Pakpattan

The annual urs fair in his honour draws an estimated 2 million visitors to the town.

• Name — Pakpattan Sharif • Settlement Type — City • Image Skyline — File:Darbar Hazrat Baba Farid ud Deen Ganj Shakar Rahmatullah Alaih - panoramio.jpg • Image Caption — The highly-revered Shrine of Baba Farid is located in Pakpattan • Pushpin Map — Punjab Pakistan#Pakistan • Pushpin Label Position — left • Pushpin Map Caption — Location in Pakistan • Subdivision Type — Country • Subdivision Name — Pakistan • Subdivision Type1 — Province • Subdivision Type2 — District • Subdivision Type3 — Tehsil • Subdivision Type4 — Old Name • Subdivision Name1 — Punjab, Pakistan Punjab • Subdivision Name2 — Pakpattan • Subdivision Name4 — Ajodhan • Leader Title — Ahmad Raza Maneka • Area Total Km2 — 2,724 • Elevation M — 156 • Population Total — 221,280 • Total Type — City • Population Rank — 48th, Pakistan • Population As Of — 2023 • Population Density Km2 — auto • Population Demonym — Pakpattni • Timezone1 — PST • Utc Offset1 — +5 • Postal Code Type — Postal code • Postal Code — 57400 • Area Code — 0457 • Area Code Type — Dialling code Pakpattan (Punjabi and), often referred to as Pākpattan Sharīf ("Noble Pakpattan"), is an ancient, historic city in the Pakistani province of Punjab, serving as the headquarters of the eponymous Pakpattan district. It is among the oldest cities in Asia and ranks as the 48th largest city in Pakistan by population, according to the 2017 census. Pakpattan is the seat of the Sufi Chisti order in Pakistan, and a major pilgrimage destination on account of the Shrine of Baba Farid, a renowned Punjabi poet and Sufi saint. The annual urs fair in his honour draws an estimated 2 million visitors to the town.

Pakpattan was originally known as Ajodhan (Hindi: अजोधन) until the 16th century. Ajodhan may be a Sanskrit term that can be interpreted as "eternal wealth" or "eternal prosperity," with Aja meaning "unborn" or "eternal" and Dhana meaning "wealth" or "prosperity." It is believed that the name of the city has changed over time, and anecdotally, it may have been known by various names prior to being called Ajodhan. Pakpattan derives its current name from the combination of two Punjabi words: Pak, meaning "pure," and Pattan, meaning "dock"; this name references a ferry service across the Sutlej River, frequented by pilgrims visiting the Shrine of Baba Farid. The ferry symbolized a metaphorical journey of salvation, with the saint’s spirit guiding believers across the river. During the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal eras, including the reigns of Akbar and Aurangzeb, the city continued to be known as Ajodhan. However, as the shrine of Baba Farid grew in significance, the name "Pakpattan" gained popular use and eventually eclipsed the older name. Akbar’s Ain-i-Akbari mentions the region, indicating that both names—Ajodhan and Pakpattan—were likely used interchangeably in local and administrative records.

Pakpattan is located about 205 km from Multan. Pakpattan is located roughly 40 km from the border with India, and 184 km by road southwest of Lahore. The district is bounded to the northwest by Sahiwal District, to the north by Okara District, to the southeast by the Sutlej River and Bahawalnagar District, and to the southwest by Vehari District.

