Sarai Alamgir is one of four tehsils of Gujrat district.[1][2][3]
The Sarai Alamgir town was mainly founded by the mughal emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir.[1] That's why the name of town was given Sarai Alamgir which means Sarai of Alamgir because this place was used as "Sarai" (rest area) by the army of Aurangzeb Alamgir. The town also gains strategic importance that time due to its position at Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) originally built by the emperor Sher Shah Suri (1472- 1545).[1][4]
Sarai Alamgir covers 575 km2 (222 sq mi) on the eastern bank of the Jhelum River, across from the larger town of Jhelum. East of the town is the Upper Jhelum Canal. Sarai Alamgir was raised to the level of Municipal Committee in 1976. After the implementation of Punjab Local Government Ordinance 2001, it was given the status of Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA).[2]
Geography and climate
Sarai is located at 32°54′00″N73°45′00″E / 32.90000°N 73.75000°E / 32.90000; 73.75000 (32.900000, 73.750000); it lies at 232 m (761 ft) above sea level. The municipality has a moderate climate. During the summer, temperatures can reach 45 °C (113 °F) for short periods. Winter months are mild, temperatures rarely falling below 1 °C (34 °F). Sarai Alamgir is located south of Jhelum City, which lies across the Jhelum River. To the north of Sarai, cities are Mirpure and Bhimber. Mandi Bahauddin and Rasul are located to the south of Sarai Alamgir.[2][5]
History
In ancient history, the region participated in the Indus Valley civilization and the Gandhara civilization. At a later date, the Battle of the Hydaspes took place nearby, between the armies of Alexander the Great and the Great King Porus.[6][1] In the past, influencial people of the region would build a Sarai, which would be caravan stations and rest houses for travelers. A typical Sarai would consist of a drinking well, a praying area and a resting place for people.[1]
The 'Sarai' (rest area) at Sarai Alamgir was founded by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb because of its strategic location on the Grand Trunk Road and the Jhelum River, and its proximity to Kashmir. Over time, Sarai Alamgir developed into a central town for adjoining village populations.
The population of city in 1972 was 2,609 but according to the 2023 Census of Pakistan, the population has risen to 73,967.[7]
Census
Population
1972
2,609
1981
23,664
1998
37,166
2017
54,864
2023
73,967
Administration
The Tehsil Municipal Administration is a corporate body and consists of the Tehsil Nazim, Tehsil Municipal Officer, four Tehsil Officers and other officials of the Local Council Service, and officials of the offices entrusted to the Tehsil Municipal Administration. A Tehsil Nazim is the head of Tehsil Municipal Administration and exercises all functions and powers assigned to him under the Ordinance. The Tehsil Municipal Officer acts as coordinating and administrative officer, in charge of the Tehsil Officers.
The nearest international airports are at Islamabad and Sialkot, about 127 km (79 mi) and 90 km (56 mi) away, respectively.[9] There are other transport links to the town, including a railway station, the Grand Trunk Road, the Jhelum River and the Upper Jhelum Canal. Sarai Alamgir is located on GT Road (N5) and Pakistan's main railway line. A highway connects it with Mandi Bahauddin, while the other one goes to Mirpur, Azad Kashmir. A Motorway interchange is also in the pipeline which will be completed by 2023.
Villages
Balobanaian is a largest village of Sarai Alamgir. It is almost 22 km from the town.
References
^ abcdefgIrfan Shareef (9 April 2021). "Sarai Alamgir". The Nation newspaper. Archived from the original on 9 April 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
^ abc"Sarai Alamgir". Tehsil Municipal Administration Sarai Alamgir, Government of the Punjab website. Archived from the original on 8 June 2016. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
