At a Glance
Home to more than half of Pakistan's population, Punjab stretches from the Pothohar Plateau in the north to the Cholistan Desert in the south. The province's name means "land of five rivers" and reflects the Indus tributaries that nourish expansive wheat, cotton, rice, and sugarcane fields.
Economy and Infrastructure
Punjab's mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and services underpins national GDP. Mega projects such as the Lahore-Multan Motorway, Sahiwal coal power plant, and solar parks in Bahawalpur enhance connectivity and energy security. Smaller cities including Sialkot, Sargodha, and Bahawalpur contribute with export-oriented niches from sports goods to kinnow oranges.
- Canal irrigation networks, some over a century old, are being rehabilitated to support climate-smart farming.
- Knowledge corridors link universities in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi with industry incubators.
- Heritage tourism is expanding around the Salt Range temples, Sikh gurdwaras, and Cholistan desert rallies.
Culture and Living
From bhangra rhythms and Basant kite festivals to Sufi poetry recitals honoring Bulleh Shah and Waris Shah, Punjab's cultural fabric is rich and inclusive. Punjabi cuisine-aloo paratha, saag with makai roti, and lassi-anchors family gatherings across rural and urban households.
Visitor Notes
Plan itineraries around regional clusters: explore Lahore's heritage core, Faisalabad's textile markets, and the Pothohar hill stations. Winter and spring offer the most comfortable climate for road trips, agricultural tours, and wildlife safaris at Lal Suhanra National Park.
Visual Glimpses
Follow Punjab's canal plains, innovation corridors, and heritage festivals.