Pakpattan, located in the fertile plains of Punjab, Pakistan, is believed to have roots that trace back to the Indus Valley Civilisation (est. >7000–1900 BCE), one of the world's oldest urban cultures, located in the Northern area of the Indian subcontinent. Although Pakpattan is widely recognized for its medieval history, its geographical proximity to Harappa, a major center of the Sarasvati-Indus Valley Civilization, suggests that the area may have been part of this ancient network of settlements. Harappa, situated approximately 40 kilometers from Pakpattan, has yielded extensive archaeological evidence of a highly developed urban society characterized by advanced trade, agriculture, and infrastructure. The Sutlej River, which flows near Pakpattan, played a significant role as a waterway for early civilizations, further supporting the likelihood of human habitation in the region during the Sarasvati-Indus Valley period. While no specific remains of this civilization have been discovered in Pakpattan itself, its location and environmental advantages suggest that it was likely connected to the broader cultural and economic networks of the time. This potential link adds depth to Pakpattan's ancient heritage, emphasizing its historical significance beyond its later medieval prominence. During the Vedic period (est. >6000-500 BCE), the region now known as Pakpattan was part of the Sapta Sindhu, the "Land of Seven Rivers," prominently mentioned in the Rigveda as the cradle of early Indo-Aryan civilization. The area was traversed by the Sutlej River, known in Vedic times as the Shatudri ("Hundred Streams"), one of the sacred rivers of the Sapta Sindhu region. This era saw the composition of the Vedas and the establishment of a society centered on pastoralism and agriculture. The region was inhabited by tribes mentioned in the Rigveda, such as the Purus, Druhyus, Anus, Turvasas, and Yadus, who engaged in intertribal conflicts and alliances that shaped the cultural and political landscape. Vedic society in the area was patriarchal and organized into clans led by tribal chiefs (Rajans). Religious practices focused on rituals and the worship of natural forces and deities such as Indra, Agni, and Varuna. The Sutlej River played a vital role in sustaining the inhabitants and influencing the region's spiritual and cultural significance in early Vedic civilization. Pakpattan, originally known by its Hindu name Ajodhan (Hindi: अजोधन), was founded as a village and has a deep-rooted Hindu history that predates its prominence as a Sufi center. Ajodhan was the location of a ferry service across the Sutlej River, which rendered it an important part of the ancient trade routes connecting Multan to Delhi. As an ancient settlement in the Punjab region, Ajodhan was historically significant in Hindu culture and served as a place of trade, pilgrimage, and cultural exchange. Hindu temples and shrines once marked the landscape, catering to the religious practices and rituals of local communities. The town was part of a broader network of settlements along these trade routes in northern India, which allowed Hindu traditions to flourish alongside the development of diverse communities. With the advent of Islamic rule and the influence of Sufi saints, particularly Baba Farid in the 12th century, Ajodhan (Pakpattan) would eventually become a center of Islamic spirituality, overshadowing its Hindu roots. Nevertheless, the legacy of Hinduism would remain embedded in local folklore and traditions, blending with the area's Sufi heritage to reflect Pakpattan’s rich, layered history.

Given its position on the flat plains of Punjab, Ajodhan (Pakpattan) was vulnerable to waves of foreign invasions from the Middle East and Central Asia that began in the late 8th century. It was captured by Sebüktegin in 977–78 CE and by Mahmud Ghaznavi in 1029–30.

Turkic settlers from Central Asia also arrived in the region from as a result of persecution from the expanding Mongol Empire, and so Ajodhan already had a mosque and Muslim community by the time of the arrival of Baba Farid, who migrated to the town from his native village of Kothewal near Multan around 1195. Despite his presence, Ajodhan remained a small town until after his death, although it was prosperous given its position on trade routes. Baba Farid's establishment of a Jamia Khana, or convent, in the town where his devotees would gather for religious instruction is seen as a process of the region's shift away from a Hindu orientation to a Muslim one. Large masses of the town's citizenry were noted to gather at the shrine daily in hopes of securing written blessings and amulets from the convent. Upon Baba Farid's death in 1265, a shrine was constructed that eventually contained a mosque, langar, and several other related buildings. The shrine was among the first Islamic holy sites in South Asia. The shrine later served to elevate the town as a centre of pilgrimage within the wider Islamic world. In keeping with Sufi tradition in Punjab, the shrine maintains influence over smaller shrines throughout the region around Pakpattan that are dedicated to specific events in Baba Farid's life. These secondary shrines form a wilayat, or a "spiritual territory" of the Pakpattan shrine.

