Difference between revisions of "Lahore" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Infobox Settlement
 
|name                  = Lahore
 
|native_name            = {{Nastaliq|لاہور}}
 
|settlement_type        = City District
 
<!-- images and maps  ----------->
 
|image_map              = Location_of_Lahore.png
 
|image_skyline          =
 
|image_blank_emblem    = Lahore Emblem.jpg
 
|blank_emblem_type      = Emblem
 
<!-- Location ------------------>
 
|pushpin_mapsize        =300
 
|subdivision_type      = Country
 
|subdivision_name      = {{flagicon|Pakistan}} [[Pakistan]]
 
|subdivision_type1      = [[Subdivisions of Pakistan|Province]]
 
|subdivision_name1      = [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]]
 
<!-- Seat of government and towns—>
 
|seat_type              = City Council
 
|seat                  = lahore
 
|parts_type            = Towns
 
|parts_style            = para<!-- =list (for list), coll (for collapsed list), para (for paragraph format)
 
                              Default is list if up to 5 items, coll if more than 5—>
 
|parts                  = 9<!-- parts text, or header for parts list —>
 
<!-- Politics ----------------->
 
|government_footnotes  =
 
|government_type        = City District
 
|leader_title          = City Nazim
 
|leader_party          =
 
|leader_name            = Rana Zahid Mahmood 
 
|leader_title1          = Naib Nazim
 
|leader_name1          = Rizwan Haider Basra
 
|leader_title2          = District Coordination Officer
 
|leader_name2          = Zubair Akram
 
|established_title      = City District Government
 
|established_date      = 11th September 2008
 
<!-- Area    --------------------->
 
|area_magnitude          = 1 E+6
 
|area_footnotes          =<ref name="pportal">{{cite web| url=http://pportal.punjab.gov.pk/portal/portal/media-type/html/group/300/page/default.psml/js_panename/ContentViewAdmin/portal/411/nav/right/punjabcms/servlet/PunjabCMSServlet?CMDCMS=V_T_DOCS_BROWSER_VIEW&txtDocID=80&txtVersionID=1&CMDDOCTYPE=1&txtUserID=303| title=Punjab Portal| publisher=Government of Punjab| accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>
 
|area_total_km2          = 1772
 
|area_total_sq_mi        = 684
 
<!-- Elevation -------------------------->
 
|elevation_footnotes    =
 
|elevation_m            = 217
 
<!-- Population  ----------------------->
 
|population_as_of              = 2007
 
|population_footnotes          =<ref name="pportal"/>
 
|population_note                = Combined population of Lahore City and Lahore Cantonment
 
|population_total              = 6319000
 
|population_density_km2        = auto
 
|population_density_sq_mi      = auto
 
<!-- General information  --------------->
 
|timezone              =
 
|utc_offset            =
 
|timezone_DST          =
 
|utc_offset_DST        =
 
|latd=31 |latm=32 |lats=59 |latNS=N
 
|longd=74 |longm=20 |longs=37 |longEW=E
 
<!-- Area/postal codes & others -------->
 
|area_code              = 042
 
|website                = http://www.lahore.gov.pk
 
|footnotes              = Lahore Cantonment is a legally separate military-administered settlement.
 
}}
 
  
{{coord|31|32|59|N|74|20|37|E|display=title}}
 
 
{{Audio|Lahore_pronunciation.ogg|'''Lahore'''}} ({{lang-pa|{{Nastaliq|لہور}}}}, {{lang-ur|{{Nastaliq|لاہور}}}} {{pronounced|lahor}}) is the capital of the [[Pakistan]]i [[Subdivisions of Pakistan|province]] of [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]] and is the [[List of most populated metropolitan areas in Pakistan|second largest]] city in Pakistan after [[Karachi]]. It is popularly known as the ''Heart of Pakistan'', due to its historical importance in the creation of Pakistan, and also being a cultural, political and educational centre of the country and economic centre of the country's biggest province, Punjab. It is also often called the ''Garden of the Mughals'' or the ''City of Gardens'' because of the heritage of the [[Mughal Empire]]. It is located near the [[Ravi River]] and [[Wagah]], close to the Pakistan-[[India]] border.
 
 
Much of Lahore's architecture from the Mughal and colonial eras has been preserved. Mughal structures such as the [[Badshahi Mosque]], [[Ali Hujwiri]], [[Lahore Fort]], [[Shalimar Gardens (Lahore)|Shalimar Gardens]] and the mausoleums of [[Tomb of Jahangir|Jehangir]],  and [[Nur Jehan]] are popular tourist spots in the city. Colonial [[United Kingdom|British]] structures such as the [[Lahore High Court]], General Post Office (GPO) and many of the older universities still retain their Mughal-Gothic style.
 
 
[[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] and Urdu are the native languages of the province and is the most widely-spoken language in Lahore and rural areas. [[Urdu]] and [[English language|English]], however, are becoming more popular with younger generations since they are officially supported, whereas Punjabi has no official patronage. Many people of Lahore who speak Punjabi are known as ''Lahori Punjabi'' due to their use of a mixture of Punjabi and colloquial [[Urdu]]. According to the 1998 census, Lahore's population was nearly 7 million. Mid-2006 government estimates now put the population at approximately 10 million.<ref> [http://www.lahore.gov.pk/profile/geography.htm Official Profile: Lahore's geography], Lahore City Government. Retrieved on [[September 19]], [[2007]].</ref> This makes Lahore the second largest city in Pakistan, fifth largest city in [[South Asia]] and the [[largest cities of the world| 23rd largest city in the world]].
 
 
==History==
 
{{main|History of Lahore}}
 
[[Ptolemy]], the celebrated astronomer and geographer, mentions in his ''[[Geographia]]'' a city called ''Labokla''<ref>[http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V16_112.gif Imperial Gazetteer of India, v. 16, p. 106]</ref> situated on the route between the [[Indus River]] and Palibothra, or Pataliputra ([[Patna]]), in a tract of country called Kasperia ([[Kashmir]]), described as extending along the rivers Bidastes or ''Vitasta'' ([[Jhelum River|Jhelum]]), Sandabal or ''Chandra Bhaga'' ([[Chenab]]), and Adris or ''Iravati'' ([[Ravi River|Ravi]]). This city may be ancient Lahore. {{Fact|date=June 2007}}
 
 
A legend, based on Hindu oral traditions, states that Lahore was named after [[Lava (Ramayana)|Lava]], son of the [[Hindu]] god [[Rama]], who supposedly founded the city. To this day, the Lahore Fort has a vacant temple dedicated to Lava (also pronounced Loh, hence "Loh-awar" or The Fort of Loh).
 
 
The oldest authentic document about Lahore was written anonymously in 982 and is called [[Hudud ul-'alam min al-mashriq ila al-maghrib|Hudud-i-Alam]].<ref>[http://www.arisandphillips.com/ap/Hudud.html HUDUD AL-'ALAM 'The Regions of the World' A Persian Geography]</ref> It was translated into [[English language|English]] by [[Vladimir Fedorovich Minorsky]] and published in Lahore in 1927. In this document, Lahore is referred to as a small ''shahr'' ([[city]]) with "impressive temples, large markets and huge orchards." It refers to "two major markets around which dwellings exist," and it also mentions "the mud walls that enclose these two dwellings to make it one." The original document is currently held in the [[British Museum]].<ref>[http://www.dawn.com/2004/08/22/fea.htm Dawn Pakistan - The 'shroud' over Lahore's antiquity]</ref>. Lahore was called by different names in history, and to date there is no evidence to suggest the actual time, when the city was made, some historians trace the history of the city as far as 4000 years ago.<ref>https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/News/Archives/2006/September/GlasgowLahoreTwinning.htm</ref>.
 
