At a Glance
One of South Asia's oldest continuously inhabited cities, Multan sits on the banks of the Chenab River with layers of history stretching back to the Indus Valley. Its skyline is punctuated by azure-tiled domes of Sufi shrines, bustling bazaars, and the growing expanse of modern housing societies.
Trade and Agriculture
Multan's central location links Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, making it a key distribution node for textiles, fertilizers, and consumer goods. The region's famed mango orchards in Shujabad and Jalalpur Pirwala supply domestic and international markets, while cotton, wheat, and sunflower crops sustain agro-processing plants.
- The Multan Industrial Estate houses chemical, oilseed, and packaging units.
- Blue pottery, camel-skin lamps, and khussa footwear showcase local craftsmanship.
- The new motorway connections have reduced travel time to Lahore, Sukkur, and Islamabad.
Spiritual Heritage
Shrines of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Bahauddin Zakariya, and Shah Shams Tabrez host devotees year-round, especially during urs festivals when qawwali echoes through the old city. The ancient Qasim Bagh fort area offers sweeping views and nightly food stalls serving sohan halwa and Multani chaamp.
Visit Notes
Schedule visits around dawn or late afternoon to beat the summer heat, and explore the Hussain Agahi bazaar for textiles and dry fruits. Winter months from November to February are the most comfortable for shrine visits and orchard tours.
Visual Glimpses
Survey Multan's blue-tiled shrines, bustling bazaars, and mango groves.