During the Tughlaq dynasty's reign (1320–1413), Ajodhan (Pakpattan), gained prominence due to its association with the revered Sufi saint Baba Farid. Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq, the dynasty's founder, frequently visited Baba Farid's shrine, reflecting the site's spiritual significance. His son, Muhammad bin Tughluq, also maintained a close relationship with the shrine, commissioning the construction of a grand mausoleum for Baba Farid's successor, Sheikh Alauddin Mauj Darya, which became a notable example of Tughlaq architecture. Following Sheikh Alauddin's passing in 1335, this tomb solidified the site's historical and spiritual importance. This patronage not only enhanced the shrine's status but also elevated the city's importance as a center of Sufism during the Tughlaq era. In addition to constructing the mausoleum, the Tughlaq rulers, including Muhammad bin Tughluq and his successor Firuz Shah Tughlaq, undertook repairs and enhancements at the Shrine of Baba Farid. They granted ceremonial robes to honor Baba Farid's descendants and fostered a strong association between the Tughlaq court and the shrine. This patronage not only elevated the shrine's status but also reinforced Pakpattan's role as a key center of Sufism during the Tughlaq era. Ibn Battuta's travels to Ajodhan The renowned 14th century Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta visited the town in 1334 during his travels through the Indian subcontinent, and paid obeisance at the Baba Farid shrine. In his travel accounts, Battuta described Ajodhan (Pakpattan) as a prominent center of Sufism, emphasizing the local population's deep reverence for the teachings of Baba Farid, who had died several decades prior to his visit. Ibn Battuta was notably moved by the spiritual ambiance of the town and observed the devotion with which people visited Baba Farid's shrine, which was already established as a major pilgrimage destination at the time. His accounts provide valuable insight into the medieval importance of Pakpattan as a spiritual and cultural center in the region. Battuta also mentioned witnessing the practice of sati in Ajodhan (Pakpattan), describing the ritual where a widow immolated herself on her deceased husband's funeral pyre as a custom of honor among some locals. Further conquests and Timur's entry In 1394, Shaikha Khokhar, a chieftain of the Khokhar tribe and former governor of Lahore under Sultan Mahmud Tughlaq, led a siege on Ajodhan (Pakpattan). This occurred during a period of political instability following the decline of the Tughlaq dynasty, as Shaikha sought to expand his influence across Punjab. In the late 14th century, the Central Asian conqueror Timur (also known as Tamerlane) launched a campaign through the Indian subcontinent, capturing and often devastating cities along his path. Historical accounts suggest that in 1398, as Timur’s forces approached Ajodhan (Pakpattan), he learned of the revered shrine of the Sufi saint Baba Farid and the deep veneration held for him by the local community. Acknowledging Baba Farid’s spiritual significance, Timur visited the shrine to pray for strength and, out of respect for the saint’s legacy, spared the town’s remaining inhabitants who had not fled his advance. During Timur's 1398 invasion, numerous inhabitants of Ajodhan (Pakpattan) and Dipalpur, fearing his advancing forces, fled their cities and sought refuge in the fortified town of Bhatner (present-day Hanumangarh), believing that Bhatner's strong defenses and remote location would offer protection from invaders. In his memoir, Timur recorded:

Khizr Khan defeated the armies of Firuz Shah Tughlaq of the Delhi Sultanate in battles outside of Ajodhan (Pakpattan) between 1401 and 1405. The town continued to grow as the reputation and influence of the Baba Farid shrine spread, but was also bolstered by its privileged position along the Multan to Delhi trade route. The shrine's importance began to outweigh that of Ajodhan itself, and the town was subsequently renamed "Pakpattan" in honor of a ferry service over the Sutlej River.

Overall, during the medieval period, Pakpattan emerged as a significant center of Sufism, particularly due to the influence of the revered Sufi saint Baba Farid (1173–1266 CE). As part of broader efforts by Islamic rulers to consolidate their authority, various measures were employed to promote Islam and regulate the administration of non-Muslim populations in the region. These measures often included taxation policies, such as the jizya tax, as well as efforts to spread Islam through other administrative and coercive means. Under the Delhi Sultanate (13th–16th century), jizya was rigorously enforced by rulers such as Alauddin Khalji (1296–1316), who implemented it as part of his economic and administrative policies. Later, Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388) and Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517) reinforced the imposition of Islamic laws, including jizya, throughout their territories, including Pakpattan. Non-Muslims who converted to Islam were often exempt from jizya, an incentive that likely influenced conversions. In addition to taxation, Sufi missionaries, particularly Baba Farid and his successors, were instrumental in promoting Islam in the region. Encouraged by Islamic rulers, Sufi saints played a key role in converting non-Muslims, including Hindus, by establishing spiritual centers and engaging in discourse. Baba Farid’s dargah (shrine) became a focal point for spreading Islamic beliefs. Reflecting the general trend in Punjab during this period, while numerous Hindus in Pakpattan likely embraced Islam due to these policies—forming the ancestry of much of the city’s present-day Muslim residents—many Hindu communities remained resilient, up through the 1947 partition, preserving their cultural and religious practices under changing regimes.

The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, visited the town in the early 1500s to collect compositions of Baba Farid's poetry. The exact date of Guru Nanak's visit to Ajodhan (Pakpattan) is traditionally placed around 1510-1511 CE, during his first major journey across the Indian subcontinent. Though Baba Farid had died over two centuries prior, Guru Nanak’s respect for Sufi teachings led him to the saint's shrine, where he engaged in spiritual discourse with Sheikh Ibrahim, a descendant of Baba Farid and the head of the shrine at the time.

