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Coordinates: 31°43′12″N 72°58′48″E / 31.72000°N 72.98000°E / 31.72000; 72.98000
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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Chiniot District
| name = Chiniot District
| native_name = {{Nastaliq|ضلع چنیوٹ}}
| native_name = {{Nastaliq|ضلع چنیوٹ}}
| native_name_lang = Ur
| native_name_lang = Ur
| settlement_type = [[List of districts in Punjab, Pakistan|District]] of [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]]
| settlement_type = [[List of districts in Punjab, Pakistan|District]] of [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]]
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
|size = 250
|size = 250
|photo1a = Shahi Masjid Exterior.jpg
|photo1a = Shahi Masjid Exterior.jpg
|photo2a = Grave of Abdus Salam.jpg
|photo2a = Grave of Abdus Salam.jpg
}}
}}
| imagesize =
| imagesize =
| image_alt =
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Top: [[Shahi Mosque|Shahi Masjid]], [[Chiniot]]<br>Bottom: Grave of [[Abdus Salam]]
| image_caption = Top: [[Shahi Mosque|Shahi Masjid]], [[Chiniot]]<br>Bottom: Grave of [[Abdus Salam]]
| image_map = Pakistan - Punjab - Chiniot.svg
| image_map = Pakistan - Punjab - Chiniot.svg
| mapsize =
| mapsize =
| map_alt =
| map_alt =
| map_caption = Map of [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]] with Chiniot District highlighted
| map_caption = Map of [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]] with Chiniot District highlighted
| subdivision_type = [[List of countries|Country]]
| subdivision_type = [[List of countries|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{flag|Pakistan}}
| subdivision_name = {{flag|Pakistan}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Pakistan|Province]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Pakistan|Province]]
| subdivision_name1 = {{flag|Punjab}}
| subdivision_name1 = {{flag|Punjab}}
| subdivision_type2 = [[Divisions of Pakistan|Division]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[Divisions of Pakistan|Division]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Faisalabad Division]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Faisalabad Division]]
| subdivision_type3 =
| subdivision_type3 =
| subdivision_name3 =
| subdivision_name3 =
| founder =
| founder =
| seat_type = Headquarters
| seat_type = Headquarters
| seat = [[Chiniot]]
| seat = [[Chiniot]]
| government_footnotes =
| government_footnotes =
| government_type = District Administration
| government_type = District Administration
| leader_party =
| leader_party =
| leader_title = [[Deputy Commissioner (Pakistan)|Deputy Commissioner]]
| leader_title = [[Deputy Commissioner (Pakistan)|Deputy Commissioner]]
| leader_name = Muhammad Asif Raza
| leader_name = Muhammad Asif Raza
| leader_title1 = District Police Officer
| leader_title1 = District Police Officer
| leader_name1 = Waseem Riaz Khan
| leader_name1 = Waseem Riaz Khan
| leader_title2 = CEO District Health Authority
| leader_title2 = CEO District Health Authority
| leader_name2 = Tariq Sohail
| leader_name2 = Tariq Sohail
| leader_title3 = District Health Officer
| leader_title3 = District Health Officer
| leader_name3 = Dr. Shahzad Khaleel
| leader_name3 = Dr. Shahzad Khaleel
| unit_pref = Metric<!-- or US or UK -->
| unit_pref = Metric<!-- or US or UK -->
| area_footnotes =
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 = 2643
| area_total_km2 = 2643
| population_footnotes = <ref name="2017census" />
| population_footnotes = <ref name="2023table1" />
| population_as_of = [[2017 Census of Pakistan|2017]]
| population_as_of = [[2023 Census of Pakistan|2023]]
| population_total = 1,368,659
| population_total = 1,563,024
| population_rural = 946,429
| population_rural = 1,071,352
| population_urban = 422,230
| population_urban = 491672
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics2_title1 = Literacy rate
| timezone1 = [[Time in Pakistan|PST]]
| demographics2_info1 = {{bulleted list
| utc_offset1 = +5
|'''Total:'''<br />(55.05%)
| established_title = Established
|'''Male:'''<br />(64.64%)
| established_date = 1 July 2009
|'''Female:'''<br />(45.19%)
| blank1_name_sec1 = Number of [[List of tehsils of Punjab, Pakistan|Tehsils]]
}}
| blank1_info_sec1 = 3
| timezone1 = [[Time in Pakistan|PST]]
| demographics1_title1 = Main language(s)
| utc_offset1 = +5
| demographics1_info1 = [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
| established_title = Established
| website = {{URL|chiniot.punjab.gov.pk}}
| established_date = 1 July 2009
| area_code = 0466
| blank1_name_sec1 = Number of [[List of tehsils of Punjab, Pakistan|Tehsils]]
| blank1_info_sec1 = 3
| demographics1_title1 = Main language(s)
| demographics_type2 = Literacy
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2023/tables/table_12_punjab_districts.pdf |title= Literacy rate, enrolments, and out-of-school population by sex and rural/urban, CENSUS-2023}}</ref>
| demographics1_info1 = [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
| website = {{URL|chiniot.punjab.gov.pk}}
}}
}}