 
[[Image:Badshahi Mosque July 1 2005 pic32 by Ali Imran (1).jpg|thumb|Built in 1673, the [[Badshahi Mosque]] is a prime example of [[Mughal Architecture]].]]
 
[[Image:Samadhi of Ranjit Singh July 1 2005.jpg|thumb|[[Samadhi of Ranjit Singh|Mausoleum]] of Sikh emperor, [[Ranjit Singh|Maharaja Ranjit Singh]]]]
 
[[Image:Lahore1893.jpg|thumb|Map of Lahore drawn up during the rule of the [[British Raj|British]], 1893]]
 
[[Image:Punjab Exhibition building, 1864.jpg|thumb|British-built Tollinton Market, 1864 circ.]]
 
[[Image:July 9 2005 - Minar-e-Pakistan panoramic.jpg|thumb|[[Minar-e-Pakistan]], where the [[Declaration of the Independence of India]] and [[Pakistan Resolution]] were passed]]
 
[[Image:Racecourse.jpg|thumb|[[Lahore Race Club]], one of the most prominent racecourses in south asia]]
 
 
Few references to Lahore exist for times before its capture by [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni]] in the eleventh century. In 1021, [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Mahmud]] appointed [[Malik Ayaz]] to the throne and made Lahore the capital of the [[Ghaznavid Empire]]. The sultan took Lahore after a long siege and battle in which the city was torched and depopulated. As the first Muslim ruler of Lahore, Ayaz rebuilt and repopulated the city. He added many important features, such as city gates and a masonry fort, built in 1037-1040 on the ruins of the previous one, which had been demolished in the fighting (as recorded by Munshi Sujan Rae Bhandari, author of the ''Khulasatut Tawarikh'' in 1695-96).{{Fact|date=June 2007}} The present Lahore Fort stands in the same location. Under his rule, the city became a cultural and academic center, renowned for poetry. The tomb of Malik Ayaz can still be seen in the Rang Mahal commercial area of town.
 
 
After the fall of the Ghaznavid Empire, Lahore was ruled by various Muslim dynasties known as the [[Delhi Sultanate]], including the [[Khilji dynasty|Khiljis]], [[Tughlaq dynasty|Tughlaqs]], [[Sayyid Dynasty|Sayyid]], [[Lodhi dynasty|Lodhis]] and [[Sur Dynasty|Suris]].<ref>[http://www.lahore.gov.pk/profile/history.htm History of Lahore], Lahore City Government. Retrieved on [[September 19]], [[2007]].</ref> When Sultan [[Qutb-ud-din Aybak]] was crowned here in 1206, he became the first [[Muslim]] [[sultan]] of the [[Indian subcontinent]]{{Fact|date=September 2007}}. It was not until 1524 that Lahore became part of the [[Mughal Empire]].
 
 
From 1524 to 1752, Lahore was part of the [[Mughal Empire]], and from 1584 to 1598, during the rules of the emperors [[Akbar]] and [[Jahangir]], the city served as its capital. Lahore reached a peak of architectural glory during the rule of the Mughals, whose buildings and gardens survived the hazards of time. Lahore's reputation for beauty fascinated the [[England|English]] poet [[John Milton]], who wrote "Agra and Lahore, the Seat of Great Mughal" in 1670.<ref>[http://www.gcu.edu.pk/Citylahore.htm GC University Lahore]</ref> During this time, the massive [[Lahore Fort]] was built. A few buildings within the fort were added by Akbar's son, Mughal emperor [[Jahangir]], who is [[Tomb of Jahangir|buried]] in the city. Jahangir's son, [[Shah Jahan]], was born in Lahore. He, like his father, extended the Lahore Fort and built many other structures in the city, including the [[Shalimar Gardens (Lahore)|Shalimar Gardens]]. The last of the great Mughals, [[Aurangzeb]], who ruled from 1658 to 1707, built the city's most famous monuments, the [[Badshahi Masjid]] and the [[Alamgiri Gate]] next to the [[Lahore Fort]]. This area attracts many tourists and is used by the government for public speeches and social events.
 
 
During the 18th century, as [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] power dwindled, Lahore was often invaded. invasions were there, but no permanent settlement or government. as great punjabi poet Baba waris Shah said " khada peeta wahy da, baqi ahmad shahy da" it means " we have nothing with us except what we eat and wear, all other things are for ahmad shah abdali(an Iranian invader). but at that time no one could hold a permanent government in Lhore. Lhore is the original name of the city, as lhoris called it.
 
 
The 1740s were years of chaos, and the city had nine different governors between 1745 and 1756. Invasions and chaos in local government allowed bands of warring Sikhs to gain control in some areas. In 1799, all Sikh [[Misl]]s joined into one to form a sovereign Sikh state ruled by [[Ranjit Singh|Maharaja Ranjit Singh]].<ref>[[:wikisource:1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Lahore|Encyclopædia Britannica article on Lahore]]</ref>
 
 
It was ranjiet singh who resisted Britishers for more then 40 years and after his death in 1939, Britishers had to wait for ten more years to capture Lhore darbar. for britishers Punjab was a frontier province. Lhore darbar had boundaries with Afghanistan and Iran. Britishers treated it as frontier province and unlike bengal or Sindh they did not allowed punjabis to use their mother tongue. it was Britishers who introduced Urdu first time in Punjab including lhore due to the fear of Punjabi nationalism. During their reign (1849-1947), [[British India|British]] construction in Lahore combined [[Mughal architecture|Mughal]], [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic]] and [[Victorian architecture|Victorian]] styles. The GPO and YMCA buildings in Lahore commemorated the golden jubilee of [[Queen Victoria]], an event marked by the construction of clock towers and monuments all over [[India]]. Other important British  buildings included the High Court, the [[Government College University]], [[Lahore Museum|the museums]], the [[National College of Arts]], Montgomery Hall, [[Tollinton Market]], the [[University of the Punjab]] (Old Campus) and the Provincial Assembly. Even today, Mall Road retains a variety of Gothic and Victorian style buildings built during the British Raj. At one end of [[The Mall (Lahore)|The Mall]] stands the university, one of the most prestiguous universities of Pakistan. The British also launched the city's first horse-racing club in 1924, and today function's under the [[Lahore Race Club]].
 
 
Lahore enjoys a special position freedom-struggle of both Bharat and Pakistan. The 1929 [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] session was held at Lahore. In this Congress, the [[Declaration of the Independence of India]] was moved by [[Nehru|Pandit Nehru]] and passed unanimously at midnight on [[31 December]] [[1929]].<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99jan27/head3.htm Tribune India - Republic Day]</ref> On this occasion, the contemporary [[Flag of India|tricolour of India]] (with a [[chakra]] at its centre) was hoisted as a national flag, and thousands of people saluted it.
 