During the Mughal era in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Shrine of Baba Farid in Pakpattan received significant royal patronage, enhancing its prominence as a center of Sufism. Emperor Akbar (1556–1605), during his visit to the shrine in the late 16th century, renamed the town from Ajodhan to Pakpattan, meaning "Pure Ferry," reflecting the town's spiritual significance. His son, Jahangir, continued this tradition as Emperor by offering support to the shrine and its custodians. In 1692, Emperor Shah Jahan further solidified the shrine's status by bestowing royal support upon its Dewan chief and the descendants of Baba Farid, who became known as the Chishtis. The shrine and Chistis were defended by an army of devotees drawn from local Jat clans. The patronage not only elevated the shrine's stature but also reinforced Pakpattan's role as a key center of Sufism during the Mughal era. Notably, under the Mughal Empire, the imposition of jizya upon the Hindu residents of Pakpattan varied depending on the ruler's policies. Akbar abolished the tax in 1564 as part of his religiously tolerant policies, providing relief to non-Muslim residents of Pakpattan. However, Aurangzeb (1658–1707) reintroduced jizya in 1679 as part of his conservative Islamic reforms, significantly affecting Hindu communities in the region. His reign also saw restrictions on Hindu rituals and festivals in Punjab which likely affected the residents of Pakpattan, further influencing the region's religious landscape. Pakpattan’s history reflects the interplay of taxation policies and religious efforts by rulers to consolidate their authority while shaping the cultural and spiritual fabric of the region. Despite these pressures, the Hindu communities' resilience, combined with the evolving policies of successive regimes, ensured the preservation of their cultural identity and traditions.

Following the disintegration of the Mughal Empire, the shrine's Dīwān was able to forge a political independent state centered on Pakpattan. In 1757, Dīwān 'Abd as-Subḥān gathered an army of his Jat murīds, attacked the Raja of Bikaner, and thereby expanded the shrine's territorial holdings for the first time east of the Sutlej. Around 1776, the Dīwān, supported mainly by his Wattu murīds, successfully repelled an attack by the Sikh Nakai Misl, resulting in the death of the Nakai leader, Heera Singh Sandhu.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1799–1839) of the Sikh Empire seized Pakpattan in 1810, removing the political autonomy of the Baba Farid shrine’s chief. In his efforts to centralize power across Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh systematically reduced the autonomy of regional spiritual and administrative leaders, including the Dewan of the Baba Farid shrine in Pakpattan. Historical accounts suggest that upon Maharaja Ranjit Singh's capture of the town, the Dewan presented the Maharaja with a sword, a horse, cash, and reportedly women, as part of a customary tribute to demonstrate loyalty and seek favor. Such gestures reflected the feudal and patriarchal norms of the time, with symbolic and practical items like swords and horses representing martial allegiance. Ranjit Singh diminished the shrine’s independence by integrating its resources and influence into his administration, reflecting his broader strategy of consolidating control over both religious and secular institutions in his empire. Ranjit Singh maintained a deep respect for the shrine’s significance, particularly because Baba Farid’s spiritual poetry is included in the Sikh holy text, the Guru Granth Sahib. To honor the shrine, Ranjit Singh provided it with an annual nazrana (allowance) of 9,000 rupees and granted tracts of land to Baba Farid’s descendants. Through this patronage, he not only demonstrated his reverence for the shrine’s spiritual importance but also reinforced his legitimacy as a ruler among diverse religious communities. Supporting the shrine enabled him to extend his influence throughout the Pakpattan shrine's spiritual wilayat (territory) and its network of smaller shrines, strengthening his rule as a non-Muslim leader in a region with profound religious significance. Under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, state policies generally shifted toward greater religious tolerance. Discriminatory taxes such as jizya were abolished, and both Hindu and Sikh communities in Pakpattan were allowed to freely practice their faiths without external pressures to convert. The abolition of jizya symbolized a significant shift in governance, fostering greater equality and inclusivity for non-Muslim residents. In one anecdotal instance, during Maharaja Ranjit Singh's rule in Pakpattan, a local disturbance arose following the news of a cow, sacred to Hindus, being slaughtered by some Muslim residents. To pacify tensions and promote communal harmony, Ranjit Singh instituted a system during the Baba Farid shrine's mela (festival) time where the key to the shrine would remain with a Hindu throughout the night. The shrine would open at 5 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. daily. The Hindu would hand the key to a Sikh in the morning, who would pass it to the Dewan (a Muslim) to open the shrine, after which the Dewan would return the key to the Sikh, who would then give it back to the Hindu. This symbolic chain of custody emphasized communal cooperation and mutual respect. Additionally, Ranjit Singh assigned different parts of the city to different communities in a balanced manner—for instance, allocating the Gala Mandi to Hindus, another area to Sikhs, and others to Muslims—ensuring equitable representation and fostering a sense of shared community.