'''Chiniot District''' ([[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] and {{lang-ur|{{Nastaliq|ضلع چنيوٹ}}}}), is a [[Districts of Punjab, Pakistan|district]] in the [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]] province of [[Pakistan]]. It became the [[Districts of Punjab, Pakistan|district]] in July 2009.<ref name=Dawn/> Before this, it was a [[Tehsils of Punjab, Pakistan|tehsil]] of [[Jhang District]].
'''Chiniot District''' ([[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] and {{langx|ur|{{Nastaliq|ضلع چنيوٹ}}}}), is a [[Districts of Punjab, Pakistan|district]] in the [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]] province of [[Pakistan]]. It became the [[Districts of Punjab, Pakistan|district]] in July 2009.<ref name=Dawn/> Before this, it was a [[Tehsils of Punjab, Pakistan|tehsil]] of [[Jhang District]].


== History ==
== History ==
Line 72: Line 81:
The predominantly Muslim population supported [[All-India Muslim League|Muslim League]] and [[Pakistan Movement]]. After the [[Partition of India|independence]] of [[Pakistan]] in 1947, the minority [[Hindu]]s and [[Sikh]]s migrated to [[India]] while the [[Muslim]] refugees from [[India]] settled in the Chiniot District.
The predominantly Muslim population supported [[All-India Muslim League|Muslim League]] and [[Pakistan Movement]]. After the [[Partition of India|independence]] of [[Pakistan]] in 1947, the minority [[Hindu]]s and [[Sikh]]s migrated to [[India]] while the [[Muslim]] refugees from [[India]] settled in the Chiniot District.


"Chiniot" name is from Chandan Khan (sister of Malik Machchhe Khan), Raja of Chiniot, a [[Khokhar]] rajput clan. Mari tappa (founded by the rajput Raja Badal Khan Khokhar) was not then populated, but Andheri was flourishing, and north of it lay the Dhaular, or abode of Rani Chandan, which was called Chandniot, now Chiniot. Or some say its name is based on as, literally "OT" (Behind/Across) of "CHIN-ab river", hence Chiniot. According to Sir Denzil Ibbetson. Panjab Castes, A glossary of tribes and castes of Punjab by H.D. ROSE. Chiniot was known for its master crafted furniture, not only in [[Pakistan]], but all over the world. Its highly special and master craft [[Jharokha]]s are known in the whole country.<ref>[https://punjab.gov.pk/node/1165 Exhibition Of Furniture Under The Aegis Of Pakistan Furniture Council Was Held At Expo Center] Punjab Portal, Government of Punjab website, Published 14 February 2016, Retrieved 31 May 2021</ref><ref>[https://www.dawn.com/news/1218048 Furniture producers urged to explore foreign markets] Dawn (newspaper), Published 7 November 2015, Retrieved 31 May 2021</ref><ref>[https://vimeo.com/110446781 Land of Craft: Chiniot] Vimeo.com website, Retrieved 31 May 2021</ref>
"Chiniot" name is from Chandan Khan (sister of Malik Machchhe Khan), Raja of Chiniot, a [[Khokhar]] rajput clan. Mari tappa (founded by the rajput Raja Badal Khan Khokhar) was not then populated, but Andheri was flourishing, and north of it lay the Dhaular, or abode of Rani Chandan, which was called Chandniot, now Chiniot. Or some say its name is based on as, literally "OT" (Behind/Across) of "CHIN-ab river", hence Chiniot. According to Sir Denzil Ibbetson. Panjab Castes, A glossary of tribes and castes of Punjab by H.D. ROSE. Chiniot was known for its master crafted furniture, not only in [[Pakistan]], but all over the world. Its highly special and master craft [[Jharokha]]s are known in the whole country.<ref>[https://punjab.gov.pk/node/1165 Exhibition Of Furniture Under The Aegis Of Pakistan Furniture Council Was Held At Expo Center] Punjab Portal, Government of Punjab website, Published 14 February 2016, Retrieved 31 May 2021</ref><ref name=":0">[https://www.dawn.com/news/1218048 Furniture producers urged to explore foreign markets] Dawn (newspaper), Published 7 November 2015, Retrieved 31 May 2021</ref><ref>[https://vimeo.com/110446781 Land of Craft: Chiniot] Vimeo.com website, Retrieved 31 May 2021</ref>


