Muzaffargarh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Muzaffargarh
|
|
|---|---|
|
City
|
|
.jpg)
Muzaffargarh Thermal Power Station
|
|
 Muzaffargarh
Location in Punjab, Pakistan
Muzaffargarh
Location in Pakistan
|
|
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Province |  Punjab |
| Division | Dera Ghazi Khan |
| District | Muzaffargarh |
| Number of Tehsils | 3 |
| Union councils | 78 |
| Founded by | Nawab Muzaffar Khan Khaishgi |
| Area | |
| • Metro | 8,435 km2 (3,257 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 123 m (404 ft) |
| Population
(2023 census)
|
|
| • City | 235,541 |
| • Rank | 39th, Pakistan |
| Time zone | UTC+5 (PST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+6 (PDT) |
| Area code(s) | 066 |
Muzaffargarh is a city in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Its name means "Fort of Muzaffar." It is located on the bank of the Chenab River. Muzaffargarh is the main city and capital of the Muzaffargarh District. It is the 39th largest city in Pakistan by population.
Contents
Exploring the History of Muzaffargarh
The area around Muzaffargarh was once a farming and forest region during the Indus Valley civilization. Later, the Vedic period brought new cultures to Punjab. Many ancient civilizations ruled this land over time. These included the Kambojas, Daradas, Kekayas, Madras, Pauravas, Yaudheyas, Malavas, and Kurus.
Ancient Empires and Rulers
After the Achaemenid Empire fell in 331 BCE, Alexander the Great arrived with a large army. The Muzaffargarh region was then ruled by several other powerful empires. These included the Maurya Empire, the Indo-Greek kingdom, and the Kushan Empire. Later, the Gupta Empire, the White Huns, and others also took control.
The Rise of Muslim Rule
In 997 CE, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi gained power. He conquered areas that gave him control over Punjab. The Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire also ruled this region. During this time, many people in the area became Muslim. This was due to the arrival of missionary Sufis. Their shrines, called dargahs, can still be found there today.
Later Rulers and British Control
After the Mughal Empire weakened, the Sikhs took over the Muzaffargarh District. Then, in 1848, the British Raj gained control of the area.
How Muzaffargarh Was Founded
The city of Muzaffargarh was founded in 1794. It was started by Nawab Muzaffar Khan, who was the governor of Multan. The name "Muzaffargarh" means "Fort of Muzaffar." This is because the historic part of the city was built within the walls of a fort by the governor. In 1864, it became the capital of the Muzaffargarh District.
The city was also known as Kala Pani, meaning "Black Water." This is because it is located between two rivers: the Indus and the Chenab. During the British era, bridges were built to connect it to nearby lands.
Independence in 1947
During the movement for Pakistan's independence, most Muslim people in the area supported the Muslim League. They wanted a separate country. In 1947, when Pakistan became independent, many Hindus and Sikhs moved to India. At the same time, Muslim refugees from India came to settle in Muzaffargarh.
Geography and Climate of Muzaffargarh
| Weather chart for Muzaffargarh | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
7.2
21
5
|
9.5
23
8
|
20
29
14
|
13
36
20
|
9.8
40
24
|
12
42
29
|
61
39
29
|
33
38
28
|
11
37
25
|
1.7
35
18
|
2.3
29
11
|
6.9
23
6
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| temperatures in °C precipitation totals in mm source: World Meteorological Organization |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Imperial conversion
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Muzaffargarh covers an area of about 8,249 square kilometers. It lies between the Chenab River to the east and the Indus River to the west. The city is 123 meters (about 403 feet) above sea level. In 2010, Muzaffargarh was greatly affected by floods because of its location between these two large rivers.
The city is almost exactly in the center of Pakistan. The closest big city is Multan. The land around Muzaffargarh is a flat plain, perfect for farming. There are many farms growing citrus fruits and mangoes. Canals also cross the district, bringing water to the farms. During the monsoon season, areas near the Chenab River often get flooded.
Muzaffargarh's Climate
Muzaffargarh has a dry climate. Summers are very hot, and winters are mild. The city has seen some of Pakistan's most extreme weather. The highest temperature recorded was about 54°C (129°F). The lowest was about -1°C (30°F). On average, the city gets about 127 millimeters (5 inches) of rain each year. Dust storms are also common in the city.
Cultural Heritage Sites to Visit
- Tomb of Tahir Khan Nahar
- Tomb of Sheikh Sadan Shaheed
Getting Around: Transportation in Muzaffargarh
Muzaffargarh is connected to other cities by different types of transport.
Road Connections
The city has paved roads that stretch for 983.69 kilometers, connecting it to the rest of the district. Buses to Multan leave often because the cities are close. There are also buses that travel to cities farther away. The N-70 National Highway links Muzaffargarh to other parts of Pakistan. This highway allows direct travel to cities like Islamabad, Faisalabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Bahawalpur.
Railway Links
Muzaffargarh is connected by train to all parts of Pakistan. It is on a railway line that runs between Multan, Mianwali, and Attock. The main Peshawar-Karachi railway line passes through the nearby Multan District.
Canals for Irrigation
There are two important irrigation canals in Muzaffargarh. They are called the Muzaffargarh Canal and the Ganesh Wah Canal. These canals help bring water to farms.
Power Plants in Muzaffargarh
Muzaffargarh Nuclear Power Complex
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) plans to build three nuclear reactors in Muzaffargarh. This complex will be able to produce 1100 megawatts of electricity.
Muzaffargarh Thermal Power Plant
Muzaffargarh has a thermal power plant with three units. It can produce 1350 megawatts of electricity. The plant uses fuel, but a Russian company has agreed to provide imported coal to help run it. This power plant is about 11 kilometers (7 miles) from the main city.
Notable Places to See
Fayyaz Park
Fayyaz Park is the only park in the center of Muzaffargarh city. It was named after Fayyaz Bashir, a former Deputy Commissioner of Muzaffargarh. The park has recently been improved and is a great place for families to walk and relax. Fayyaz Park is located near Katchehry Chowk, next to the National Bank Main City branch. The park's site used to be the home of the Deputy Commissioner.
Famous People from Muzaffargarh
- Nawab Muzaffar Khan: He was the founder of Muzaffargarh city.
- Sardar Kaure Khan Jatoi: Known for his important social services.
- Mushtaq Ahmed Gurmani: A former governor of West Pakistan.
- Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan: A very important political leader in Pakistan.
- Hina Rabbani Khar: She was Pakistan's first female Foreign Minister.
- Ghulam Mustafa Khar: A former Governor and Chief Minister of Punjab.
- Ghulam Noor Rabbani Khar: A well-known politician.
- Sultan Mehmood: A politician.
- Jamshed Dasti: A politician.
- Azhar Hussain: A famous wrestler.
See also
In Spanish: Muzaffargarh (ciudad) para niños
