Rahim Yar Khan


Rahim Yar Khan is a city in the Punjab, Pakistan. It is the List of [most populous cities in Pakistan|21st most populous city in Pakistan] and is the capital of the Rahim Yar Khan District. The city's administration is divided into nine union councils. Originally named Noshehra, it was renamed to Rahim Yar Khan in honour of the son of Sadeq [Mohammad Khan IV].

History

People have lived near this area for a very long time. The ancient tower of Pattan Minara stands 8 km to the east of the city center, and is believed to be the remains of a 5,000-year-old monastery, with the minara built during the Hakrra valley civilization of the Mauryan period.
Rahim Yar Khan was founded in 1751 as Noshehra. Its region was part of Multan province of Mughal Empire. Railway administrators wanted to change the name of the town due to its similar name to Nowshera. In 1881, Sadeq Mohammad Khan IV renamed the area to Rahim Yar Khan in honour of his son.
Rahim Yar Khan was a part of Bahawalpur State until 1943, when it became a separate district.

Climate

One-fourth of the city is within the Cholistan Desert.

Economy

65% of the population is employed in agricultural work.

Demographics

The population of the city is 519,261 during the 2023 [Pakistani census|2023 census].

Language

In the 2023 census, 51.44% of the population spoke Punjabi, 35.14% spoke Saraiki, 8.80% spoke Urdu, 1.86% spoke Pashto and an additional 2.76% of the population spoke other languages including 1.13% who did not consider their mother tongue to be among the options given.

Transport

is located in Rahim Yar Khan. It serves the people of city with domestic and international flights. There are daily flight from this airport to Karachi, twice in a week to/from Lahore, and once a week to Islamabad. This airport was partially damaged in 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.

Notable people

Books

  • Journals

  • News

Category:Bahawalpur Division
Punjab (Pakistan)">Punjab, Pakistan">Punjab (Pakistan)
Category:Populated places in Rahim Yar Khan District
Category:Populated places in Punjab, Pakistan
Category:Rahim Yar Khan District