On 1 July 2009, Chief Minister [[Shahbaz Sharif]] formally approved the creation of Chiniot as the 36th district of Punjab province on behalf of MPA IMTIAZ AHMAD LALI & Molana Ilyas Ahmed Chinioti.<ref name=Dawn>[https://www.dawn.com/2009/02/03/nat31.htm Chiniot gets district status: Rs500m for infrastructure] Dawn (newspaper), Retrieved 30 May 2021</ref> Calls for Chiniot to be made a district date back to 2005, when a movement was a launched to elevate the former [[tehsil]] to district level. The movement died down when the public were assured the next [[Nazim]] would be from Chiniot – however this was not to be the case.<ref>[https://www.dawn.com/2005/08/29/nat28.htm Jhang nazim's choice sparks row in party] Dawn (newspaper), Retrieved 31 May 2021</ref>
On 1 July 2009, Chief Minister [[Shahbaz Sharif]] formally approved the creation of Chiniot as the 36th district of Punjab province on behalf of MPA IMTIAZ AHMAD LALI & Molana Ilyas Ahmed Chinioti.<ref name=Dawn>[https://www.dawn.com/2009/02/03/nat31.htm Chiniot gets district status: Rs500m for infrastructure] Dawn (newspaper), Retrieved 30 May 2021</ref> Calls for Chiniot to be made a district date back to 2005, when a movement was a launched to elevate the former [[tehsil]] to district level. The movement died down when the public were assured the next [[Nazim]] would be from Chiniot – however this was not to be the case.<ref>[https://www.dawn.com/2005/08/29/nat28.htm Jhang nazim's choice sparks row in party] Dawn (newspaper), Retrieved 31 May 2021</ref>


== Administration ==
Rana Tahir - the maiden DCO Chiniot along with Mr [[Hamza Shahbaz Sharif]], raised the flag of Pakistan on DCO office on the fine morning of 1 July 2009. The efforts of Rana Tahir in giving a proper developed outlook to the infant district will find a place in history and cannot be overemphasized. Mr Dilmeir Khan appointed as first district accounts officer and Mr Fayaz Sunbal was appointed as First DPO Chiniot.
The district is administratively divided into the following [[Tehsil|tehsils]] (subdivisions):
{| class="wikitable sortable static-row-numbers static-row-header-hash"
!Tehsil<ref>[http://www.ecp.gov.pk/content/District.html Divisions/Districts of Pakistan] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060930093025/http://www.ecp.gov.pk/content/District.html|date=2006-09-30}} Note: Although divisions as an administrative structure has been abolished, the election commission of Pakistan still groups districts under the division names</ref>
!Area
(km²)<ref>{{Cite web |title=TABLE 1 : AREA, POPULATION BY SEX, SEX RATIO, POPULATION DENSITY, URBAN POPULATION, HOUSEHOLD SIZE AND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE, CENSUS-2023, PUNJAB |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2023/tables/punjab/dcr/table_1.pdf}}</ref>
!Pop.
(2023)
!Density
(ppl/km²)


