Sargodha facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sargodha سرگودھا
Metropolis
Clockwise from top: Mushaf Ali Mir Chowk (Intersection), Central Library, Shaheen Enclave, University of Sargodha
Nickname(s):  City of Eagles, California of Pakistan
Sargodha Location in Punjab, Pakistan Show map of Punjab, Pakistan Sargodha Location in Pakistan Show map of Pakistan Sargodha Location in Asia Show map of Asia
Country	Pakistan
Province	Punjab
Division	Sargodha
District	Sargodha
Founded	1903
Government
• Type	Mayor–council
• Body	Metropolitan Corporation Sargodha
Area
• City	155 km2 (60 sq mi)
Elevation	190 m (620 ft)
Population  (2023)
• City	975,886
• Rank	12th, Pakistan
• Density	6,296/km2 (16,310/sq mi)
• Demonym	Sargodhian
Time zone	UTC+5 (PKT)
Postal code	40100
Dialling code	048
Number of union councils	60
Number of towns	59

Sargodha (in Punjabi and Urdu: سرگودھا) is a big city in Punjab province, Pakistan. It is the capital of the Sargodha Division. Sargodha is the 12th largest city in Pakistan by population. It is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. People call Sargodha the City of Eagles. This is because it hosts the main base of the Pakistan Air Force. Sargodha is one of the few cities in Pakistan that were carefully planned.

History of Sargodha

Sargodha was started by the British in 1903. It was first called Sargoda. The city faced some health challenges in its early years. Even though it was a small town, the British Royal Air Force built an airport here. This was because of its important location.

The name "Sargodha" comes from two words. "Sar" means "pond" and "Godha" means a "Sadhu" (a holy person). So, it means "Pond of Godha". Lady Trooper founded the city. Sir Charles Montgomery Rivaz helped supervise the project. He was a British administrator. Sargodha became a district headquarters in 1940. Then, in 1960, it became a divisional headquarters.

Geography and Climate

Where is Sargodha Located?

Sargodha is in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is about 187 kilometers (116 miles) northwest of Lahore. The city is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from the M-2 motorway. This motorway connects Lahore and Islamabad. Sargodha is also connected to Faisalabad by a highway.

Here are some distances to major cities:

• 1202 km (747 miles) north of Karachi
• 187 km (116 miles) west of Lahore
• 241 km (150 miles) south of Islamabad
• 91 km (57 miles) north-west of Faisalabad
• 223 km (139 miles) south of Rawalpindi

Land Features of Sargodha

Sargodha mostly has flat, fertile plains. There are a few small hills near the Sargodha-Faisalabad Road. The River Jhelum flows on the west and north sides. The River Chenab is on the eastern side. The city is 190 meters (623 feet) above sea level.

Sargodha's Weather

Sargodha has very hot summers. Temperatures can reach up to 50°C (122°F). Winters are moderately cold. The lowest temperature can be around freezing point (0°C or 32°F).

People and Population

In 1998, Sargodha had a population of 458,440 people. Most people in the city speak Punjabi. They often use the Shahpuri dialect. By 2017, the city's population grew to 872,557. This was a big increase of almost 44% since 1998. The total population of the Sargodha Division was about 8.1 million in 2017.

Religious groups in Sargodha City (1911−2023)

Religious group	1911		1921		1931		1941		2017		2023
	Pop.	%	Pop.	%	Pop.	%	Pop.	%	Pop.	%	Pop.	%
Islam	4,064	45.93%	6,967	39.3%	9,146	34.18%	12,060	33.11%	623,293	94.7%	1,001,238	95.29%
Hinduism	3,563	40.26%	8,189	46.19%	11,709	43.75%	17,413	47.81%	22	0%	163	0.02%
Sikhism	964	10.89%	2,168	12.23%	5,201	19.43%	5,920	16.25%	N/A	N/A	36	0%
Christianity	232	2.62%	403	2.27%	704	2.63%	998	2.74%	34,053	5.17%	48,781	4.64%
Jainism	5	0.06%	0	0%	1	0%	7	0.02%	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Zoroastrianism	1	0.01%	0	0%	0	0%	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	2	0%
Buddhism	0	0%	1	0.01%	0	0%	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Ahmadiyya	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	817	0.12%	434	0.04%
Others	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	22	0.06%	23	0%	53	0.01%
Total population	8,849	100%	17,728	100%	26,761	100%	36,420	100%	658,208	100%	1,050,707	100%

Sargodha's Economy

Most of Sargodha's economy comes from farming. Sargodha is famous for growing citrus fruits. It is known as the California of Pakistan because of this. Sargodha is the world's biggest producer of a type of orange called kinnow. These oranges are high-quality. They are sent all over Pakistan and exported to other countries. Sargodha also grows a lot of wheat, cotton, rice, and vegetables. These crops are also sent around the country and exported.

