Country | Population 201,815 (1998) Area 199 km2 | |
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Map of Okara, Pakistan
Okara (Punjabi, Urdu: اوکاڑہ), is the capital city of Okara District in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The name Okara is derived from Okaan, the name of a type of tree. The city is located southwest of the city of Lahore and Faisalabad is 100 km by passing away Ravi River. It is famous for its agriculture-based economy and cotton mills. The nearest major city to Okara is Sahiwal, formerly known as Montgomery.
Contents
- Map of Okara Pakistan
- Okara city
- History
- Demography
- Administration
- Agriculture
- Education
- Politics
- Hotels and Mall
- References
Okara is a fairly large district in Pakistan in terms of population. There are famous Pakistan military dairy farms, especially famous for their cheese, situated in Okara. These farms were established before the creation of Pakistan in 1947. Mitchels farms also are located in the nearest town, Renala Khurd, in the Okara District. Okara's postal code is 56300.
Okara city
History
The city is a relatively new agricultural city; during the period of British rule there was a forest of Okaan where the city has been built, and from this the name of the city was derived. During British rule, the area was part of Montgomery District and contained a large saltpeter refinery. A large number of textile mills are located in Okara. The predominantly Muslim population supported Muslim League and Pakistan Movement. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the Muslim refugees settled in the Okara District. In 1982, the city became the headquarters of the newly created Okara District. Okara has had a railway line since 1892.
Okara is famous for its cattle breed known as Sahiwal and a Water buffalo breed known as Niliravi. It is very rich in livestock population and production. Livestock Production Research Institute Bahadar Nagar Farm is a very large government farm near Okara. The farm has a large number of cows, buffalo, bulls (for reproduction), goats and sheep.
Demography
The majority of the population of Okara are Punjabi speaking Muslims. The main tribes and clans include: Rajputs Clans as (Toors, Bhattis, Siyals, Wattus, Rangarhs, Kamyanas etc.), Shaikhs, Lodhis, Kharals, Kambohs, Khanzadas, Noons Arains and the Chaudhary are prominent. However, the Jats population is less compared to other communities. The major politician in Okara is Rao Sikandar Iqbal Rangarh who was the former Defence Minister of Pakistan, Okara city was established in the nineteenth century by the British Raj.
Administration
The city of Okara serves as district and tehsil capital and is itself administratively subdivided into ten Union councils.
Agriculture
The city of Okara is renowned in producing of Maize, potato and Dairy products. Okara is known as Pakistan's largest city for production of these commodities.
Education
'Schools
Colleges
Universities
Politics
Political Leaders
Hotels and Mall
There are lots of first class hotels and banquet in Okara on very reasonable prices. Some of them are Heritage, Well Beans, Usmania Hotel. Fri Chicks. Pak Marriage Hall, Mahi Marriage Hall, Pearl hall and Canal Homes Hall etc.
There are also some shopping malls in Okara like Jalandher Mall, Tahir Mall, Makkah Garments and the biggest mall of Okara which is still under construction is Gateway Mall located on G.T Road Okara and also attached to National Highway.