Sialkot is a city in Pakistan, located in the province of Punjab. The population of Sialkot is approximately 300,000. It is a major industrial center and is well-known for it's leather products, surgical instruments, and other light manufactures. It is only a few miles from the border of India and is home to a base of the Pakistani Army.

History

It is believed that the city was founded by Raja Sul who was the uncle of the Pandhavas (of the Mahabharata. It is believed that the name of the city means "Fort of the Sia", the Sia being a particular caste which founded the city in ancient times.

It was taken from the Sikhs by the British in 1849. During the Mutiny of 1859 it was scene of heavy fighting, and the fort was used by Europeans for protection.

The city is famous in contemporary times for being the birthplace of Allama Iqbal.

External links

• The First website about Sialkot