AN HISTORICAL STUDY OF DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH IN LYALLPUR FROM 1890 TO 1979

Abstract

This article traces the historical evolution of Lyallpur since it was developed by Sir James Lyall in 1890 till 1979 when it was renamed as Faisalabad to honor King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia by General Zia ul Haq, the military dictator. Lyallpur was initially a British canal colony project. It was meticulously planned with a unique urban layout centered around the iconic Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) and its radiating Eight Bazaars, symbolizing colonial control and civic order. Landmarks such as the Lyallpur Railway Station, Chenab Club, and Jinnah Garden (formerly Company Bagh) played pivotal roles in shaping the city’s civic, cultural, and economic life. These structures not only reflected colonial architectural aesthetics but also facilitated connectivity, trade, and social interaction in the growing town. Following independence, Lyallpur underwent significant changes, culminating in its renaming as Faisalabad in 1979. The city expanded rapidly, transitioning from its agricultural roots to become the textile hub of Pakistan, often referred to as the "Manchester of Pakistan." This transformation was driven by infrastructural development, state planning, rural migration, and industrial investment. The article examines how Faisalabad’s unique spatial layout, institutional landmarks, and socio-economic changes collectively shaped its modern identity. By exploring the legacy of colonial planning alongside postcolonial growth, this study presents Faisalabad as a model of urban and industrial transformation in South Asia.