The city also has factories for textiles and rice processing. Big companies like Nestle and Shezan have juice factories here. The Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry helps guide businesses. A dry port is also being built in Sargodha. This will help with trade.

Shopping and Markets

Sargodha has many shopping malls and trade centers. You can find both international and local stores. Some popular places include:

• Mall of Sargodha
• Burj Ismail Mall
• Xin Mall
• Chenone Tower
• Burj Huraira Mall
• Al-Rehman Trade Centre
• Toheed Mall

The city has fifteen main markets, called bazaars. Each bazaar has a special name. They are known for selling certain types of goods.

• The Model Bazaar has a food court, a fun area, and shops for groceries and clothes.
• The Urdu Bazaar sells stationery and books.
• The Kachehry Bazaar has bakeries, street food, shoes, clothes, and general stores.
• The Amin Bazaar sells fabrics, special clothing, and electric appliances.
• The Muslim Bazaar has bathroom items and motorcycle repair shops.
• The Anarkali Bazaar sells items for the home.
• The Sarafa Bazaar is where you find gold and jewelry.
• The Rail Bazaar sells fabrics.
• The Liaquat Bazaar sells new bicycles and sports bikes.
• The Faisal Bazar sells spices, oil, meat, and poultry.
• The Karkhana Bazaar sells dishes and kitchen items.
• The Bans Bazaar sells dairy and milk products.
• The Kabaarhi Bazaar has shops for brokers.
• The Fruit Mandi is a market for fruits.
• The Sabzi Mandi is a market for vegetables, meat, fish, and groceries.

City Management

Divisional and District Government

Sargodha is the main city of Sargodha Tehsil. Since 2012, Sargodha has been the headquarters for its division. This means it manages the districts of Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, and Bhakkar. It helps manage the lives of about 8.1 million people.

Local City Government

The city's local government has grown over time. In 1981, the Municipal Committee became a Municipal Corporation. This happened when the city's population grew to over half a million. In 2019, it became a Metropolitan Corporation. This is a higher level of local government. The Metropolitan Corporation Sargodha is currently led by a Divisional Commissioner. The position of mayor is empty.

The Sargodha Development Authority (SDA) was created in 2017. It plans new developments in Sargodha. It also gives permits for new buildings and housing projects. The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) takes care of all the parks and green spaces. There are also plans for a Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and a Waste Management Company (SWMC).

Safe City Project

Sargodha is one of six cities in Punjab getting better security. The Punjab Safe Cities Authority is leading this project. About 5.5 billion Rupees are set aside for it. The project will install many CCTV cameras. These cameras will record images and send them to special control centers. This helps make the city safer.

Education in Sargodha

Main Gate to University of Sargodha

PAF Public School

In 1998, about 67.8% of people in Sargodha could read and write. By 2017, this number went up to 80.5%. Sargodha is a center for education in its division. It serves about 8.1 million people. The Sargodha Division has its own Education Board. This board handles exams for high school and college. There are four universities and many colleges in the city. These colleges offer studies in medicine, law, IT, business, and engineering. Quaid-e-Azam Law College is well-known for law studies.

Board of Education

The Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education, Sargodha, manages education for the whole Sargodha Division. It started in 1968. It covers Sargodha and Rawalpindi areas.

Schools and Colleges

Getting Around Sargodha

Roads and Highways

Motorway M2 exit to Sargodha

Sargodha has several important roads. University Road is 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long. Other main roads include Fatima Jinnah Road, City Road, and Canal Road. There are also three flyovers in the city. These help traffic move smoothly. One flyover is at Khayyam Chowk. Another is on Fatima Jinnah Road. A third is on Kachehry Road.

The city is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from the M-2 Motorway. This motorway connects Lahore and Islamabad. The N-60 National Highway also runs from Sargodha to Lahore.

Bus Services

The General Bus Stand is on Fatima Jinnah Road. It offers bus services from Sargodha to almost every part of Pakistan. Companies like Daewoo Bus Service, Niazi Express, and Faisal Movers run regular routes.

Taxis and Rickshaws

Online taxi services like Uber and Careem are available. Many auto rickshaws also operate throughout the city. They are a common way to travel for many people.

