Siālkot

Sialkot is a city and district located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The city serves as the district headquarters and is known for its modern industries, including the production of sporting goods, as well as flour and cotton mills. Historically, it was recognized for manufacturing damascened ware and paper.1

The district itself covers an area of 2,067 square miles and is characterized by fertile land, particularly in the northern part, with crops like wheat, barley, rice, and sugarcane being prominent. Sialkot has a rich history, with legends attributing its founding to Raja Sāl, an uncle of the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata. It is also believed to be the site of ancient Śākala, the capital of the Indo-Greek king Menander. The city was incorporated as a municipality in 1867 and is the birthplace of the poet-philosopher Muhammad Iqbal.1