Pakistan's Gujranwala district is located in the province of Punjab and has a rich and varied history. It is the seventh largest city in the country and is home to a number of important historical sites. Gujranwala has been inhabited since ancient times and has been an important center of trade and commerce since the 6th century BC.
The city of Gujranwala was founded in the 11th century by the Hindu Rajputs of the Bhatti clan. The city was initially called ‘Gorakhnath’ and was later changed to ‘Gujranwala’. The city was conquered by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1021 AD and was part of the Ghaznavid Empire. During the Mughal period, the city was an important trading center and was known for its fine fabrics and carpets.
In the 17th century, Gujranwala was made the capital of the Sikh Empire. The city was the site of many battles between the Sikhs and the Mughals. In 1765, the city was captured by the Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Durrani and was later annexed by the Sikh Empire.
In 1849, the British annexed the city and made it part of the Punjab province. During the British period, Gujranwala was an important center of trade and commerce and was home to several cotton mills and tanneries. The city also played an important role in the Pakistan Movement and was the birthplace of the renowned leader, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Gujranwala is home to several historical sites including the tomb of the famous Sufi poet, Shah Hussain, the fort of Ranjit Singh, the shrine of Baba Farid Ganj Shakar, and the mausoleum of Sultan Bahoo. The city is also home to numerous parks, gardens, and museums, making it an important tourist destination in Pakistan.
Today, Gujranwala is a modern city with a vibrant economy. The city is home to numerous industries including textiles, chemicals, and food processing. It is also an important educational center and is home to several universities and colleges. Gujranwala is an important hub of culture and entertainment and is home to numerous theaters, cinemas, and shopping malls.