The Punjab government is responsible for the governance of the most populous province in Pakistan, with its headquarters in the capital city of Lahore. It is comprised of a unicameral legislature, with the Chief Minister as its head, and a cabinet selected from members of the Punjab Provincial Assembly. The government’s structure and powers are outlined in the country’s constitution, with jurisdiction over 41 districts.

The Punjab province shares its borders with Sindh to the south, Balochistan to the southwest, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the northwest, as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir to the north and Islamabad Capital Territory to the northwest. It also shares international borders with the Indian states of Punjab and Rajasthan to the east and Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir to the north. The provincial capital is Lahore, where the government is based.

The name “Punjab” originates from the Persian words “Panj” meaning “five” and “Aab” meaning “water,” referring to the five rivers that flow through the region: Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Chenab, and Jhelum. Although the Indus River also flows through Punjab, it is not considered one of the “five” rivers.

History of Punjab: –

The province of Punjab has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the Indus civilization. The region has been ruled by various empires and races throughout its history, including the Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Egyptians, Afghans, and Mongols.

Before the arrival of Islam, Punjab was predominantly Hindu with significant Buddhist minorities. However, Muhammad bin Qasim conquered the region in 712 AD and introduced the message of Islam to the people. Over time, the teachings of various Sufi saints helped spread the religion throughout the region. During the Mughal Empire’s reign from 1524-1739, great architectural wonders like the Badshahi Mosque and the Shalimar Gardens were constructed in Punjab.

Maharaja Ranjeet Singh became the most prominent ruler of Punjab after the decline and fall of the Mughal Empire. However, after his death, political chaos ensued, and the British Empire took control of Punjab in 1849 following two Anglo-Sikh Wars.

Under British rule: –

Punjab became one of their most important assets in colonial India due to its Geo-political position. The introduction of western education, a new revenue system, and a new administrative system were some of the measures implemented by the British. However, the people’s increasing resentment towards their colonial masters led to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919 in Amritsar. Following the Pakistan Resolution of 1940, Punjab was at the centre of the independence struggle for modern-day Pakistan during the partition of India in 1947.

After the partition: –

The Muslim-dominated areas became the present-day province of Punjab, while the Sikh and Hindu-dominated regions formed the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. In 1955, Punjab lost its province status due to rising tensions between East and West Pakistan. However, it regained its standing in 1972 following the secession of East Pakistan and the formation of Bangladesh. Punjab witnessed two wars between India and Pakistan in 1965 and 1971.

Today, Punjab is a vital part of Pakistan and is at the forefront of the country’s political and economic progress. With an area of 205,344 sq km and a population of 110 million, the province is the heart of the nation. The largest city in Punjab is Lahore, and Punjabi is the primary language spoken. The government body is the Provincial Assembly, and the main crops grown are cotton, wheat, and rice. Punjab has 127 tehsils towns, 36 districts, and its capital is Lahore. The province is home to the Punjab Urial and the peacock, and the shisham is its tree. The literacy rate is 64%, and the temperature ranges from -2o to 40oC.

Departments in Punjab Government: –

The Punjab government is comprised of 41 departments, each headed by a provincial minister and secretary. The Chief Minister is the chief executive, and all ministers report to them. Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary Punjab, a BPS-22 grade bureaucrat, oversees all secretaries. The Prime Minister of Pakistan appoints the Chief Secretary.

The government has also established several autonomous bodies and attached departments that report directly to the Secretaries or the Chief Secretary. To improve efficiency and management, the government has established a Sub Secretariat and Additional Inspector General (IG) South Punjab office in Multan.

Quick Stats

• Area: 205,344 sq km
• Largest City: Lahore
• Language: Punjabi
• Government Body: Provincial Assembly
• Main Crops: Cotton, Wheat and Rice
• Tehsils Towns: 127
• Animal: Punjab Urial
• Bird: Peacock
• Population: 110 Million*
• Capital: Lahore
• Tree: Shisham
• Literacy Rate: 64%
• Temperature: -2^o to 40^oC
• Districts: 36

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