Several historical figures are recorded or traditionally believed to have visited Pakpattan (formerly Ajodhan), drawn by the spiritual significance of Baba Farid’s shrine, a prominent Sufi center. These visits highlight Pakpattan's enduring importance as a hub of spirituality and influence, attracting rulers, poets, and spiritual leaders seeking blessings, political legitimacy, or personal guidance. Pakpattan’s old city (the Dhakki area that contains the shrine), became a nexus of spiritual and temporal power. Sufi teachings influenced governance, ethics, and social justice, while rulers often sought to strengthen their authority through association with Sufi saints. The town fostered cultural exchange, intellectual enrichment, and dialogue among diverse communities, becoming a center where mystics, scholars, and travelers converged. However, Pakpattan’s prominence also drew the attention of brutal rulers who instilled fear among its residents, underscoring the city’s vulnerability amidst its prominence. Despite this, its reputation as a dynamic space where spirituality, politics, and culture intersected endured, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s historical and cultural fabric. • Historical Figure — Title/Position — Date/Period of Visit — Context of Visit • Sabuktagin — Founder of the Ghaznavid Dynasty, Mahmud’s father — Late 10th century (c. 997) — Sabuktagin’s expansionist ambitions brought him into the Punjab region, including Ajodhan (Pakpattan), as he laid the groundwork for further invasions into India by his son Mahmud. • Mahmud of Ghazni — Sultan of the Ghaznavid Empire — Early 11th century (c. 1005-1010) — Mahmud of Ghazni, notorious for his ruthless raids and desecration of Hindu temples, likely stopped at Ajodhan (Pakpattan) during his campaigns, which were often marked by fierce intolerance toward local religions and cultures. • ltutmish — Sultan of Delhi — 1211–1236 CE — Sultan Itutmish reportedly visited Ajodhan to seek blessings from Baba Farid and strengthen ties with influential Sufi leaders, acknowledging their spiritual and social power. • Sultan Ghiyas ud din Balban — Sultan of Delhi Sultanate — 13th century (c. 1260-1287) — Balban, known for his strict governance and emphasis on order, is believed to have visited Ajodhan (Pakpattan) as part of his campaigns to assert control over the region. His visit included a stop at the shrine of Baba Farid, reflecting the political and spiritual significance of the site. • Sultan Jalal-ud-din Khilji — Sultan of Delhi Sultanate — 1290–1296 — Sultan Jalal-ud-din Khilji visited Ajodhan (Pakpattan) to seek blessings from Baba Farid’s shrine and strengthen spiritual connections. • Amir Khusrau — Sufi poet, musician, scholar — Late 13th–early 14th century — The renowned poet and disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, Amir Khusrau, is believed to have visited Ajodhan (Pakpattan) to pay his respects to Baba Farid. • Muhammad bin Tughlaq — Sultan of Delhi Sultanate — Mid-14th century (c. 1335) — Muhammad bin Tughlaq, known for his erratic and often harsh rule, visited Ajodhan (Pakpattan) to maintain political control in Punjab and likely sought support from local Sufi figures for stability. • Ibn Battuta — Moroccan explorer and scholar — 1333 — Ibn Battuta, during his travels across India, visited Ajodhan (Pakpattan) and documented the importance of the shrine of Baba Farid, noting the spiritual significance of the site and its influence across the region. • Feroz Shah Tughlaq — Sultan of Delhi Sultanate — 1351–1388 — Known for his reverence for Sufi saints, Feroz Shah Tughlaq visited Ajodhan (Pakpattan) and contributed to the upkeep of