(2023)
==Demographics==
!Literacy rate
At the time of the 2017 census the district had a population of 1,368,659, of which 699,606 were males and 668,914 females. Rural population is 946,429 while the urban population is 422,230. The literacy rate was 50.05%. [[Punjabi Muslims|Muslims]] were the predominant religious community with 95.47% of the population while [[Ahmadiyya]], officially counted as non-Muslims by the Pakistani state, were 4.37% of the population.<ref name="2017census">{{cite web|title=District Wise Results / Tables (Census - 2017)|url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/content/district-wise-results-tables-census-2017|website=www.pbscensus.gov.pk|publisher=[[Pakistan Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref>
(2023)<ref>{{Cite web |title=LITERACY RATE, ENROLMENT AND OUT OF SCHOOL POPULATION BY SEX AND RURAL/URBAN, CENSUS-2023 |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2023/tables/table_12_punjab_districts.pdf}}</ref>
!Union Councils
|-
|[[Bhawana Tehsil|Bhowana]]
|879
|428,617
|487.62
|48.94%
|...
|-
|[[Chiniot Tehsil|Chiniot]]
|709
|633,621
|893.68
|57.31%
|...
|-
|[[Lalian Tehsil|Lalian]]
|1,055
|500,786
|474.68
|57.26%
|...
|}


== Demographics ==
At the time of the 2017 census, 94.62% of the population spoke [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], 3.85% [[Urdu]] and other 1.16% as their first language.<ref name="2017census" />
{{Historical populations
|align=center
|percentages=pagr
|1951 |329615
|1961 |396948
|1972 |570775
|1981 |694080
|1998 |965124
|2017 |1368659
|2023 |1563024
|footnote= Sources:<ref>{{cite web |title=Population by administrative units 1951-1998 |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/1998/administrative_units.pdf |publisher = [[Pakistan Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref>}}


As of the [[2023 Pakistani census|2023 census]], Chiniot district has 256,438 households and a population of 1,563,024. The district has a sex ratio of 102.41 males to 100 females and a literacy rate of 55.05%: 64.64% for males and 45.19% for females.<ref name="2023table1">{{cite web |title=7th Population and Housing Census - Detailed Results: Table 1 |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2023/tables/punjab/dcr/table_1.pdf |website=[[Pakistan Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref><ref name="2023table12">{{cite web |title=7th Population and Housing Census - Detailed Results: Table 12 |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2023/tables/table_12_punjab_district.pdf |website=[[Pakistan Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref> 417,070 (26.68% of the surveyed population) are under 10 years of age.<ref name="2023table5">{{cite web |title=7th Population and Housing Census - Detailed Results: Table 5 |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2023/tables/punjab/dcr/table_5.pdf |website=[[Pakistan Bureau of Statistics]] |publisher=}}</ref> 491,672 (31.46%) live in urban areas.<ref name="2023table1"/>

{{bar box
|title=Religion in Chiniot district (2023)<ref name="2023table9"/>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float = left
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Punjabi Muslims|Islam]]|green|95.35}}
{{bar percent|[[Ahmadiyya in Pakistan|Ahmadiyya]]|black|4.3}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity in Punjab, Pakistan|Christianity]]|blue|0.33}}
{{bar percent|Other|grey|0.02}}
}}

