Punjab is Pakistan's largest province by population. Learn about Punjab's geography, area, population, major cities, and capital city. Explore its diverse landscape, rich culture, and economic significance.
Punjab is Pakistan's largest province, representing rich cultural diversity, ancient history, and spectacular beauty. It is located in northeastern Pakistan and has the country's largest population, with about 110 million people. Geographically, the province spans the Himalayan foothills in the North, the rich Indus Valley plains in the center, and the Thar Desert in the South. Punjab has a semi-arid climate with very hot summers and mild winters. Monsoon rains start in July and end in September.
Punjab is often termed as the heart of Pakistan because of its rich culture and economic contribution. Punjab has its name derived from the Persian word ‘Punj’ (meaning five) and ‘ab’ (meaning water) as it’s the land of five rivers. These rivers are Jhelum, Indus, Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab. Together they make Punjab an agricultural hub by supplying water to its fertile lands.
As per the 2023 census, the largest city of Punjab by population is Lahore. Lahore has a population of about 13 million people. Next is Faisalabad with a population count of about 3 million. Other major cities include Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Multan, Sargodha, Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Jhang, and Sheikhupura.
Punjab’s history spans from the ancient Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilization to modern times, shaped by Aryans, Mughals, Sikhs, and the British. Its cultural heritage includes iconic sites like Katas Raj Temple, Rohtas Fort, Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and Shalimar Gardens. After the 1947 partition, Pakistani Punjab emerged as the country’s agricultural and economic backbone.
Punjab has a rich history dating back thousands of years to the Indus Valley Civilization, which is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. It has been ruled by various empires like the Mughals, Sikhs, and the British. All of them have left their mark on the culture of Punjab with respect to architecture, art, music, and literature. Indus Valley Civilization is also termed as Harappan civilization. It was first discovered and excavated in the early 20th century.
Around 500 BCE, the Aryans introduced Hindu culture and civilization. Katas Raj temple is a sacred temple of Hindus near Chakwal, Punjab. Rohtas Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site was built by Sher Shah Suri after he defeated the Mughal emperor Hamayun. When the Mughals took over the command of the subcontinent, they built various forts and gardens in Punjab. Some of the iconic sites among them include Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and the persian inspired Shalimar Gardens.
During the subcontinent partition in 1947, Punjab was divided into Pakistan and India. Punjab pakistan became the backbone of the economy and agriculture of the country.
Punjab’s mosques, shrines, and historical monuments showcase beautiful geometric patterns, colorful tile work, and masterful Islamic calligraphy. From the iconic Badshahi Mosque in Lahore to the countless village mosques that dot the landscape, these sacred spaces reflect the deep spiritual heritage and artistic traditions that have flourished in Punjab.
Punjab's culinary landscape is as rich and diverse as its culture, offering an abundance of traditional dishes that have been perfected over generations. From the bustling food streets of Lahore to village kitchens, Punjabi cuisine celebrates bold flavors, aromatic spices, and hearty portions.
This thrilling sport sees riders charging at full gallop to pierce ground targets with their lances, demonstrating the courage and horsemanship that has defined Punjab's warrior culture for centuries. Tent pegging competitions across Punjab continue to celebrate this proud tradition.
Punjab is the economic powerhouse of Pakistan, with a contribution of more than 50% of the country's GDP. This is an area with huge potential for agricultural production, mainly based on wheat, rice, cotton, and sugarcane. Punjab also serves as a hub of industry in textiles, food processing, and manufacturing.
Punjab province is often known as The Breadbasket of Pakistan. As reported by Asian Development Bank in 2014, Punjab contributed a huge percentage to Pakistan's food needs. This includes 76% of wheat, 51.2% rice, 64.8% sugarcane, 81.3% maize, and 71.6% cotton. Punjab is also famous for fruits like mango and oranges which are exported worldwide. It has one of the largest and finest canal irrigation systems.
Major industries of Punjab include textiles and garments industry in Faisalabad, automobiles and heavy manufacturing industry in Lahore and Gujranwala. Sialkot is famous for sports goods especially the footballs which are supplied in FIFA tournaments. The manufacturing sector of Pakistan contributes around 20% of output in the country’s economy. Punjab’s contribution is important as it has around 70,000 industrial units.
Lahore is the capital city of Punjab having a provincial assembly with a total of 371 seats. Punjab is governed by the Chief Minister and the Governor of Punjab. The province is divided into 10 divisions. The divisions are subdivided into 41 districts. There are a total of 97 tehsils and 82 sub-tehsils in Punjab.
Punjab is the cultural heart of Pakistan. As most of the population in the country belongs from Punjab, this culture predominates the entire country’s culture. Lahore, the province's capital, is famous for the Basant festival (kite flying). Mela Chiraghan (Festival of Lights) is celebrated at Data Darbar and Bahauddin Zakariya’s shrine. Other major festivals celebrated in Punjab include Kanak Katai, Baisakhi, and Teej. Urs of famous Sufi saints like Baba Farid and Bulleh Shah gather thousands of audience.
Punjabi is the widely spoken language of the province with famous dialects like Hindko, Saraiki, and Potohari. Famous folk tales of Punjab include Mirza Sahiban, Sohni Mahiwal, Heer Ranjha, and Yusuf Zulekha. Bhangra and Giddha are the famous folk dances of Punjab. Famous Punjabi poets include Bulleh Shah, Waris Shah, and Mian Muhammad Bakhsh.
Punjabi cuisine is a blend of richness in flavor, spices, and variety. Some of the famous dishes include sarson ka saag with makki ki roti, nihari, haleem, tandoori chicken, and naan bread. Punjab also hosts some of the best universities in Pakistan, like the University of the Punjab, Lahore University of Management Sciences, and National University of Sciences and Technology.
Tourism is another vital industry for Punjab, with places such as Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and Wagah Border being only a few of the many attractions. This province is also replete with a number of natural wonders, like hills in Murree and lakes in Mianwali.
Punjab is the largest and most dynamic province of Pakistan, playing an important role in the economy, culture, history, and agriculture of Pakistan. Its bustling cities, fertile lands, rich traditions, and historical landmarks make it the heart of Pakistan.
Karachi
Clifton, Saddar
Lahore
Gulberg, Model Town
Islamabad
F-7, Blue Area
Trekking
Fairy Meadows, Margalla
Boating
Khanpur, Attabad
Mountaineering
Rakaposhi, Hunza Valley
Biryani
Sindhi, Lahore
Chapli Kebab
Peshawar, Tarru Jabba
Dry Fruit
Gilgit, Skardu, Quetta
Gilgit Baltistan
Polo Festival, Takhum Rezi
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Chilam Joshi, Buzkashi
Sindh
Camel Dance, Sindhi Day
Fabrics & Clothing
Ajrak, Balochi Tanka
Artisan Picks
Khussa, Jhumka
Collectables
Blue Pottery, Woven Baskets
Herbs & Spices
Thyme, Milk Thistle
Clothing & Textiles
Kashmiri Shawls, Cotton
Minerals
Gypsum, Aquamarine