Baba Farid’s shrine. • Timur (Tamerlane) — Conqueror and founder of the Timurid Empire — 1398 — During his violent invasion of India, Timur passed through the Punjab region and visited Ajodhan (Pakpattan), sparing the city's residents out of respect for the shrine of Baba Farid, even as he left a path of destruction on his advance toward Delhi. • Guru Nanak — Founder of Sikhism — Early 16th century (c. 1505) — Guru Nanak visited Ajodhan (Pakpattan) to meet Sheikh Ibrahim, the 12th successor of Baba Farid, engaging in spiritual discussions that emphasized compassion and tolerance. • Ibrahim Lodhi — Sultan of Delhi Sultanate — Early 16th century (c. 1510-1526) — Ibrahim Lodhi, the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, reportedly visited the shrine of Baba Farid in Ajodhan (Pakpattan) to strengthen his ties with spiritual leaders during a time of political instability. • Babur — Founder of Mughal Empire — 1524 — Babur likely passed through Pakpattan during his 1524 CE Punjab campaign. While his memoir, the Baburnama, does not explicitly mention Pakpattan, historical records suggest his forces traversed key areas, including this spiritual center known for the shrine of Sufi saint Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar. Pakpattan’s strategic location along major routes made it a natural waypoint for his army, though it was not a primary military target. As a brutal tyrant, his campaigns were defined by unrelenting military aggression and widespread acts of brutality against resisting forces and religious communities. • Sher Shah Suri — Founder of the Suri Empire — Mid-16th century (c. 1540) — Sher Shah Suri visited Ajodhan (Pakpattan) during his consolidation of power in Punjab. While primarily a pragmatic ruler, his campaigns often included brutal enforcement against opposing forces. • Mughal Emperor Akbar — Emperor of the Mughal Empire — 1571 or 1577-1579 — Emperor Akbar visited Ajodhan (Pakpattan) to pay respects at the shrine of Baba Farid during his campaigns in the region, using his influence over Sufi saints to bolster his rule. According to historical accounts, after Emperor Akbar's visit to Pakpattan in 1577, his entourage encountered excessive rainfall. • Nawab Qutb-ud-din Khan Koka — Mughal governor of Punjab — Late 16th–early 17th century — Nawab Qutb-ud-din Khan Koka, a prominent Mughal governor, visited Ajodhan (Pakpattan) as part of his administrative duties, paying respects at the shrine of Baba Farid to solidify his influence in the region. • Shah Jahan — Emperor of the Mughal Empire — 1628–1658 — Shah Jahan, in line with the Mughal tradition of patronizing Sufi shrines, is believed to have visited the shrine of Baba Farid in Ajodhan (Pakpattan) to seek blessings and affirm spiritual and political authority. • Aurangzeb — Emperor of the Mughal Empire — 1658–1707 — Emperor Aurangzeb, notorious for his brutal policies that led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Hindus and widespread forced conversions to Islam, visited Baba Farid’s shrine in Pakpattan, reflecting his interest in reinforcing political and religious authority through connections with prominent Sufi centers. • Bahadur Shah I — Emperor of the Mughal Empire — 1707–1712 — Bahadur Shah I, known for his affiliation with Sufi orders, visited Pakpattan to seek blessings from Baba Farid’s shrine and strengthen his ties with spiritual leaders in Punjab. • Maharaja Ranjit Singh — Ruler of the Sikh Empire — Early 19th century (c. 1810) — Ranjit Singh visited Pakpattan to honor the shrine of Baba Farid, reinforcing his respect for Punjab's diverse spiritual heritage and his connections with local religious leaders.