Muslims are the majority community in the district. Unlike the rest of Pakistan, Chiniot district has a sizeable Ahmadi community as the location of [[Rabwah]], the main settlement of the Ahmadis after Partition.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ ''Religion in Chiniot District''
! rowspan="2" |Religion
! colspan="2" |1941<ref name="Punjab1941">{{cite web |title=CENSUS OF INDIA, 1941 VOLUME VI PUNJAB PROVINCE |url=https://www.jstor.org/site/south-asia-open-archives/saoa/censusofindia1941-28216851/ |access-date=21 July 2022}}</ref>{{rp|42}}{{Efn|1941 figures are for Chiniot tehsil of erstwhile Jhang district, which roughly corresponds to the present district.}}
! colspan="2" |2017<ref name="2017census">{{cite web |title=District Wise Results / Tables (Census - 2017) |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/census-2017-district-wise |website=www.pbscensus.gov.pk |publisher=[[Pakistan Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref>
! colspan="2" |2023<ref name="2023table9">{{cite web |title=7th Population and Housing Census - Detailed Results: Table 9 |url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2023/tables/punjab/dcr/table_9.pdf |website=[[Pakistan Bureau of Statistics]] |publisher=}}</ref>
|-
![[Population|{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}]]
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
![[Population|{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}]]
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
![[Population|{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}]]
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
|-
| [[Islam]] [[File:Star and Crescent.svg|15px]]
| 276,745
|{{Percentage|276745|318183|2}}
|1,306,663
|{{Percentage|1306663|1368659|2}}
|1,490,359
|95.35%
|-
| [[Hinduism]] [[File:Om.svg|15px]]{{efn|name=ad-dharmi|1941 census: Including [[Ad-Dharmi]]s}}
| 39,219
|{{Percentage|39219|318183|2}}
|62
|{{Percentage|62|1368659|2}}
|132
|0%
|-
| [[Sikhism]] [[File:Khanda.svg|15px]]
| 2,188
|{{Percentage|2188|318183|2}}
|{{N/a}}
|{{N/a}}
|14
|0%
|-
| [[Christianity]] [[File:Christian cross.svg|15px]]
| 23
|{{Percentage|23|318183|2}}
|2,174
|{{Percentage|2174|1368659|2}}
|5,211
|0.33%
|-
|[[Ahmadiyya in Pakistan|Ahmadi]]{{efn|name=ahmadi|Ahmadis were declared non-Muslims in Pakistan prior to the 1972 census and from then have been enumerated separately.}}
|{{N/a}}
|{{N/a}}
|59,748
|{{Percentage|59748|1368659|2}}
|67,223
|4.3%
|-
| Others {{efn|Including [[Jainism]], [[Buddhism]], [[Zoroastrianism]], [[Judaism]], or not stated}}
|8
|{{Percentage|8|318183|2}}
|12
|{{Percentage|12|1368659|2}}
|85
|0%
|-
| '''Total Population'''
| '''318,183'''
|'''{{Percentage|318183|318183|2}}'''
|'''1,368,659'''
|'''{{Percentage|1368659|1368659|2}}'''
|'''1,563,024'''
|'''100%'''
|- class="sortbottom"
| colspan="7" | {{small|Note: 1941 data is for Chiniot tehsil of Jhang district, which roughly corresponds to the present district.}}
|}


{{Pie chart
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|thumb = right
|caption = Languages of Chiniot district (2023)<ref name=2023table11/>
|caption = Religion in Chiniot District (2017 Census)<ref name=salient>{{cite web|title=SALIENT FEATURES OF FINAL RESULTS CENSUS-2017|url=https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files//population_census/sailent_feature_%20census_2017.pdf|access-date=20 May 2021}}</ref><ref name="globalreligiousfutures.org">{{Cite web|url=http://www.globalreligiousfutures.org/countries/pakistan#/?affiliations_religion_id=16&affiliations_year=2010&region_name=All+Countries&restrictions_year=2020|title=Religions in Pakistan &#124; PEW-GRF|website=www.globalreligiousfutures.org}}</ref><ref name="refworld.org">{{cite web| url = https://www.refworld.org/docid/5ba0ae0e7.html| title = Refworld {{!}} World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Pakistan : Christians}}</ref><ref name="2017 Census">{{cite news|url=https://www.tribune.com.pk/story/1719994/headcount-finalised-sans-third-party-audit%3famp=1|title=Headcount finalised sans third-party audit|author=Riazul Haq and Shahbaz Rana|date=27 May 2018|access-date=23 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |title=Population By Religion |url=http://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files//tables/POPULATION%20BY%20RELIGION.pdf|journal=Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Government of Pakistan|pages=1}}<br />{{Cite web |url=http://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/other/yearbook2011/Population/16-16.pdf |title=Population Distribution by Religion, 1998 Census|website=Pakistan Bureau of Statistics |access-date=12 July 2020}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Islam in Pakistan|Islam]]
|label1 = [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] |value1 = 95.08 |color1 = red
|label2 = [[Urdu]] |value2 = 3.41 |color2 = green
|value1 = 95.47
|label3 = [[Pashto]] |value3 = 1.14 |color3 = lightgreen
|color1 = Green
|label4 = Others |value4 = 0.37 |color4 = grey
|label3 = [[Christianity in Pakistan|Christianity]]
|value3 = 0.16
|color3 = Dodgerblue
|label2 = [[Ahmadiyya in Pakistan|Ahmadiyya]]
|value2 = 4.36
|color2 = Black
|label4 = Others
|value4 = 0.01
|color4 = Grey
}}
}}