 
Lahore prison was a place to detain revolutionary freedom fighters. Noted freedom fighter [[Jatin Das]] died in Lahore prison after fasting for 63 days in protest of British treatment of political prisoners. One of the greatest martyrs in the history of Indian independence, [[Sardar Bhagat Singh|Shaheed Sardar Bhagat Singh]], was hanged in Lahore Jail.<ref>[http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C09%5C02%5Cstory_2-9-2007_pg7_33 Daily Times Pakistan - Memorial will be built to Bhagat Singh, says governor]</ref>
 
 
The most important session of the [[All India Muslim League]], later the [[Pakistan Muslim League]], the premier party fighting for Indian independence and the creation of Pakistan, was held in Lahore in 1940.<ref>[http://www.storyofpakistan.com/articletext.asp?artid=A043 Story of Pakistan -  Lahore Resolution 1940], Jin Technologies. Retrieved on [[September 19]], [[2007]].</ref>  Muslims under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam demanded a separate homeland for Muslims of India in a document known as the ''Pakistan Resolution'' or the ''[[Lahore Resolution]]''. During this session, [[Muhammad Ali Jinnah]], leader of the league, publicly proposed the [[Two Nation Theory]] for the first time.
 
 
At independence, Lahore was made capital of [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]] province in the new state of Pakistan. After 1947, Lahore was affected by large-scale riots among [[Muslims]], Hindus, and Sikhs that led to huge structural damage to historic monuments such as the [[Lahore Fort]], [[Badshahi mosque]] and other colonial buildings.<ref>[http://www.travelintelligence.net/wsd/articles/art_48.html  Lahore: Blood on the Tracks by William Dalrymple]</ref> Among all cities of India, Lahore suffered the greatest loss due to the [[Partition of India|Partition of Punjab]] in 1947. However, with United Nations assistance, the [[Government of Pakistan|government]] was able to re-build Lahore. Less than 20 years  later, Lahore would once again become a [[Battle of Lahore|battleground]] as the Indian army made a failed attempt to capture the city.
 
The second [[Organization of the Islamic Conference|Islamic Summit Conference]] was held in the city.<ref>[http://www.oic-oci.org/english/conf/is/2/2nd-is-sum.htm SECOND ISLAMIC SUMMIT CONFERENCE]</ref> In 1996 the [[International Cricket Council]] [[1996 Cricket World Cup|Cricket World Cup]] final match was held at the [[Gaddafi Stadium]] in Lahore, and Lahore along with [[Colombo]] is to host the semi finals of the [[2011 Cricket World Cup]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/6170277.stm BBC Sport - Mumbai given 2011 World Cup final]</ref>.
 
 
Due to its long history, Lahore's architecture, culture, demographics and language has been effected by the Persians, Mongols, Afghans, Sikhs, Hindus and the British.
 
 
==Geography and climate==
 
Lying between 31°15′ and 31°45′ North latitude and 74°01′ and 74°39′ East longitude, Lahore is bounded on the north and west by the [[Sheikhupura District]], on the east by [[Wagah]], and on the south by [[Kasur District]]. The [[Ravi River]] flows on the northern side of Lahore. Lahore city covers a total land area of 404 km² and is still growing.
 
 
The weather of Lahore is extreme during the months of May, June, and July, when the temperatures soar to 40&ndash;45 °C. In August, the monsoon seasons starts, with heavy rainfall throughout the province. December, January, and February are the coldest months, when temperatures can drop to -1 °C.{{Fact|date=September 2007}} The city’s highest maximum temperature was 48.3°C,<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://www.met.gov.pk/cdpc/lahore.htm QUETTA<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref> recorded on [[June 6]], [[1921]], and again on [[June 9]], [[2007]].<ref>[http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/10/nat11.htm'' "Heatwave to persist for 4-5 days"], ''The Dawn'', [[June 10]], [[2007]].</ref> At the time the meteorological office recorded this official temperature in the shade, it reported a heat index in direct sunlight of 55 °C, lowest temperature recorded is -6.0°C.<ref name=autogenerated1 />
 
 
{{Climate chart
 
|Lahore
 
|5.9|19.8|23
 
|8.9|22.0|29
 
|14.0|27.1|41
 
|19.6|33.9|20
 
|23.7|38.6|22
 
|27.4|40.4|36
 
|26.9|36.1|202
 
|26.4|35.0|164
 
|24.4|35.0|61
 
|18.2|32.9|12
 
|11.6|27.4|4
 
|6.8|21.6|14
 
|source =World Weather Information Service<ref name=""weather1"" >{{cite web
 
|url=http://www.worldweather.org/047/c00891.htm= |title=Weather information for Lahore | accessmonthday =January 9 |accessyear= 2009
 
|publisher= |language=}}</ref>
 
|accessdate=2009-01-09
 
|float=right
 
}}
 
 
== Civic Administration ==
 
[[Image:PunjabAssemblyBuilding.jpg|thumb|Being the provincial capital, the Punjab Assembly Building hosts meeting for district heads.]]
 
 
Earlier the Lahore comprised only 6 towns . However in 2001 due to revision of administrative setup it was tagged as City District, further 3 new towns were added. So the total town size rose from 6 to 9 . Under each town there are respective U.C's (Union Councils) and each union council consist of numerous areas. Current U.C size is 150 the list and U.C numbers can be found on (www.lahore.gov.pk).
 
 
===Administrative towns===
 
* [[Aziz Bhatti Town]]
 
* [[Ravi Town]]
 
* [[Shalimar Town]]
 
* [[Wagah Town]]
 
* [[Data Ganj Baksh Town]]
 
* [[Gulberg Town]]
 
* [[Allama Iqbal Town]]
 
* [[Samanabad Town]]
 
* [[Nishtar Town]]
 
* [[Lahore Cantt]]
 
 
===Localities===
 
* [[Ichhra]]
 
* [[New Muslim Town]]
 
* [[Hassan Town]]
 
* [[Awan Town]]
 
* [[Mustafa Town]]
 
* [[Johar Town]]
 
* [[Garden Town]]
 
* [[Iqbal Town]]
 
* [[Faisal Town]]
 
* [[Model Town]]
 
* [[WAPDA Town]]
 
* [[Valencia, Lahore|Valencia Town]]
 
* [[Township Lahore|Township]]
 
* [[Punjab Cooperative Housing Society]]
 
* [[Nespak Society]]
 
* [[Green Town]]
 
* [[Pasco Society]]
 
* [[Muhafiz Town]]
 
* [[NFC Employees Cooperative Housing Society]]
 
* [[Sukh Chayn Gardens]]
 
* [[Behria Town|Bahria Town]]
 
* [[Saroba Garden]]
 
 
===Neighbourhoods===
 
* [[Shad Bagh]]
 
* [[Shadman]]
 
* [[Chah Miran]]
 
* [[Chok yateem khana]]
 
* [[Gawalmandi]]
 
* [[Laxshmi Chowk]]
 
* [[Qila Gujar Singh]]
 
* [[Mozang]]
 
* [[Shahdara Bagh]]
 
* [[Begum kot]]
 
* [[Baghbanpura]]
 
* [[Krishan Nagar]]
 
* [[Defence Housing Authority (Lahore)]]
 
* [[Walled City of Lahore]]
 
* [[Wapda Town]]
 
* [[Sanda]]
 