Following the establishment of British rule in Punjab after defeating the Sikh Empire, Pakpattan in 1849 was made district headquarters, before it was shifted in 1852, and finally to Montgomery (now Sahiwal) in 1856. The Pakpattan Municipal Council was established in 1868, and the population in 1901 was 6,192. Income in the era chiefly derived from transit fees. Between the 1890s and 1920s, the British laid a vast network of canals in region around Pakpattan, and throughout much of central and southern Punjab province, leading to the establishment of dozens of new villages around Pakpattan. In 1910, the Lodhran–Khanewal Branch Line was laid, making Pakpattan an important stop before the railway was dismantled and shipped to Iraq. In the 1940s, Pakpattan became a centre for Muslim League politics, as the shrine granted the League privileges to address crowds at the urs fair in 1945 - a favour not granted to pro-Unionist parties. The shrine's sajjada nasheen caretakers further refused to sign an anti-Partition manifesto brought to them by pro-Unionists. Pakpattan received electricity in 1942 during British rule, as part of efforts to modernize infrastructure in the region before the partition of India in 1947.

Just prior to the partition of 1947, the city's population included a substantial number of Hindus and Sikhs. Some well-known local residents at the time included Bhasheshar Nath (a major landowner), Dr. Ram Nath (MBBS doctor), and Lala Ganpat Rai Dhawan (local businessman and patwari). The Hindus of the city controlled much of the commerce and banking. On August 15, 1947, a major communal clash was supposed to take place but the Hindus left Pakpattan a few days later through the Sulemanki route. On August 23 and 24, looting had begun, and more of city's Hindus and Sikhs left the next day. The October 22, 1947 edition of The Kalgoorlie Miner stated: “The Hindu and Sikh refugees alleged that Pakistan troops at Pakpattan robbed them of all their belongings, and that young Hindu and Sikh girls were abducted and handed over to the local Moslem villagers.” During that summer, a train departing from Pakpattan Railway Station carrying Hindus and Sikhs was attacked shortly after leaving, resulting in all the passengers being slaughtered by a Muslim mob. Among those on the train was Sardar Kartar Singh, the brother of Sir Datar Singh (maternal grandfather of Indian politician Maneka Gandhi). Kartar Singh was traveling with his young wife and daughter when the train was ambushed approximately 5 kilometers from Pakpattan. Both Kartar Singh and his wife were killed in the attack, but their daughter survived. She was later adopted by a Muslim family in Pakistan, who cared for her for over a year. Eventually, a family member from India traveled to Pakistan and brought her back, reuniting her with her extended family. The city's Hindu and Sikh population fled to various areas in India (notably Fazilka) and was replaced by Muslim migrants from India (notably from towns such as Hoshiarpur and Fazilka). The stories of partition as told by the city's elderly residents who lived through the partition, have been extensively documented by Ahmad Naeem Chishti, in the social media page Partition Diary. • Illustration — In August 1947, a train carrying Hindu and Sikh passengers departed from this platform at Pakpattan Railway Station. Near Kumari Wala, the train was ambushed by mobs, who massacred all its passengers, including Sardar Kartar Singh, brother of Maneka Gandhi's maternal grandfather. • Illustration — Pre-partition house of Ram Nath, a Hindu MBBS doctor. • Illustration — Historic sign marking Ram Nath's pre-partition home.

Pakpattan's demography was radically altered by the Partition of British Raj, with the vast majority of its Sikh and Hindu residents migrating to India. Several Chisti scholars and notable families also settled in the city, having fled from regions that were allocated to India. Pakpattan thus increased in importance as a religious centre, and witnessed the development of pir-muridi shrine culture. The influence of the shrine's caretakers grew as Chistis and their devotees congregated in the city to such a degree that the shrine caretakers are regarded as "kingmakers" for local and regional politics. Pakpattan's shrine continued to grow in influence as Pakistani Muslims found it increasingly difficult to visit other Chisti shrines that now lay in India, while Sikhs in India commemorate Baba Farid's urs in absentia at Amritsar. Pakpattan continues to be a major pilgrimage centre, drawing up to 2 million annual visitors its large urs festival.

According to 2023 census, Pakpattan had a population of 221,280. This is up from the 2017 Census of Pakistan it was recorded as 176,693 so a 3.9% annual increase. • Illustration — Sahara City Housing Scheme

According to the census of 2023, Punjabi is the most widely spoken first language of Pakpattan, accounting for 92% of the population. Urdu was the native language of 7.10%, and 0.9% others.

• Illustration — Shrine of Baba Farid The Shrine of Baba Farid is one of Pakistan's most revered shrines. Built in the town once known in medieval times as Ajodhan, the shrine became so well-known that the area was renamed "Pakpattan," meaning "Holy Ferry," in reference to a river crossing made by pilgrims to reach the shrine. The shrine has since been a key factor shaping Pakpattan's economy, and the city's politics.

In addition to the renowned shrine of Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar, Pakpattan is home to several other significant shrines that contribute to the city's rich spiritual heritage. These shrines attract devotees from across the region, reflecting the enduring Sufi traditions of the area: • Darbar Hazrat Khawaja Aziz Makki Sarkar: This shrine honors Hazrat Khawaja Aziz Makki, a revered Sufi saint whose teachings have had a lasting impact on the region's spiritual landscape. The site attracts numerous devotees seeking spiritual guidance and blessings. • Shrine of Khawaja Amoor ul Hasan: Dedicated to Khawaja Amoor ul Hasan, a figure in the Chishti Order of Sufism. • Shrine of Bibi Raj Kaur: Known as the sister of Baba Farid, this shrine honors her piety and connection to the great Sufi saint. It is a site of reverence, particularly for women seeking blessings. • Shrine of Sheikh Muhammad Chishti: Associated with one of Baba Farid's disciples, this shrine serves as a testament to the role of Sufi saints in spreading Islamic teachings in the region. • Shrine of Hakeem Ghulam Muhammad: Located in the heart of Pakpattan, this shrine commemorates a local scholar and mystic, highlighting the city's legacy of Islamic learning and spirituality. These shrines, though smaller in scale than Baba Farid’s, play an integral role in Pakpattan’s identity as a hub of Sufism and spiritual culture. Pilgrims often visit these sites as part of their journey to the city, contributing to its historical and cultural significance.

