Multan – Punjab, known as the ‘City of Saints,’ offers a blend of rich history and modern development, making it a prime location for real estate investment. With a diverse range of options from 5-Marla houses to 1-Kanal properties, the city’s real estate market caters to various budgets and preferences. Notable residential schemes such as DHA Multan, Wapda Town, and Fatima Jinnah Town provide luxurious amenities and strategic locations, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle for residents. Situated beside the Sutlej and Chenab Rivers, Multan boasts a deep connection to both ancient and modern times. Despite its historical roots, Multan has evolved into a fast-developing metropolis, attracting significant investment in its real estate sector. The city is not only a hub for spiritual tourism but also a promising location for commercial and residential development. With the advent of major housing projects like DHA Multan and Royal Grace City, the property market in Multan is experiencing rapid growth, making it an attractive destination for investors. City Highlights & Overview of Multan Feature Details Location Pakistan, Punjab Coordinates 30°11′52″N 71°28′11″E Country Pakistan Province Punjab Division Multan City Area 3,721 km² (1,437 sq mi) Metro Area 560 km² (220 sq mi) Population (2017) 1,827,001 Rank (Population) 7th in Pakistan Population Density 490/km² (1,300/sq mi) Demonym Multani Time Zone UTC+05:00 (PKT) Area Code 061 History of Multan Multan’s history stretches back to the Early Harappan period of the Indus Valley civilization, around 3000–2800 BCE. Archaeological sites from this era attest to its ancient significance. According to Hindu texts, Multan was founded by the sage Kashyapa and was once the capital of the Trigarta Kingdom, which featured in the Mahabharata. The ancient city was a major center for solar worship, with the renowned Multan Sun Temple mentioned by Greek historian Herodotus in 400 BCE and visited by Greek admiral Skylax in 515 BCE. The temple’s influence extended beyond the local region, reflecting the city’s importance in ancient times. Greek Invasion and Early Conquests Multan’s strategic importance attracted attention from Alexander the Great during his Mallian Campaign in 326 BCE. The city’s inhabitants, including the Mallian people, mounted a formidable defense against Alexander’s army, which was significantly outnumbered. The siege was intense, and Alexander sustained serious injuries during the battle. Multan, situated on an island in the Ravi River, was eventually captured, though its strategic location meant it saw several shifts in control over the centuries. In the mid-5th century CE, White Huns led by Toramana briefly conquered Multan before moving on. By the mid-7th century CE, Multan fell under the rule of Chach of Alor from the Hindu Rai dynasty. This period marked the beginning of a series of conquests, including the arrival of Muslim forces. In 664 CE, Mohalib, an Arab general, briefly occupied the city. However, it was Muhammad ibn Qasim who solidified Muslim rule in 712 CE, following a two-month siege of Multan from Raja Dahir. This era saw the city’s population remain predominantly non-Muslim under the Umayyad Caliphate, setting the stage for future religious and political changes. Islamic Conquest and Emirate of Multan The early Islamic period saw Multan’s fluctuating status under various rulers. In the mid-800s, the Banu Munabbih established the Emirate of Multan, which lasted for nearly a century. During this time, the Multan Sun Temple continued to generate significant revenue, reflecting its economic importance. The city’s Arabic nickname, “Faraj Bayt al-Dhahab” or “Frontier House of Gold,” underscored its prosperity. However, by the late 10th century, the Ismaili Qarmatians took control, sacking the Sun Temple and establishing their own emirate while aligning with the Fatimid Dynasty in Cairo. The 11th century brought further changes as Mahmud of Ghazni attacked Multan in 1005, displacing the Qarmatian rulers and reasserting Sunni control. The city faced additional invasions and administrative shifts, including periods of Ismaili and Ghaznavid rule. Multan’s strategic position continued to attract attention from various empires, including the Ghurids and the Mamluk Dynasty, each leaving their mark on the city’s rich history. The Tughluq and Timurid Dynasties In the 14th century, Multan was ruled by the Tughluq Dynasty under Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq, who repelled numerous Mongol invasions and played a key role in the region’s defense. His son, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, also had a significant impact, though his reign was marked by high taxes and rebellion. The Tughluqs were succeeded by the Timurids, with Tamerlane’s grandson, Pir Muhammad, capturing Multan in 1398. This period saw significant disruptions, including the sack of Delhi and the rise of the Sayyid Dynasty under Khizr Khan, who ruled over Multan and the broader region. Multan’s history continued to evolve under various local and regional powers, including the Langah Sultanate in the late 15th century. The Langah rulers, notably Shah Husayn, brought prosperity to the city, reflecting its enduring significance in the Punjab region. Through centuries of conquest and rule, Multan has maintained its status as a key historical and cultural center in South Asia. British Raj to Independence (1848–1947) From 1848 to 1947, Multan transitioned from Sikh rule to British control after the Second Anglo-Sikh War, becoming part of British Punjab. Under British administration, the city experienced significant changes, including infrastructural developments like railways and modern irrigation, which boosted agriculture and trade. Multan also became a focal point of political activism leading up to India’s independence. During the independence movement, the city saw various protests and rallies advocating for self-rule. In 1947, with the partition of India, Multan became part of Pakistan, marking the end of British colonial rule and beginning a new chapter in its history as a significant city in the newly established state. Timeline of Major Events Date Event 3000–2800 BCE Early Harappan period; archaeological sites established 515 BCE Greek admiral Skylax visits Multan 326 BCE Alexander the Great’s Mallian Campaign 664 CE First Muslim occupation by Mohalib 712 CE Conquest by Muhammad ibn Qasim Mid-800s Establishment of the Banu Munabbih Emirate Late 10th century Qarmatian Ismaili rule; destruction of the Sun Temple 1005 CE Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion 1175 CE Conquest