* [[Mughalpura]]
 
* [[Tajpurra Scheme LDA]]
 
* [[Harbanspura]]
 
* [[Jallo Mor]]
 
* [[Batapur]]
 
* [[Canal View Housing Society]]
 
 
[[Image:Wapdahouse.jpg|thumb|WAPDA Headquarters provides electricity and water to the majority of the city]]
 
[[Image:Siddiq Trade Center Main Bl Gulberg Lahore.JPG|thumb|Siddigue Trade Center is one of many new shopping malls launched to meet the increasing shopping demands]]
 
 
== Economy ==
 
As of 2005, the city's [[gross domestic product]] (GDP) by [[purchasing power parity]] (PPP) is estimated at $28 billion with an average growth rate of 5.9 percent,<ref>[http://www.pwc.com/uk/eng/ins-sol/publ/ukoutlook/pwc_ukeo-mar07.pdf http://www.pwc.com/uk/eng/ins-sol/publ/ukoutlook/pwc_ukeo-mar07.pdf]</ref>ranked 122nd in the world.<ref>[[List of countries by GDP (PPP)]]</ref>.  Thus the contribution of Lahore to the national economy comes up to 6%.{{Fact|date=December 2008}} Central to Lahore's economy is the [[Lahore Stock Exchange]] (LSE), Pakistan's second largest stock exchange.  Lahore has offices of several Pakistani government corporations including the [[WAPDA|Water and Power Development Authority]] (WAPDA) and [[WASA|Water and Sewage Authority]] (WASA). Food and restaurant businesses remain open all night. The shopping markets are usually open late into the night.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} Lahore is the second largest financial hub of Pakistan and has industrial areas including [[Kot Lakhpat]] and the new Sundar Industrial Estate (near Raiwand).
 
 
Lahore's economic strength relies on the fact that it is the biggest city of the most populous province Pakistan. It is also the most advanced in terms of infrastructure, having extensive and relatively well developed road links to all major cities in Punjab and [[NWFP]], rail link with [[India]] and the provinces biggest International airport. It also has the most developed communcations infrastructure in the province, which includes a wide network of fiber optic telephone and cable lines, GSM mobile network, IPP and [[WiMax]]. It has the most developed education and health sectors as well, making it the economic, political and educational hub of the province. [[Image:533169693 786d75bcec.jpg|thumb|left|Gulberg Main Boulevard, which has some of Lahore's largest and finest shopping centres]]‎ As Lahore expands, former residential areas are being turned into commercial centres, and the suburban population is constantly moving outwards. This has resulted in the development of the Liberty Market, ''MM Alam Road'', the new ''Jail Road'' (which has some of the largest office buildings in Lahore), and the ''Main Boulevard''{{Fact|date=June 2007}}
 
[[Image:Liberty Chowk, Lahore.JPG|thumb|Monument at Liberty Chowk, Main Boulevard, Gulberg]]
 
[[Image:Cokelahore.jpg|thumb|[[Lahore City Centre]],]]
 
 
The suburban population's move from commercial areas to less busy areas supports a thriving construction industry and several large housing projects including [[Behria Town|Bahria Town]], [[Lake City, Lahore|Lake City]], [[Sukh Chayn Gardens]], [[Eden Villas]], and a project by the [[Dhabi Group]] (a joint Pakistan-UAE partnership) to construct a new city on the outskirts of Lahore.{{Fact|date=June 2007}}
 
 
Lahore is famous as the hub of hand-made [[carpet]] manufacturing in Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web
 
  | title = "A Brief Introduction to Carpet Weaving History of Pakistan"
 
  | publisher = Al Rug
 
  | url = http://www.alrug.com/viewArticle.php?ArticleID=5
 
  | accessdate = 2007-07-01}}</ref> At present, hand-knitted carpets produced in and around Lahore are among Pakistan's leading export products, and their manufacturing is the second-largest cottage and small industry. Lahore-based carpet exports make up nearly 85 percent of all carpet exports from Pakistan.{{Fact|date=June 2007}}
 
Craftsmen in Lahore produce almost every type of hand made carpet using popular motifs such as medallions, paisleys, traceries, and geometric designs. The Lahore Design Centre at the Punjab Small Industries Corporation maintains a separate section of carpet designing to experiment with new designs. Lahore is famous for single-[[weft]]ed designs in Turkoman and Caucasian style and double-wefted Mughal types.
 
 
Lahore's economic importance depends on many government institutes and international companies headquartered in the city, including [[WorldCALL|WorldCALL Telecom Group]], [[Pakistan Railways]], [[Pakistan Cricket Board]], [[Punjab University]], [[NCA]], [[Bata|Bata shoes]], [[Haier]], [[Wateen Telecom]], [[Warid Telecom]], [[Honda]], [[Reebok]], [[Daewoo]], [[Nestle]], [[Audi]], [[Coca Cola]], [[Tetra Pak]], [[Monsanto]], [[Delaval]], [[Metro Cash & Carry]], [[Mr Cod]], [[Porsche]] and [[Rolls-Royce Motor Cars|Rolls Royce]].{{Fact|date=June 2007}}. The fact these companies have settled major operations and accounted for almost half of the Foreign Direct Investment coming into Pakistan has proven Lahore's relatively calm social environment, infrastructure and sophisticated consumer market.
 
 
==Projects==
 
 
Expo centre Lahore is underconstruction such as long delayed Lahore expo centre, the Mubarak complex, consisting of four towers and a small eclipse shaped building, houing  uniquely designed apartments along with a five story covered shopping mall, which will be biggest and most exclusive shopping and entertainment complex in the region.The project is being carried out as a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi Group and the Government of Punjab. The two investors have formed a holding company for Zayed Centre called Taavun (Pvt.) Ltd. which will be responsible for managing the project. Turner Construction, one of the largest construction companies in the US, have been hired as contractors/builders. Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum have been retained as project consultants & architects. The residential apartments will be managed by Concord. The exact cost of the project is unknown as of yet but is estimated at $500 Million US.
 
 
Lake City is a resort and residential development planned on the outskirts of Lahore. Covering an area of more than 2104 acres, the resort with its lush green parks, sinuous lakes, an 18 hole regulation Golf course and other features.
 
 
Defence Raya Golf Resort is Pakistan's largest as well as Asia's largest golf course is under construction. Defence Raya Golf Resort is the result of a partnership between DHA Lahore and BRDB Malaysia.The rapid development of mega projects in city will boost up the economy of country.
 
[[Image:Ringroadlahore.jpg|thumb|A picture from the completed part of the Lahore Ring Road]]
 
Many other projects under construction in lahore are  [[Pace tower]](under construction), [[mall99]](approved), [[expo centre lahore]], [[expo centre tower]](under construction), [[mubarak complex]](under construction), [[IT tower]](under construction), [[Alamgir tower]](approved),[[DHA Halley tower]](under construction), [[Lahore ring road]](under construction), [[sports city]](under construction), [[Kot lakhpat elevated expressway]](approved), [[mass transit system]](under construction),[[xinhua mall]] (under construction), [[lahore-sialkot motorway]] (under construction), [[boulevard heights]](under construction), [[Pearl continental tower]] (proposed), [[LDA tower]](approved),[[bank square gulberg]] (vision), [[pace circle]] (under construction), [[tricon corporate tower]] (under construction),
 
The economy is also enhanced by Lahore's historic and cultural importance, even though, unlike other smaller cities, its [[industrial estates]] are far fewer and smaller. Being the capital of the largest province in Pakistan brings the city the biggest development budget in the country.
 