Tosha is among the most recognised traditional sweets of Pakpattan, prepared by deep-frying oblong pieces of dough and immersing them in sugar syrup to create a crisp, sweet exterior with a soft centre. It is closely associated with the Shrine of Baba Farid, where it is often prepared as a devotional offering and distributed among devotees, making it a part of the city’s Sufi heritage. After the Partition of India in 1947, the recipe travelled with migrants to various towns in Indian Punjab, where regional adaptations such as Punjabi Tosha emerged. Fazilka in particular became known for producing Tosha on a large scale, further cementing the sweet’s cross-border cultural identity.

• Illustration — Mohri Gate • Illustration — Close-up view of Mohri Gate's front side • Illustration — Back side of the gate • Illustration — Ancient narrow street • Illustration — Another ancient street • Illustration — Narrow, winding street • Illustration — Remains of Kacha Burj, the mud fort built by Sher Shah Suri in the 1540s • Illustration — Surviving wall of the Kacha Burj Mohri Gate, believed to be over 400 years old (exact date unknown), is an ancient gateway in the historic Dhakki area of Pakpattan. Pakpattan's historic Dhakki—meaning mound, small hill, or high place—sits at an elevated level as the original heart of the city, which later expanded outward. This elevated neighborhood, which first housed the earliest residents of Ajodhan (Pakpattan), features narrow, winding streets that once thrived as a bustling hub of diverse communities. Dhakki was historically fortified with six large gates that closed at night to protect its inhabitants. The gates served as crucial entry points to the walled city. Today, only four of these ancient gates—Shahedi, Rehimun, Abu, and Mohri—still stand, each in a state of decay. Mohri Gate, believed to be over 400 years old, stands today, named for its "Mohri," or opening, which one could see through. It was also known as "Handa Walla" gate due to the presence of Handa families living nearby. The Dhakki area also holds significant architectural remnants from various eras. A notable remnant in this area is part of the wall of the 'Kacha Burj,' a defensive fort built by Sher Shah Suri; after conquering the city in 1541, Suri tasked his general, Haibat Khan, with constructing the fort to guard against potential invaders. The Dhakki area is home to the Shrine of Baba Farid. Before the 1947 Partition, Dhakki was primarily home to Hindu families, particularly Khatris, including the Dhawan, Handa, and Chopra families. Today, several pre-partition houses still stand in Dhakki. One of the residents of Dhakki before 1947 was Sardar Kartar Singh, the brother of Sir Datar Singh, who was the maternal grandfather of Indian politician Maneka Gandhi, a senior member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). • Illustration — Old pre-partition houses • Illustration — Door of an old Hindu temple (mandir) • Illustration — Front side of an old house with two carved-out niches within the exterior wall, traditionally used for placing candles at night to provide light • Illustration — Upper floor of a pre-1947 partition house • Illustration — An archway believed to be from an old house (belonging to the Handa family before 1947) • Illustration — The weathered side wall of an old house • Illustration — Front of another old house • Illustration — An old street formally known as 'Dhauna Gali'.prior to Partition (1947). It was named after the Dhawan families of the Hindu Khatri community. These families are believed to have resided there for over four centuries, from the early 1500s until 1947.

As of November 2024, Pakpattan City has witnessed several notable events: • Flooding in 2023: In August 2023, Pakpattan City was affected by heavy flooding from the Sutlej River, which caused water to inundate urban areas, damaging homes, roads, and local markets. The city experienced disruptions in transportation and trade, prompting local authorities and NGOs to coordinate relief efforts for affected residents. • Healthcare Expansion in 2024: In September 2024, a modern healthcare facility was inaugurated in Pakpattan City, aimed at addressing the growing medical needs of urban residents. The new hospital includes specialized wards and diagnostic facilities, improving access to healthcare for the city’s population. • Religious Tourism Surge in 2023: During the annual Urs festival of Baba Farid in October 2023, Pakpattan City saw an unprecedented number of pilgrims visiting the shrine. This surge in visitors boosted local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops selling religious items. However, it also highlighted the need for better infrastructure to manage large crowds. • Market Fire Incident in 2024: In June 2024, a fire broke out in Pakpattan City’s main bazaar, destroying several shops and causing significant financial losses to local traders. Firefighters managed to control the blaze after several hours, but the incident raised concerns about the lack of fire safety measures in the city. • City Beautification in 2024: Pakpattan has seen significant progress under its first female Deputy Commissioner, Sadia Mehr, appointed in October 2023. She has spearheaded city beautification and cleanup campaigns, launched solar-powered water supply projects in Arifwala, and implemented measures to control commodity prices and improve public services. Her leadership reflects a commitment to enhancing infrastructure, essential services, and overall quality of life in the district. These events underscore the dynamic nature of life in Pakpattan, highlighting both its challenges and progress in addressing urban issues and preserving its cultural significance.