Okara (Punjabi, ) is the capital city of Okara District in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The name Okara is derived from Okaan, a type of tree.(Ikram Junaidi) Okara farms dispute nearing 'amicable solution' Dawn (newspaper), Published 14 February 2017, Retrieved 11 April 2021 In ancient times there were a large number of Okaan trees, which is why the area was named Okara. It is the 20th most populous city of Pakistan. The city is located southwest of the city of Lahore and Faisalabad is 100 km bypassing the Ravi River. It is known for its agriculture-based economy and cotton mills. The nearest major city to Okara is Sahiwal, which was formerly known as Montgomery. Kasur is also located in the east of the city. Pakistan military dairy farms, known for their cheese, are situated in Okara. Pul Dhool, located near Abdulla Sugar Mill, is a town in the Okara district. Pul Dhool is on Hujra Chunian road. It is 9 km from Shah Muqeem and 17 km from Chunian.These farms were established before the creation of Pakistan in 1947.

Climate The climate of Okara is usually warm and dry, except during the summer monsoon season between June and September. The coldest months are December to February, when temperatures may drop to , with moderate rainfall. The hottest months are May to July, when temperatures may reach . The annual average rainfall in the city is approximately .

History Okara is a relatively new agricultural city. During the period of British rule there was a forest of Okaan where the city has been rebuilt, and from this, the name of the city was derived. During British rule, the area was part of Montgomery District and contained a large saltpeter refinery. There are many textile mills in Okara. The predominantly Muslim population supported the Muslim League and the Pakistan Movement. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947 the Muslim refugees settled in the Okara District. In 1982, the city became the headquarters of the newly created Okara District. Okara has had a railway line since 1892.

Okara is known for its cattle breed known as Sahiwal and a water buffalo breed known as Niliravi. It is very rich in livestock population and production. Livestock Production Research Institute Bahadar Nagar Farm is a very large government farm near Okara. The farm has many cows, buffalo, bulls (for reproduction), goats, and sheep.

Administration The city of Okara serves as district and tehsil capital and is itself administratively subdivided into ten Union councils.

Politics Political leaders NA-135 Chaudhary Nadeem Abbas Rbaira kharal NA-136 Chaudhry Riaz-ul-Haq NA-137 Peer Saeyyud Ali Raza Gilaami NA-138 Mian Moeen Ahmed Khan Thakar Ka Wuttoo PP-188 Mian Yawar Zaman PP-189 Mian Muhammad MunirProfile of Muneeb-ul-Haq on Provincial Assembly Of The Punjab website Retrieved 11 April 2021 NA-143 Nadeem Abbas Rabera(2018 to 2023)Profile of Nadeem Abbas Rabera

Sights Kaluwal Hujra Shah Muqeem Chak No.37/4-L Jhakhran Waala Chak No.35/G-D Jhakhar Chaok Faisal Abaad Road Okara Chak No.50/D Jhakhran Waala Chak No.37-38/4-L Jhakhran Wala or Souka Chak or Pakka Khooh Chak No.28/2-R Jhakhran Waala Mopaalkay Choochuk Baazeeduh Baama Baala & Baama Zaireen Kohluh Laashaarian Joyia Outhwaal Jaageer Jundraakuh Busti Kesa Joota or Taariq Abaad Shair K Baala & Shair K Zaireen Lai Baala & Lai Zaireen Tibbi Silaabut Mailoo K Thuthuh Chaakur Ka Raw-ay Moushtaaq Waala Satluj River Ravi River Chak 14 Gd Tehsildar Lower Bari Doab Canal Satghara Naul Plot Jaboka Chak 16 1R Kho Pak Darbar Tiba Tehsildar Historical

Demographics Population

Languages

In the 2023 census, 86.3% spoke Punjabi, 12.8% spoke Urdu, 0.4% spoke Pashto and an additional 0.5% spoke other minor languages (mostly Sindhi and Balochi). The main Punjabi dialects in the area are Majhi and Jhangvi.

Parks and Recreational Facilities Safdar Shaheed Park and Jinnah Park are the two main parks in Okara city. Apart from these two, there are few others parks including Gulshan e Fatima Park, Mehboob Alam Park, Lalazar colony park etc.

References