasti Ram
• Ranjit Singh
• Samadhi of Bhai Mani Singh
• Sir Ganga Ram
• Bhai Taru Singh

Historic Havelis (Mansions)

The Walled City of Lahore has many havelis (mansions). Some are in good condition, while others need care. These havelis are great examples of Mughal and Sikh building styles. Some of them include:

Other Famous Spots

• Shahi Hammam
• Alhamra Art Council
• Lahore Royal Fort
• Greater Iqbal Park

Historic Neighborhoods

• Anarkali
• Badami Bagh
• Baghbanpura
• Begampura
• Heera Mandi
• Mughalpura
• Shahdara Bagh
• Walled City of Lahore

Education in Lahore

Lahore is known as Pakistan's education capital. It has more colleges and universities than any other city in the country. The literacy rate in Lahore is 74%, meaning most people can read and write. The city produces many professionals in science, technology, IT, law, engineering, and medicine.

Most of the well-known universities are public, but there are also many private universities. Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) is a top business school. Lahore is home to some of Pakistan's oldest and best educational institutes, including:

• Aitchison College, started in 1886
• Beaconhouse National University, started in 2003
• Central Model School, started in 1883
• Convent of Jesus and Mary, started in 1867
• Forman Christian College, started in 1864
• Government College University, Lahore, started in 1864
• King Edward Medical University, started in 1860
• Lahore College for Women University, started in 1922
• Lahore University of Management Sciences, started in 1986
• National College of Arts, started in 1875
• University of the Punjab, started in 1882
• University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, started in 1921

Famous People from Lahore

Sports in Lahore

• Sports venues
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  Gaddafi Stadium is one of Pakistan's largest stadiums, holding 27,000 people.

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  Punjab Stadium

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  Pakistan playing against Argentina in 2005

Lahore has hosted many international sports events, like the finals of the 1990 Men's Hockey World Cup and the 1996 Cricket World Cup. The main offices for all major sports in Pakistan, including cricket, hockey, and football, are in Lahore. The Pakistan Olympic Association also has its head office here.

Gaddafi Stadium is a famous Test cricket ground in Lahore. It was built in 1959. The multi-purpose Punjab Stadium is mainly used for football matches.

Lahore has several golf courses, such as the Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course and the Royal Palm Golf Club. The Lahore Marathon is an annual event where over 20,000 athletes from Pakistan and around the world participate. There are plans to build Pakistan's first sports city in Lahore.

Professional sports teams from Lahore

Club	League	Sport	Venue	Established
Lahore Qalandars	Abu Dhabi T20 Trophy	Cricket	Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium	2018
Lahore Qalandars	Pakistan Super League	Cricket	Gaddafi Stadium	2015
Lahore Lions	National T20 League/National One-day Championship	Cricket	Gaddafi Stadium	2004
Lahore Eagles	National T20 League/National One-day Championship	Cricket	Gaddafi Stadium	2006
Wohaib	PFF League	Football	Punjab Stadium	1982

Sister Cities Around the World

Lahore has connections with many cities around the world, called twin towns or sister cities.

Awards and Recognition

In 1966, the Government of Pakistan gave a special flag, the Hilal-i-istaqlal, to Lahore, Sargodha, and Sialkot. This was to honor their strong resistance during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. These cities were targets of attacks. Every year on Defence Day (September 6), this flag is raised in these cities to celebrate the courage of their people.

Images for kids

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  Lahore Museum

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  Minar-e-Pakistan

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  Wazir Khan Mosque

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  Akbari Sarai

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  Shalimar Gardens

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  Badshahi Mosque

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  Lahore Fort

See Also

In Spanish: Lahore para niños