At the time of the 2023 census, 95.08% of the population spoke [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], 3.41% [[Urdu]] and 1.14% [[Pashto]] as their first language.<ref name=2023table11>{{cite web|title=District Wise Results / Tables (Census - 2023)|url= https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2023/tables/punjab/dcr/table_11.pdf |website=www.pbscensus.gov.pk|publisher=[[Pakistan Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref>


== Fauna and flora ==
== Fauna and flora ==
Line 110: Line 246:
'''Important Village:'''
'''Important Village:'''
Bhowana is one of the most famous towns of Chiniot District due to its ability to produce many [[Civil Service of Pakistan]] officers.
Bhowana is one of the most famous towns of Chiniot District due to its ability to produce many [[Civil Service of Pakistan]] officers.

== Towns ==
* [[Hersa Shaikh]]
Fateh Kot taja


==See also==
==See also==
Line 123: Line 263:
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
{{Portal bar|Geography}}
{{Portal bar|Geography}}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 06:01, 27 December 2024

For other uses, see Chiniot.

Chiniot District
ضلع چنیوٹ
District of Punjab
Top: Shahi Masjid, Chiniot
Bottom: Grave of Abdus Salam
Map of Punjab with Chiniot District highlighted
Map of Punjab with Chiniot District highlighted
Country Pakistan
Province Punjab
DivisionFaisalabad Division
Established1 July 2009
HeadquartersChiniot
Government
 • TypeDistrict Administration
 • Deputy CommissionerMuhammad Asif Raza
 • District Police OfficerWaseem Riaz Khan
 • CEO District Health AuthorityTariq Sohail
 • District Health OfficerDr. Shahzad Khaleel
Area
 • District of Punjab
2,643 km2 (1,020 sq mi)
Population
 (2023)[1]
 • District of Punjab
1,563,024
 • Density590/km2 (1,500/sq mi)
 • Urban
491,672
 • Rural
1,071,352
Literacy
[2]
 • Literacy rate
  • Total:
    (55.05%)
  • Male:
    (64.64%)
  • Female:
    (45.19%)
Time zoneUTC+5 (PST)
Area code0466
Number of Tehsils3
Websitechiniot.punjab.gov.pk

Chiniot District (Punjabi and Urdu: ضلع چنيوٹ), is a district in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It became the district in July 2009.[3] Before this, it was a tehsil of Jhang District.

History

[edit]

Chiniot region was an agricultural region with forests during the Indus Valley civilization. The Vedic period is characterized by Indo-Aryan culture that migrated from Central Asia and settled in Punjab region. The Kambojas, Daradas, Kaikayas, Madras, Pauravas, Yaudheyas, Malavas and Kurus invaded, settled and ruled ancient Punjab region. After overrunning the Achaemenid Empire in 331 BCE, Alexander marched into present-day Punjab region with an army of 50,000. The Chiniot region was ruled by Maurya Empire, Indo-Greek kingdom, Kushan Empire, Gupta Empire, White Huns, Kushano-Hephthalites and Shahi kingdoms.

