Zafarwal
Zafarwal, known as "ظفروال" in Urdu and Punjabi, is a city situated in the Narowal District of Punjab, Pakistan. It serves as the capital of Zafarwal Tehsil and holds historical and geographical significance in the region.
Zafarwal
ظفروال | |
|---|---|
Government High School Zafarwal | |
  Zafarwal  Zafarwal | |
| Coordinates: 32°21′0″N 74°54′0″E | |
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Province |  Punjab |
| Division | Gujranwala |
| District | Narowal |
| Area | |
| • City | 10 km2 (4 sq mi) |
| Population (2022) | |
| • City | 438,969 |
| • Urban | 39,251 |
| • Metro | 399,718 |
| Time zone | UTC+5 (PST) |
| Area code | 0542 |
Geography:
Geographically, Zafarwal is located at coordinates 32°21'0N 74°54'0E, with an elevation of approximately 268 meters (882 feet) above sea level. The city is positioned in the center of Narowal, Shakargarh, and Sialkot, and is around 7 kilometers away from Jammu and Kashmir, India.
History:
Zafarwal has a rich history that dates back to the reign of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi in 997 CE. Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavid, the son of Sultan Sabuktigin, conquered the Ghaznavid dynasty established by his father and expanded his empire by conquering the Shahis in Kabul and subsequently the Punjab region. The Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire ruled over the region, leaving a lasting impact on its cultural and architectural heritage. The Punjab region predominantly embraced Islam due to the influence of Sufi saints and their spiritual sites (dargahs) that can still be found throughout the landscape. Zafarwal itself is home to ancient temples, highlighting its religious and cultural diversity.
During the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Sikhs rose to power and conquered Mianwali District. However, the predominantly Muslim population of Zafarwal and its surrounding areas supported the Muslim League and actively participated in the Pakistan Movement, which sought to establish an independent nation for Muslims. Following the Partition of India in 1947, Hindus and Sikhs migrated to India, while Muslim refugees from India settled in Zafarwal Tehsil. This influx of migrants further contributed to the cultural mosaic of the city.
Demography:
The population of Zafarwal comprises diverse ethnic groups, with Punjabis constituting the majority, accounting for approximately 85% of the population. Additionally, there is a significant population of migrants who moved from India to Pakistan during the partition in 1947, commonly referred to as "mohajirs," making up around 25% of the population. Pathans, along with other smaller ethnic groups, constitute around 0.5% of the population.
In terms of language, Punjabi is the predominant language spoken by the people of Zafarwal, followed by Urdu, which serves as the second most widely spoken language.
Islam is the dominant religion in the district, with approximately 97% of the population adhering to the Islamic faith. Christianity represents around 2.5% of the population, while Sikhs and Hindus comprise approximately 0.5% of the total population.
Education:
District Narowal is known as the House Of Knowledge. Its literacy rate is highest among neighboring districts. It is the house of various universities and colleges. Top Universities Of District Narowal are as follows;
University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, Narowal campus. University College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Of Narowal. University of Gujrat Narowal. And in Zafarwal there are top notch government and private college serving youth.
Today, Zafarwal is a prominent city in the Narowal District and continues to thrive as a center of trade, agriculture, and cultural heritage. Its strategic location and historical significance make it a notable destination for visitors and a hub of activity in the region.