Train Travel

Sargodha is also connected by train. The Sargodha Junction railway station is on a branch railway line. Trains like Hazara Express and Millat Express offer daily transport. They connect Sargodha to cities like Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi.

Pakistan Air Force Base

Pakistan's largest airbase, PAF Base Mushaf, is in Sargodha. It used to be called PAF Base Sargodha. This base is home to the main command center for the Pakistan Air Force in the region. It also has the Combat Commanders School (CCS).

Fun Things to Do

Places to Visit

• 

  Lake of Kirana Hills

• 

  Antique fighter jet mounted at Company Bagh

• 

  Centre point of famous Company Bagh

Kirana Hills

The Kirana Hills are a small group of rocky mountains in Sargodha. They are a popular place for visitors. Locals sometimes call them the Black Mountains. This is because of their brownish look. The highest point is about 980 feet (299 meters) tall.

Jinnah Hall

Jinnah Hall is an important historical building in Sargodha. It was built in 1949. It is named after Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who founded Pakistan. Jinnah Hall was first a town hall and library. Now, it is used for exhibitions, events, and as a library.

Sports in Sargodha

Sargodha Astroturf Hockey Stadium

Sargodha has the Sargodha Cricket Stadium. The city also had a first-class cricket team. They played in Pakistan's top tournaments. Next to the stadium is a sports complex. It has a gym and courts for basketball, badminton, and table tennis. Karate classes are also held there.

Mela Mandi Ground is a historic stadium in Sargodha. It is used for cricket and football. This large ground was built for outdoor sports. Every March, during spring, many sports competitions take place here. Many people from Pakistan come to watch these annual games.

Sargodha also has the Sargodha Astroturf Hockey Stadium. It is near Mela Mandi Ground. This stadium is home to the Sargodha District Hockey Team. It helps young people in the city play hockey. Galaxy Sports Complex is another well-known sports academy. A football ground with lights is being built in Company Bagh.

Food and Drinks

• 

  Food Street on Stadium Road, Sargodha

• 

  A local restaurant in Sargodha

• 

  A McDonald's outlet in Sargodha

• 

  KFC outlet, University Road, Sargodha

Traditional Local Food

The food in Sargodha is like other parts of South Asia. Some dishes come from the royal kitchens of Mughal emperors from the 16th century. Many dishes have influences from British, Indian, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern cooking. Pakistani food uses a lot of spices and herbs. Garlic, ginger, turmeric, red chili, and garam masala are common. Home cooking often includes curry.

Roti, a thin flatbread, is a main food. It is usually eaten with curry, meat, vegetables, and lentils. Rice is also popular. It can be plain, fried with spices, or in sweet dishes.

Lassi is a traditional drink in the Punjab, including Sargodha. Black tea with milk and sugar is also very popular. Most people drink it every day.

Fast Food Options

Fast food is also very popular in Sargodha. Besides local fast food places, there are international chains. These include KFC, McDonald's, Subway, and Domino's. The world's biggest Gloria Jean's coffee shop is also in Sargodha.

Awards and Recognition

In 1966, the Government of Pakistan gave a special flag called the Hilal-e-Istaqlal to Sargodha. Lahore and Sialkot also received this award. This was to honor their strong resistance during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. These cities were targets of the Indian army. Every year on Defence Day (September 6), this flag is raised in these cities. It celebrates the courage of their people.

Famous People from Sargodha

• Air Commodore Sajad Haider, a hero from the 1965 War
• Sarfraz Ali (general), a high-ranking army officer
• Wazir Agha, a scholar of Urdu language
• Rafiq Anjum, an actor
• Imtiaz Bhatti, a former Ambassador of Pakistan
• Rubina Feroze Bhatti, a human rights activist
• Aizaz Cheema, a cricketer
• Chaudhry Anwar Ali Cheema, a politician
• Hameed Gul, former head of ISI (intelligence agency)
• Mohammad Hafeez, a cricketer
• Farhat Hashmi, an Islamic Scholar
• Chaudhary Ghias Ahmed Mela, a politician
• Ali Haider Noor Khan Niazi, a politician
• Feroz Khan Noon, a former Prime Minister of Pakistan
• Anwer Ali Noon, a former politician and army officer
• Amjad Ali Noon, a former Ambassador of Pakistan
• Bakht Singh (1903–2000), a Christian leader
• Khalid Iqbal Yasir, a poet

Images for kids

• 

  Mall of Sargodha under construction

• 

  Burj Ismail Mall

See also

In Spanish: Sargodha para niños