 
== Transportation ==
 
[[Image:AllamaIqbalAirport.JPG|thumb|The Allama Iqbal International Airport]]
 
Lahore is one of the most accessible cities of Pakistan. In addition to the historic [[Grand Trunk Road]] (G.T. road), a motorway was completed in 1997 from Lahore to [[Islamabad]].  The government has built underpasses to ease congestion and prevent traffic jams, and according to official figures, Lahore has the highest number of underpasses in Pakistan.  The government would undertake planned rehabilitation of the roads, which have outlived their designed life, construction of missing road links and development of provincewide secondary arteries linking national motorways and trade corridors to foster economic opportunities via meeting expanding domestic and international travel and trade demands.
 
 
The Punjab government had allocated Rs 170.300 million for W/I of Thokar- Raiwind Road, Rs 50 million for dualisation of Lahore-Jaranwala Road from Ferozepur Interchange to Mandi Faizabad, Rs 40 million for construction of extending building for IWMI Thokar Niaz Baig Lahore, Rs 2.7 million for construction of overhead bridge at Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani Road near University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Rs 56 million for PC-II for feasibility study of elevated expressways in Lahore, Rs 10 million for construction of elevated expressway from Lahore Bridge to Niazi Chowk, Rs 50 million for strengthening of Sheikhupura-Gujranwala Road,and Rs 15 million for construction of missing by-pass between Sargodha to Lahore Road.
 
 
The [[Pakistan Railways]] headquarters is located in [[Lahore]] {{Fact|date=June 2007}}. Pakistan Railways provides an important mode of transportation for commuters and connects distant parts of the country with Lahore for business, sight-seeing, pilgrimage, and education. The [[Lahore Railway Station|Lahore Central Railway Station]], built during the British colonial era, is located in the heart of the city.
 
 
[[Image:lahore railway station.jpg|thumb|left|Lahore Railway Station]]
 
To accommodate increased air travel, the government built a new city airport in 2003.It was named [[Allama Iqbal International Airport]] after the national poet of Pakistan, Allama [[Muhammad Iqbal]], and is served by international airlines as well as the national flag carrier, [[Pakistan International Airlines]]. The previous airport now operates as the [[Hajj]] Terminal to facilitate the great influx of pilgrims traveling to [[Saudi Arabia]] to perform the hajj every year. Lahore also has a [[general aviation]] airport known as [[Walton Airport]].
 
 
Lahore Rapid Mass Transit (LRMT) System is a project envisioned to provide mass transit facilities to Pakistan's second largest city Lahore. The project is expected to complete in 2020. In the first phase, two light rail lines will be constructed. The first Green Line between Shahdra and Hamza Town (Ferozpur Road) will be completed by 2011 and cost 2.4 billion dollars. The second Orange Line between Pakistan Mint and Sabzazar will cost US $1.9 billion and will be completed by 2015. In the second phase, Blue and Purple lines will be constructed.
 
 
Despite these improvements, Lahore struggles for safety on its roads, which are dangerous because the number of vehicles overwhelms the road space. Massive congestion occurs every day as millions of Lahoris travel through disorganised, fast-moving traffic, and accidents are rife.{{Fact|date=September 2007}} The government is trying to improve traffic conditions by constructing overhead bridges, underpasses, and conducting public safety campaigns. Plans exist for a high-speed railway between Lahore and [[Rawalpindi]].
 
 
''See also: [[Lahore ring road project]]''
 
 
== Demography ==
 
[[Image:Hall Road Church.jpeg|thumb|[[Cathedral church of Resurrection]] on Hall Road. There are a number of churches in Lahore serving the significant number of Christians in the city.]]
 
According to the 1998 census, Lahore's population was nearly 6.8 million,. Mid-2006 government estimates put the population at somewhere around 10 million, which makes it the second largest city in Pakistan, after [[Karachi]].<ref>[http://lahore.gov.pk/profile/geography.htm Demography of Lahore], Lahore City Government. Retrieved on [[September 19]], [[2007]].</ref> It is considered to be one of the 30 [[largest cities of the world]]. Also according to the 1998 census, 86.2%, or 6,896,000 of the population are [[Punjabi people|Punjabis]] and 10.2% or 816,000 are Urdu speaker. Finally, 3% [[Pashto]] and the [[Seraikis]] at 0.4% number about 32,000.<ref>[http://www.findpk.com/cities/html/lahore.html  FindPK - Lahore]</ref>  Figures are unavailable for the many [[Afghan refugees]] and migrants from [[Iran]] who have permanently settled in Lahore but were not included in the census.
 
 
The main languages spoken in Lahore are Urdu and Punjabi. According to the 1998 census, 93.9% of Lahore's population is Muslim, up from 50.1% in 1941. Other religions include [[Christians]] 5.80% (higher in rural areas where they form around 9.0% of the rural population as well as Ahmadis at 0.20% and a small number of [[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'ís]], [[Hindus]], [[Parsis]], and [[Sikhs]].{{Fact|date=June 2007}} In 1941, Lahore had 36.3% Hindus and 18.4% Sikhs. Due to Lahore diverse culture, there are many mosques, shrines, [[Temples in Lahore|Hindu and Jain temples]], gurdwaras, and [[churches]] across the city. Some of the most famous mosques include, [[Badshahi Masjid]], [[Dai Anga Mosque]], [[Data Durbar Complex]], [[Shia Masjid]], [[Suneri Mosque]], [[Wazir Khan Mosque]], [[Moti Masjid (Lahore)|Moti Masjid]], [[Masjid-e-Shuhda]] (Martyr's Mosque) and [[Mosque of Mariyam Zamani Begum]]. Some of the famous shrines include, [[Tomb of Muhammad Iqbal]], [[Bibi Pak Daman]], [[Samadhi of Ranjit Singh]], [[Tomb of Shah Jamal]], [[Tomb of Lal Hussain]], [[Tomb of Anārkalī]], [[Tomb of Jahangir]],  [[Tomb of Empress Nur Jehan]] and [[Tomb of Abdul Hasan Asaf Khan]]. Some of the well-known churches include, [[Regal Church]], [[Cathedral church of Resurrection|Hall Road Church]], [[Convent of Jesus & Mary]] and [[Saint Anthony's Church]].
 
 
== Culture ==
 
{{main|Culture of Lahore}}
 
[[Image:Horse&CattleShow.jpeg|thumb|One of the horses on display at the annual horse and cattle show]]
 
Lahore's culture is unique. Known as the cultural capital or Heart of Pakistan, the city has been the seat of the Mughal Empire and the Sikh Empire as well as the capital of Punjab in Mahmud Ghaznavi's 11th century empire and in the British Empire.
 
