Sahiwal

Sahiwal, formerly Montgomery, city, east-central Punjab province, eastern Pakistan. It lies on the vast Indus River plain in the densely populated region between the Sutlej and Ravi rivers.

The city was founded in 1865 and was named for Sir Robert Montgomery, then lieutenant governor of the Punjab in British-controlled India. It was constituted a municipality in 1867. The city acquired its present name in 1969.

Sahiwal is connected by rail and road with Lahore (northeast) and Multan (southwest). It is an important cotton centre, with ginning factories and textile and carpet production. Among its other manufactures are food and dairy products, pharmaceuticals, and cooking oil. Institutions include a hospital and several colleges affiliated with the University of the Punjab.

Irrigation in the region is provided by the Bari Doab Canal system. The principal crops grown are wheat, cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, legumes, and oilseeds. Cotton goods and lacquered woodwork are manufactured. Southwest of Sahiwal is Harappa, one of the major sites of the Indus civilization, the earliest-known urban culture of the Indian subcontinent. About 28 miles (45 km) west of Sahiwal, at Kamalia, is the site of a Malli city captured by Alexander the Great in 325 bce. Pop. (1998) 208,778.