In 997 CE, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, took over the Ghaznavid dynasty empire established by his father, Sultan Sebuktegin. In 1005, he conquered the Shahis in Kabul in 1005, and followed it by the conquests of Punjab region. The Delhi Sultanate and later Mughal Empire ruled the region. The Punjab region became predominantly Muslim due to missionary Sufi saints whose dargahs dot the landscape of Punjab region.

After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Sikh Empire conquered Narowal District. The Muslims faced restrictions during the Sikh rule.[citation needed] The British took over Chiniot District in 1848.

The predominantly Muslim population supported Muslim League and Pakistan Movement. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the minority Hindus and Sikhs migrated to India while the Muslim refugees from India settled in the Chiniot District.

"Chiniot" name is from Chandan Khan (sister of Malik Machchhe Khan), Raja of Chiniot, a Khokhar rajput clan. Mari tappa (founded by the rajput Raja Badal Khan Khokhar) was not then populated, but Andheri was flourishing, and north of it lay the Dhaular, or abode of Rani Chandan, which was called Chandniot, now Chiniot. Or some say its name is based on as, literally "OT" (Behind/Across) of "CHIN-ab river", hence Chiniot. According to Sir Denzil Ibbetson. Panjab Castes, A glossary of tribes and castes of Punjab by H.D. ROSE. Chiniot was known for its master crafted furniture, not only in Pakistan, but all over the world. Its highly special and master craft Jharokhas are known in the whole country.[4][5][6]

On 1 July 2009, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif formally approved the creation of Chiniot as the 36th district of Punjab province on behalf of MPA IMTIAZ AHMAD LALI & Molana Ilyas Ahmed Chinioti.[3] Calls for Chiniot to be made a district date back to 2005, when a movement was a launched to elevate the former tehsil to district level. The movement died down when the public were assured the next Nazim would be from Chiniot – however this was not to be the case.[7]

Administration

[edit]

The district is administratively divided into the following tehsils (subdivisions):

Tehsil[8] Area

(km²)[9]

Pop.

(2023)

Density

(ppl/km²)

(2023)

Literacy rate

(2023)[10]

Union Councils
Bhowana 879 428,617 487.62 48.94% ...
Chiniot 709 633,621 893.68 57.31% ...
Lalian 1,055 500,786 474.68 57.26% ...

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1951 329,615—    
1961 396,948+1.88%
1972 570,775+3.36%
1981 694,080+2.20%
1998 965,124+1.96%
2017 1,368,659+1.86%
2023 1,563,024+2.24%
Sources:[11]

As of the 2023 census, Chiniot district has 256,438 households and a population of 1,563,024. The district has a sex ratio of 102.41 males to 100 females and a literacy rate of 55.05%: 64.64% for males and 45.19% for females.[1][12] 417,070 (26.68% of the surveyed population) are under 10 years of age.[13] 491,672 (31.46%) live in urban areas.[1]

Religion in Chiniot district (2023)[14]
Religion Percent
Islam
 
 95.35%
Ahmadiyya
 
 4.3%
Christianity
 
 0.33%
Other
 
 0.02%

Muslims are the majority community in the district. Unlike the rest of Pakistan, Chiniot district has a sizeable Ahmadi community as the location of Rabwah, the main settlement of the Ahmadis after Partition.

Religion in Chiniot District
Religion 1941[15]: 42 [a] 2017[16] 2023[14]
Pop. % Pop. % Pop. %
Islam 276,745 86.98% 1,306,663 95.47% 1,490,359 95.35%
Hinduism [b] 39,219 12.33% 62 0% 132 0%
Sikhism 2,188 0.69% — — 14 0%
Christianity 23 0.01% 2,174 0.16% 5,211 0.33%
Ahmadi[c] — — 59,748 4.37% 67,223 4.3%
Others [d] 8 0% 12 0% 85 0%
Total Population 318,183 100% 1,368,659 100% 1,563,024 100%
Note: 1941 data is for Chiniot tehsil of Jhang district, which roughly corresponds to the present district.