 
Lahore played an important role in Pakistani history, as it was in this city where the independence declaration for Pakistan was made.  The city was the only known major city of the British Empire that would come into the new Muslims state.{{Fact|date=June 2007}}  It was the largest city in the newly formed Pakistan at the time of independence and provided the easiest access to India, with its porous border near the Indian city of [[Amritsar]] only {{convert|30|mi|km|0}} to the east. Large numbers of Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims lived closely in Lahore in the [[Partition of India|pre-Partition era]],
 
and the city suffered many revolts, demonstrations and bloodshed at the time of independence due to the enmity between Muslims and Hindus at the time and the uncertainty which loomed over the fate of Lahore even after India and Pakistan gained independece.{{Fact|date=June 2007}}.  Lahore's culture, its history, institutions, food, clothing, films, music, fashion, and liberal community lifestyle attract people from all over the country.
 
[[Image:badshahicooco.jpeg|thumb|Badshahi Mosque at night]]
 
Lahore is an extremely festive city. This city is the most happening city of Pakistan. The people of Lahore celebrate many festivals and events throughout the year, blending Mughal, Western, and current trends.  [[Eid ul-Fitr]] and [[Eid ul-Adha]] are celebrated.  Many people decorate their houses and light candles to illuminate the streets and houses; roads and businesses are lit for days during these public holidays.  In Lahore is located the mausoleum of [[Ali Hujwiri]] also known as also known as Data Ganj Bakhsh (Persian/Urdu: {{Nastaliq|داتا گنج بخش}}) or Data Sahib and an annual Urs is held every year as a big festival.
 
 
[[Image:Lahore Basant Festival.jpeg|thumb|The [[Basant]] festival marked on the coming of spring is celebrated every year by kite flying]]
 
[[Basant]] is a [[Hindu]] festival marking the coming of spring. Basant celebrations in Pakistan are centered in Lahore, and people from all over the country as well as abroad come to the city for the annual festivities. Kite-flying competitions traditionally take place on city rooftops during Basant. Courts have banned the kite-flying because of casualties and power installation losses. The ban was lifted for two days in 2007, then immediately reimposed when 11 people were killed by [[celebratory gunfire]], sharpened kite-strings, electrocution, and falls related to the competition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/26/world/main2514554.shtml |title=11 Dead At Pakistani Kite Festival, Metal Kite Strings, Stray Celebratory Gunfire Claim Lives At Annual Event, More Than 100 Injured |accessdate=2007-08-02 |date=2007-02-26 |work=CBS News}}</ref>
 
 
The Festival of Lamps, or [[Mela Chiraghan]], is an important and popular event in Lahore. This is celebrated at the same time as Basant, every spring on the last Friday of March, outside the Shalimar Gardens.
 
[[Image:coocoscafe.jpeg|thumb|Cooco's cafe, A famous restaurant in the Old city of Lahore]]
 
The National Horse and Cattle Show is one of the most famous annual festivals, held in spring in the Fortress Stadium. The week-long activities include a livestock display, horse and camel dances, [[tent pegging]], colourful folk dances from all regions of Pakistan, mass-band displays, and tattoo shows in the evenings.
 
 
On August 14, the people of Pakistan celebrate the day Pakistan gained its independence from the [[British Raj]].  There are lots of celebrations in Lahore, the streets are full of people singing and dancing.  Parades of the [[Pakistan Army]] and [[Pakistan Air Force]] are held early in the morning.  Concerts are held with many pop and classical singers.
 
[[Image:coocosview.jpeg|thumb|Minaret of Badshshi Mosque in background, viewed from roof top of Coocoo's Den]]
 
The World Performing Arts Festival is held every autumn (usually in November) at the Alhambra cultural complex, a large venue consisting of several theatres and amphitheatres. This ten-day festival consists of musicals, theatre, concerts, dance, solo, mime, and puppetry shows. The festival has an international character with nearly 80 percent of the shows performed by international performers. On average 15-20 different shows are performed every day of the festival.<ref>[http://www.peerfestivals.com World Performing Arts Festival]</ref>
 
[[Image:Food street lahore by kamran.jpg|thumb|A food street in Lahore, centre of traditional Pakistani food.]]
 
Lahoris are known for their love of food and eating. While Lahore has a great many traditional and modern restaurants, in recent years Western [[fast food]] chains, such as [[McDonald's]], [[Pizza Hut]], [[Subway Sandwiches]], [[Dunkin Donuts]], [[Nando's]] and [[Kentucky Fried Chicken]] have appeared all over the city. Recently the [[Food Street, Gawalmandi|food street]]s in the historic locales of Lahore ([[Gawalmandi]], [[Anarkali]], and [[Badshahi]]) have attracted tourists. Food streets have undergone restorations and are cordoned off in the evenings for pedestrian traffic only; numerous cafés serve local delicacies under the lights and balconies of restored [[havelis]] (traditional residential dwellings). Some of the trendiest restaurants in Lahore are concentrated on the [[M M Alam]] Road in Gulberg. Here, dozens of high-class culinary outlets, ranging from Western franchises to traditional, ethnic, or theme restaurants, attract all classes of Lahore's citizens. New restaurants are constantly opening, and the business is extremely competitive. Many boisterous restaurants of Lahore are open late into the night. One of Lahore's unique café restaurants is "Coocoo's Den", located in the old city just behind the [[Badshahi Mosque]] and [[Lahore Fort]] at the edge of Lahore's red light district.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} The restaurant is housed in a 300-year-old [[Kothi, Hyderabad|Kothi-style]] dwelling of a famous artist and was once a brothel. At different times in the life of this property, [[Hindu]], [[Buddhist]], [[Christian]], and [[Muslim]] families have owned it. Another famous Lahore landmark is the [[Pak Tea House]] in [[Anarkali]], long a favoured haunt of intellectuals and artists.
 
 
[[Image:Singh Building Another view.jpeg|thumb|The Singh Building on Mall Road, built during British rule houses many shops and markets]]
 
For traditional shopping, the [[Anarkali Bazar|Anarkali]] and [[Ichhra]] [[bazaars]] are the most popular of many in the city.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} The alleys and lanes of these bazaars are full of traditional wares like leather articles, embroidered garments, glass bangles, beaten gold and silver jewelry, and creations in silk. [[Anarkali]] is named after the famous courtesan of [[Akbar]]’s time, Anarkali (Pomegranate Blossom). The grave of Sultan [[Qutbuddin Aibak]], who died falling off his horse while playing polo, is located in Anarkali on Aibak Road. [[Mahmud Ghaznavi]]'s general, [[Malik Ayaz]], lies buried in the commercial area of Rang Mahal.{{Fact|date=June 2007}}. [[Rang Mahal]] is part of old Lahore and today's houses a largest wholesale and retail cloth markets in Punjab. Lahore's technology markets include the Hall Road Pakistan's largest Electronics market adjacent to the Mall Road and the Hafeez Centre Asia's largest Computer Market located on the Gulberg Main Boulevard. Pace, a shopping centre, is also located on the Main Boulevard beside the [[Hafeez Centre]]. Other well-known and popular shopping areas are the [[Liberty Market]] in [[Gulberg]] and at the [[Fortress Stadium]], as well as malls in Gulberg, Model Town, MM Alam Road, and Cantonment. Apart from these, shopping areas are being developed in many of Lahore's new suburbs such as Bahria, Lake City, and Cantonment.lahore is famous for its renowned people such as raza khan who is currently in LLC
 
 
[[Image:Shalamar Garden July 14 2005-South wall pavilion with fountains.jpg|thumb|Built by Mughal emperor, Shah Jehan, [[Shalamar Gardens]] is a popular tourist attraction]]
 
