Sialkot is a city located in Punjab, Pakistan. It serves as the capital of the Sialkot District and is the 13th most populous city in the country. It shares its boundaries with Jammu in the northeast (the capital of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir), Narowal in the southeast, Gujranwala in the southwest, and Gujrat in the northwest.

Graana.com has gathered information on aspects of Sialkot, including its location, history, and More.

History of Sialkot

The city is believed to be where Sagala was once, which was the capital of the Madra kingdom and was destroyed by Alexander the Great in 326 BCE. Later, it became the capital of the Indo-Greek kingdom under Menander I in the 2nd century BCE, thriving as a significant centre for trade and Buddhist philosophy.

In the 6th century, Sialkot became the capital of the Taank Kingdom, which ruled over Punjab for two centuries. However, its prominence declined when Lahore emerged as a major city around the turn of the first millennium. 

Moreover, during the British era, Sialkot regained its importance. Notably, it is also the birthplace of Muhammad Iqbal, Pakistan’s national poet. The city became one of the country’s significant industrial centres over the years. It is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit and favourable business environment, earning the reputation of a world-class manufacturing hub.

Sialkot, along with Gujranwala and Gujrat, forms the “Golden Triangle” of industrial cities with export-oriented economies. The city’s industries contribute significantly to Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, generating over $2.5 billion annually. It has a nominal GDP of $13 billion, the fourth largest in Pakistan. 

Contribution to the Economy

Sialkot is considered a wealthy city compared to other parts of Pakistan, with an estimated per capita income of $18,500 in 2021. Historically, it was one of the most industrialised cities in British India but, following the partition, it experienced significant economic setbacks due to violence and capital flight.

However, the city managed to recover, and today it is part of the industrially developed region of northern Punjab. In 2017, the city exported goods worth $2.5 billion, which accounted for 10% of Pakistan’s total exports. The sporting goods industry, in particular, has thrived, producing items for renowned global brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok, and Puma.

It is recognised as the world’s leading producer of footballs, manufacturing over 70% of footballs worldwide. Moreover, Sialkot-based company Forward Sports manufactured balls for the FIFA World Cup tournaments in 2014, 2018, and 2022.

Employment Opportunities

The city’s industries provide employment to around 250,000 residents. The Sialkot Chamber of Commerce plays an active role, particularly in the leather, sporting goods, and surgical instruments sectors. The city’s association with surgical instruments began in the 1890s when it was notable for its metalwork.

Initially, instruments were repaired but eventually, their production commenced to meet the needs of the nearby Mission Hospital. By the 1920s, surgical instruments manufactured here were in demand throughout British India, further boosted by World War II.

The industry benefits from a clustering effect, where larger manufacturers collaborate closely with specialised subcontractors, suppliers, and ancillary service providers. The bulk of surgical instrument exports are for the United States and the European Union.

On the other hand, to maintain the city’s infrastructure, the business community has collaborated with the local government, as the government has limited resources for such projects. This led to the construction of the Sialkot Dry Port in 1985 – which facilitates efficient customs clearance, logistics, and transportation for local producers – as well as road improvements in the city.

Additionally, the business community largely funded the Sialkot International Airport, which opened in 2011 and is Pakistan’s first privately-owned airport.

Furthermore, the city has a significant presence in the agricultural sector, primarily producing Basmati rice, wheat, and sugarcane. The district’s cultivated area spans 3,015 square kilometres, with approximately 642,624 acres under cultivation. Minor crops, such as potatoes and sunflowers, are also grown in the region.

Sports Industry

Sialkot is globally renowned as the largest producer of hand-sewn footballs, manufacturing approximately 40-60 million footballs annually. The concentration of sports goods factories in the city has led to specialisation, joint action, and external economies within the industry. 

Additionally, the local sports goods industry has implemented a ban on child labour, known as the Atlanta Agreement, since 1997 and funds the Independent Monitoring Association for Child Labor to ensure compliance in factories.

Leather Goods

The city is well-known for its leather goods industry. Skilled leather workers in Sialkot source the leather used in football production from nearby farms. They are also responsible for crafting high-quality leather products, including Germany’s prized leather lederhosen trousers.

Transportation

The city is connected to nearby cities through well-developed highways. Additionally, a dual-carriageway links it to Wazirabad, whereas another connects it to Daska, Gujranwala, and Lahore. Sialkot and Lahore are also connected by the M-11 motorway.

Rail

Sialkot Junction is the city’s main railway station, served by the Wazirabad-Narowal Branch Line of Pakistan Railways. The Allama Iqbal Express operates daily, connecting it to Lahore and Karachi.

Air

Sialkot International Airport, located approximately 20 km from the city centre near Sambrial, was established in 2007 with an investment of 4 billion rupees. Furthermore, the airport offers domestic flights to various cities within Pakistan and international flights to destinations such as Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, France, the UK, and Spain.

AirSial Airline

Airsial, the commercial airline of Sialkot, is managed by the business community affiliated with the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industries. Moreover, it provides direct flights from Sialkot to Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Notable Figures From Sialkot

The city is the birthplace of several famous personalities of Pakistan, including:

• Dharampal Gulati, founder of the spice company MDH
• Abdul Hakim Sialkoti, Islamic scholar
• Muhammad Iqbal, poet
• Gulzarilal Nanda, Indian Prime Minister, and politician
• Muhammad Ibrahim Mir Sialkoti, an Islamic scholar
• Faiz Ahmed Faiz, poet
• Faiz-ul Hassan Shah, Islamic religious scholar, orator, poet, and writer
• Akhtar Ali Vario, a politician
• Rajendra Kumar, actor
• Riaz Kataria, politician and businessperson
• Usman Dar, politician
• Zaheer Abbas, cricketer
• Shahnaz Sheikh, a hockey player
• Shoaib Malik, cricketer
• Haris Sohail, cricketer
• Khawaja Asif, a politician
• Firdous Ashiq Awan, a politician
• Armghan Subhani, politician

Conclusion

Sialkot’s development from a historical city to a thriving centre of commerce, industry, and innovation is nothing short of remarkable. The city’s rich cultural heritage, coupled with its entrepreneurial spirit, has propelled it to new heights of success.

On the other hand,  its excellence in its manufacturing sector, particularly in the sports goods and surgical instruments industries, has earned it global recognition. Furthermore, as the city continues to embrace technology and foster innovation, its future looks more promising than ever. 

FAQs

Q: What is the population of Sialkot?

A: As of the latest census, its population is approximately 7,53,000.

Q: What is the climate like in Sialkot?

A: It experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 45°C (77°F to 113°F) in summer, and 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F) in winter.

Q: Which languages are spoken in Sialkot?

A: The primary language spoken there is Punjabi.

Q: Are there any famous festivals celebrated in Sialkot?

A: Yes, it celebrates various festivals with great enthusiasm. Also, one of the most notable festivals is the Sialkot International Heritage Festival, which showcases the city’s cultural heritage through music, dance, and traditional arts and crafts.

Q: Is Sialkot a safe city for tourists?

A: Yes, it is safe for tourists. However, taking necessary precautions and following local guidelines is always advisable to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Q: What are some popular tourist attractions in Sialkot?

A: Apart from the Sialkot Fort, other popular tourist attractions include the Iqbal Manzil (the birthplace of Allama Iqbal), Jinnah Stadium, and the Clock Tower.

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