Languages of Chiniot district (2023)[17]

  Punjabi (95.08%)
  Urdu (3.41%)
  Pashto (1.14%)
  Others (0.37%)

At the time of the 2023 census, 95.08% of the population spoke Punjabi, 3.41% Urdu and 1.14% Pashto as their first language.[17]

Fauna and flora

[edit]

The fauna and flora of the district include: Jand trees (Prosopis spicigera), Karir (Capparis aphylla), Beri (Ziziphus jujuba), Van (Salvadora abeoides), Kikar (Acacia arabica), Shisham (Dalbergia ) and Aak (Calotropis hamiltoni) are found within the district.[18]

Architecture

[edit]

The Omar Hayat Mahal (also known as Gulzar Manzil), is a 19th-century palace in Chiniot. (Badshahi Masjid) it was built by Nawab Saad Ullah Khan who was minister of Shah Jahan. It has same architecture as Shahi Masjid Lahore. Nawab Saad Ullah was minister in the cabinet of the Mughal Empire.

Important Village: Bhowana is one of the most famous towns of Chiniot District due to its ability to produce many Civil Service of Pakistan officers.

Towns

[edit]

Fateh Kot taja

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ 1941 figures are for Chiniot tehsil of erstwhile Jhang district, which roughly corresponds to the present district.
  2. ^ 1941 census: Including Ad-Dharmis
  3. ^ Ahmadis were declared non-Muslims in Pakistan prior to the 1972 census and from then have been enumerated separately.
  4. ^ Including Jainism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, or not stated

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "7th Population and Housing Census - Detailed Results: Table 1" (PDF). Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
  2. ^ "Literacy rate, enrolments, and out-of-school population by sex and rural/urban, CENSUS-2023" (PDF).
  3. ^ a b Chiniot gets district status: Rs500m for infrastructure Dawn (newspaper), Retrieved 30 May 2021
  4. ^ Exhibition Of Furniture Under The Aegis Of Pakistan Furniture Council Was Held At Expo Center Punjab Portal, Government of Punjab website, Published 14 February 2016, Retrieved 31 May 2021
  5. ^ Furniture producers urged to explore foreign markets Dawn (newspaper), Published 7 November 2015, Retrieved 31 May 2021
  6. ^ Land of Craft: Chiniot Vimeo.com website, Retrieved 31 May 2021
  7. ^ Jhang nazim's choice sparks row in party Dawn (newspaper), Retrieved 31 May 2021
  8. ^ Divisions/Districts of Pakistan Archived 2006-09-30 at the Wayback Machine Note: Although divisions as an administrative structure has been abolished, the election commission of Pakistan still groups districts under the division names
  9. ^ "TABLE 1 : AREA, POPULATION BY SEX, SEX RATIO, POPULATION DENSITY, URBAN POPULATION, HOUSEHOLD SIZE AND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE, CENSUS-2023, PUNJAB" (PDF).
  10. ^ "LITERACY RATE, ENROLMENT AND OUT OF SCHOOL POPULATION BY SEX AND RURAL/URBAN, CENSUS-2023" (PDF).
  11. ^ "Population by administrative units 1951-1998" (PDF). Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
  12. ^ "7th Population and Housing Census - Detailed Results: Table 12" (PDF). Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
  13. ^ "7th Population and Housing Census - Detailed Results: Table 5" (PDF). Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
  14. ^ a b "7th Population and Housing Census - Detailed Results: Table 9" (PDF). Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
  15. ^ "CENSUS OF INDIA, 1941 VOLUME VI PUNJAB PROVINCE". Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  16. ^ "District Wise Results / Tables (Census - 2017)". www.pbscensus.gov.pk. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
  17. ^ a b "District Wise Results / Tables (Census - 2023)" (PDF). www.pbscensus.gov.pk. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
  18. ^ "Chiniot District (formerly included in Jhang District)". Punjab Gateway, Government of Punjab website. Archived from the original on 1 October 2011. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
[edit]
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31°43′12″N 72°58′48″E / 31.72000°N 72.98000°E / 31.72000; 72.98000

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