Lahore is known as the ''City of Gardens''. There were many gardens in Lahore during the Mughal era, and although some have since been destroyed, many have still survived. The [[Shalimar Gardens]] were laid out during the reign of [[Shah Jahan]] and were designed to mimic the [[Islamic]] paradise of the afterlife described in the [[Quran]]. The gardens follow the familiar [[charbagh]] model (four squares) with three descending terraces.  The [[Lawrence Gardens]] were established in 1862 and were originally named after Sir John Lawrence, late 19th century British Viceroy to India. The gardens were organized in an area covering {{convert|112|acre|km2|1}}.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} The [[Honourable East India Company|British East India Company]] vowed that it would provide for the garden 80,000 saplings of 600 different species from every corner of the world. After money was collected from the sale of [[Badami Bagh]], the soldiers' bazaar at [[Anarkali]], and from a grant by the Company Bahadur (an extension of the East India Company), the land was purchased in the year 1860. Today it is known as [[Bagh-e-Jinnah]].{{Fact|date=June 2007}} The many other gardens and parks in the city include [[Hazuri Bagh]], [[Iqbal Park]], [[Mochi Bagh]], Gulshan Iqbal Park, Model Town Park, Race Course Park, Nasir Bagh Lahore, Jallo Park, Wild Life Park, and [[Changa Manga]], an artificial forest near Lahore in the [[Kasur]] district.
 
 
Lahore offers a variety of activities for night-time enjoyment. There are popular shisha bars (these places offer flavoured tobacco pipes commonly found in middle eastern nations), attractive food outlets and musical concerts and shows. Alcohol is available to foreigners who request it at certain hotels, but generally not sold in public.
 
 
Lahoris are known for their exquisite taste in food, so the market has produced some of the most versatile, classy and inviting restaurants in the world. The blend of food and music at some uniquely expressive locales is truly exceptional. There are many shopping areas which remain open late into the night offering an atmosphere of lively hustle and bustle (not to mention a bargain at every corner).
 
 
There are scenic parks built with a goal to promote relaxation and enjoyment of nature which are frequently visited by joggers, couples, children, students and seniors. Bagh-e-Jinah (also known as Laurence Garden) is one such place; it has a large variety of gorgeous plants, trees, long and varied pathways and creative light effects.
 
 
Younger crowd is generally more attracted to shops and restaurants near Qaddafi stadium, Fortress stadium and Gulberg.
 
 
== Education ==
 
{{See also|List of educational institutions in Lahore}}
 
[[Image:June21-2004-ThePunjabUniversity-OldCampusBuilding-1.jpeg|thumb|Punjab University Old Campus]]
 
Lahore is known as the education capital of Pakistan, with more colleges and universities than any other city in the country. A true Science & Technology hub of Pakistan. Pakistan’s largest producer of quality professionals in the field of Science & Technology as well as in High Tech such as IT, Engineering,  Medical, Nuclear Sciences, Pharmaceutical, Telecommunication, Bio- Technology and Microelectronics etc.<ref>{{cite book
 
  | last = Raza
 
  | first = M. Hanif
 
  | authorlink =
 
  | coauthors =
 
  | title = ''Portrait of Pakistan''
 
  | publisher = Ferozsons, Ltd.
 
  | date = 1999
 
  | location = Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
 
  | pages = 155
 
  | url =
 
  | doi =
 
  | id = 
 
  | isbn =9690015451}}</ref>  Most of the reputable universities are public, but in recent years there has also been an upsurge in the number of private universities.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} LUMS, the Lahore University of Management Sciences, is the most renowned business school in Pakistan.National University Of Computer and Emerging Sciences previously known as [Foundation of Advancement of Science and Technology] FAST-ICS has been in Lahore for a long time and producing quality graduates in Computer Science. Recently, they also introduced programs in Management, Telecommunication and Computer Engineering.
 
 
. [[Lahore School of Economics]] is another famous business school in the city. [[University of Management and Technology (Pakistan)]] is also located in lahore which is one of the best business universities in Pakistan. Cathedral School Lahore is one of the oldest and most famous schools in Lahore it is present there since 1850's and has a great ranked faculity and administration staff.
 
The [[University of the Punjab]] is the oldest institute of higher learning in the country. <ref>{{cite web
 
  | title = "University of the Punjab - Introduction"
 
  | publisher = University of the Punjab
 
  | url = http://www.pu.edu.pk/about/
 
  | accessdate = 2007-06-06}}</ref>
 
Within it the Institute of Administrative Sciences traces its roots to 1962. NCA, the [[National College of Arts]], is the oldest and most renowned arts college of Pakistan.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} The oldest institution of Pakistan, [[Government College Lahore]] (now [[Government College University]]), established in 1864, is also situated in Lahore.
 
Forman Christian college(F.C)is also one of the oldest educational institute of Lahore.it was established in 1864.Now it becomes a Chartered University.
 
 
[[University of Central Punjab, Lahore|UCP, Lahore]] is the one of the best education Institute in Pakistan.<ref>
 
{{cite web
 
  |  title = "University of Central Punjab" 
 
  |  publisher = University of Central Punjab"
 
  |  url = http://www.ucp.edu.pk/
 
  |  accessdate = 2007-06-06}}</ref>
 
[[University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore|UET, Lahore]] is the one of the most highly regarded engineering universities in Pakistan.<ref>
 
{{cite web
 
  |  title = "University of Engineering and Technology" 
 
  |  publisher = university of engineering and Technology"
 
  |  url = http://www.uet.edu.pk/about/
 
  |  accessdate = 2007-06-06}}</ref>
 
[[COMSATS]] is also a well-known institute recently awarded the university charter.<ref>
 
{{cite web
 
  |  title = "COMSATS university"
 
  |  publisher = comsats University
 
  |  url = http://www.ciitlahore.edu.pk/about/
 
  |  accessdate = 2007-06-06}}</ref>
 
[[Lahore Chitrkar]] is the only private institute which offers classes in painting, various music instruments and Kathak dance.<ref>
 
{{cite web
 
[http://www.slspk.com/ SLS]
 
  |  title = "Lahore Chitrkar"
 
  |  publisher = Lahore Chitrkar
 
  |  url = http://lahorechitrkar.com/view-page.php?page=home
 
  |  accessdate = 2007-12-12}}</ref>
 
it is committed to help make Lahore the most livable mega city of the South Asian Region by 2010 and one of the thirty leading educational cultural, commercial, industrial and information technology centers of the world by 2020.
 
 
== Media ==
 
[[Image:Lollywood Billboards - Tigers of Asia.jpeg|left|thumb|[[Lollywood]] is based in Lahore]]
 
Lahore is the core of Pakistan's media and Arts scene. Pakistan's most prestigious Art college [[National College of Arts]] is located here. Every year it becomes the center for 'World performing Arts festival' in which artists from dozens of  countries show off their talents'. This festival is managed by the Peerzada group, which is also the largest puppetry theater company in the Pakistan. Lahore is also home to the country's developing fashion industry supported by numerous designer outlets and the country's most prestigious Fashion school, the [[Pakistan school of Fashion and Design]] which has some of the best photo studios and photographers in the country.
 
