Sargodha سرگودھا

The City of Eagles.

Sargodha is a city in the Sargodha District of Punjab province, Pakistan. It is located in northeast Pakistan. It is 8th largest city of Pakistan and also known as Pakistan best Citrus producing

area. It is an agricultural trade centre with various industries. Sargodha is one of three "planned cities" in Pakistan (the other two are Faisalabad and Islamabad).

Pakistan's largest airbase, Mushaf Airbase (formerly Sargodha Airbase), is situated in Sarghoda and hosts the headquarters of the Pakistan Air Force's Central Air Command. The airbase is also home to the Combat Commanders School (CCS), formerly the Fighter Leader's School, an elite training facility for training Pakistan Air Force pilots in fighter tactics and weapons.

History

Sargodha was a small town at the beginning of the British Empire but, due to its geographical location, the British Royal Air Force built anairport there. It took on greater importance after the Independance of Pakistan for the Pakistan Air Force. Shahpur, which is now a tehsil ofSargodha District, was the district at that time. Most parts of the tehsil Sillanwali and Kirana Pahari region were part of Jhang district and were included later during the British Raj in the Sargodha district.

The 1965 war with India on September 6, 1965 meant the city was a prime target for India, due to the city close proximity with the neighboring rival. The citizens of Sargodha supported the Pakistan Army against the advancing of the Indian Army into Pakistan. In 1966, recognizing this bravery, the Government of Pakistan awarded the city of Sargodha as well as Sialkot and Lahore with the award of Hilal-E-Istaqlal.

The city also has a Pakistan Air Force base within its city. The PAF Base Sargodha now known as PAF Base Mushaf, named after the late Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir, a former Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force. The strategic location of the base has allowed the Air Force to carry out experimental work within the city

Economy

Sargodha is largey an agricultural and industrial city. The vast fields on the city have allowed the farmers to develop a range of crops and animal breeding programs. Some of the main crops include citrus, wheat, rice, and sugar cane which are exported to the other cities as well as internationally. Besides, Jawar, Bajra, Moong, Mash, Masoor, Gram and Oil Seed such as Rape / Mustard are also grown in minor quantities in the district.

Citrus fruits such as oranges (locally known as kinnows), Guavas and Mangoes are main fruits grown in the district. As well as Jaman, Pears, Dates, Pomegranate, Phalsa and Almond are also grown in minor quantities. Turnip, Onion, Cauliflower, Potatoes and Tomatoes are main vegetables grown in the district. The main livestock for the city include goats, sheep, buffaloes and cattle.

Even with agricultural goods being the major income generator for the city as well as the district. The economy and industry has been diversifying itself to generate more demand for other goods which can be manufactured and produced in the city. Other industrial markets include: Beverage, manufacture of diesel engines, electricals, foundry products, glass products, leather footwear, oil mills, pesticides, insecticides, poultry feed, plastics, readymade garments, tannery as well as textiles