 
Lahore has also been home to Pakistan's old classical music, [[ghazal]]s and Qawalis, with big names such as [[Noor jehan]], arif lohar, [[Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan]], [[Mehdi hassan]], [[Ghulam Ali]] etc all residing in the city. In recent years Lahore has given out Pakistan's largest pop singer such as [[Atif Aslam]] and [[Ali Zafar]], while the city is recognized as the birthplace of modern rock scene in south Asia by bands such as [[Jal]], [[Call the band]], [[Roxen]], [[Noori]] and [[Entityparadigm]], which were hugely popular and lead many in the Indian film industry to import their songs.
 
 
Pakistan's film industry is also based in the city and is called [[Lollywood]]. Many films are filmed in Lahore and the city has some of the oldest film studios in the country. Many actors and directors are based in Lahore which brings many artists together to launch films. Cinema is on the incline again in recent years and IMAX is also building outlets in the city.
 
 
Several FM radio stations have set up their operations here and some of the TV channels are also working from this city. Adding to this media boom, [[City News Network]] (Pvt.) Ltd. is brining Pakistan's first City-specific satellite TV channel.  They are launching a City Channel of Lahore with the name [[City42]]. City42 will be a satellite channel beaming its broadcast to entire Pakistan, Asia, Middle East and some European countries. City42 will be a '''NEWS''' and '''INFOTAINMENT'''-based channel covering everything that happens in the city of Lahore.
 
 
Lahore is also home to Geo TV's Infotainment Division and the headquarters of Pakistan's first Kids television channel Wikid and the first community Channel of Pakistan for [DHA].
 
 
== Sports ==
 
[[Image:Gadaffibuilding in Lahore.gif|thumb|The Imran Khan enclosure gate at [[Gaddafi Stadium]]]]
 
[[Gaddafi Stadium]] is a [[List of Test cricket grounds|Test cricket ground]] in Lahore. Designed by Pakistani architect [[Nayyar Ali Dada]], it was completed in 1959 and is one of the biggest cricket stadiums in Asia. After its renovation for the [[1996 Cricket World Cup]], the stadium had a capacity of over 60,000 spectators for high-profile matches or events. Nearby is an athletics stadium, a basketball pitch, the Al Hamra, open-air hall similar in design to the coliseum, and the world's largest [[field hockey]] stadium, Another Cricket Ground and HEadquarters of Pakistan Cricket Board, all based in the city's Sports complex. In the same vicinity lie headquarters of the [[Pakistan Football Federation]], as well as the multi-sport [[Punjab Stadium]].
 
 
Lahore is home to [[Pakistan Premier League]] giants [[WAPDA FC]], alongside [[Pakistan Railways FC]], [[PEL FC]], and [[Wohaib FC]].
 
 
The [[Lahore Marathon]] is part of an annual package of six international marathons being sponsored by [[Standard Chartered Bank]] across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The Lahore race carries prize money of approximately US$100,000. More than 20,000 athletes from Pakistan and all over the world participate in this event. It was first held on [[January 30]], [[2005]], and again on [[January 29]], [[2006]]. More than 22,000 people participated in the 2006 race. The third marathon was held on [[January 14]], [[2007]].<ref>[http://www.lahoremarathon.com Lahore Marathon Website]</ref>.
 
 
Plans exist to build Pakistan's first sports city in Lahore, on the bank of the river Ravi.
 
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
Image:The_Hazuri_Bagh_Pavilion(1870).jpg|The [[Alamgiri Gate]], photographed in 1870.
 
Image:Lahore railway station1880s.JPG|George Craddock, 1880s, Railway Station at Lahore, Pakistan.
 
Image:Street_scene_of_Lahore,_1890s.jpg|Street scene of Lahore, 1890s.
 
Image:Government_College,_Lahore_1880s.jpg|Government College of Lahore, 1880s.
 
Image:William Henry Jackson-Lahore railway station.jpg|Lahore Railway Station, 1880s.
 
Image:Zam_Zammeh_1921.JPG|Photograph of the cannon ''Zam Zammeh'' outside Lahore Museum which was immortalized in [[Rudyard Kipling]]'s novel ''Kim''
 
</gallery>
 
''irfan lahore''
 
 
 
 
==Literature==
 
* [[Muhammad Iqbal]], scholar, thinker, and poet in [[Urdu]] and Persian.
 
* [[Faiz Ahmed Faiz]], poet in Urdu
 
* [[Bapsi Sidhwa]], novelist in English, author of [[Cracking India|''Cracking India'']] and ''The Crow Eaters''
 
* [[Allama Ghulam Ahmad Pervaiz]], scholar and thinker in [[Urdu]] and English. His institute is running in Lahore in the name of Tolu-e-Islam. Web address is http://www.tolueislam.com/.
 
* [[Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri]], Islamic [[hadith]] compiler, poet and author.
 
* [[Saadat Hasan Manto]], short story writer in Urdu
 
* [[Rudyard Kipling]], novelist in English, author of [[Kim (novel)|''Kim'']] (born in [[Bombay]])
 
* [[Mohsin Hamid]], novelist in English, author of [[Moth Smoke|''Moth Smoke'']] and [[The Reluctant Fundamentalist|''The Reluctant Fundamentalist'']]
 
* [[Shauna Singh Baldwin]], novelist, author of [[What the Body Remembers|''What the Body Remembers'']]
 
* [[Pran Nevile]], author of [[Lahore - A sentimental Journey|''Lahore - A Sentimental Journey'']]
 
* [[Munshi Muhammad Khalilur Rehman]], prolific writer and translator in Urdu, "Azra", "azra ki Wapsi", set the tradition for a new style of writing Muslim history, father of 4 famous professors — Professor Muhammad Jamilur Rehman of the Usmania University, Professor Muhammad Naeemur Rehman of the Allahabad University, Professor Bazlur Rehman of the Bombay University and Professor Waliur Rehman of the Usmani University.
 
* [[Prof. Dr. Shahbaz Malik]],- Pride of Performance - (Pioneer of Punjabi Language & Literature).
 
 
== See also ==
 
{{LahoreTopics}}
 
 
== References ==
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
 
== External links ==
 
{{portalpar|Pakistan}}
 
{{sisterlinks}}
 
* [http://www.lahore.gov.pk Lahore City Government]
 
* [http://www.ualberta.ca/~rnoor Lahore Photos and History]
 
* {{wikitravel|Lahore}}
 
* {{wikia|world:Lahore|Lahore}}
 
* [http://www.pakistan-classifieds.com  Lahore Classifieds]
 
* {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/Pakistan/Provinces/Punjab/Localities/Lahore/}}
 
* [http://lahore.danka.com.pk Lahore's Cultural Events, Sports and Tourist Guide]
 
* [http://www.world-heritage-tour.org/asia/south-asia/pakistan/lahore-fort/map.html World Heritage Photographs of the Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens]
 
* [http://www.pbase.com/waqas/lahore Lahore in Photographs]
 
* {{cite web| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,2238949,00.html| title=Here in the city of Kim, Pakistan's magnificent history is being left to rot| author=Simon Jenkins| publisher=[[The Guardian]]| date=2008-01-11| accessdate=2008-02-09}}
 
[[Category:Geography]]
 
[[Category:Cities]]
 
 
{{credit|Lahore|266077326|}}
 

Revision as of 06:13, 31 January 2009