Chakwal is the capital and main city of Chakwal District, Punjab, Pakistan. It is located 90 kilometres southeast of the federal capital, Islamabad and 270 kilometres from the provincial capital, Lahore.
Historical sites
Quite a number of historical sites lie in the undulations of Chakwal, the more important of which are:
Katas Raj
Katas Raj is a medieval town sacred to the Hindus and lies about 5 kilometres west of Choa Saidan Shah on the Choa-Kallar Kahar road. Its importance is derived from the fact that it contains over 100 temples built over a period of more than 1000 years by its Hindu Rajas. Some of these temples are dilapidated but a large number of them have been well maintained. Hindu pilgrims from all over Pakistan and India frequently visit this town to worship. Katas Raj at its peak time was a well renowned University, a famous mathematician Alberuni measured the circumference of the earth while he was studying Sanskrit at this University.
Dharabi Dam
Dhrabi is a village in the Punjab province of Pakistan. A small river name “Dharab” passes by and is named after the village. It is a tributary of the Soan River outfall in Indus River at a distance of about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from village Balkasar of tehsil and district Chakwal. The M2 motorway between Lahore and Islamabad pass over this river.
A water reservoir was constructed on this river. Dharabi Dam which is supposed to be the largest water reservoir in the district has the capacity of storing 37,000-acre feet of water but it may not serve the purpose as lands it was supposed to irrigate lie at a higher altitude. The technical issues were raised in the nascence of the project but it was not attended to and the project was completed in 2009. The project once fully operational will bring about 6400 Acres of land water under irrigation out of which 6000 Acres through gravity flow and 400 Acres through lift (Small Dam Organization, 2007).
Kallar Kahar
Kallar Kahar is Tehsil and a tourist destination about 25 km from Chakwal along the M2 motorway. It is famous for its pleasant weather, loquat gardens, peacocks and a saltwater lake. It is a very popular tourist resort for surrounding districts. There is an amusement park is on the bank of the lake.
There are many other attractions in the town. Takht-e-Babri, built for emperor Babar to address his army on his way to Delhi, is a flat stage built of stone. Bagh-e-Safa is a garden said to be planted by Babar. Baber himself referred to Kallar Kahar as a “charming place with good air” and natural beauty.
Dulmial
Dulmial is located just 3 km from Katas Raj, a town which is very famous for the services rendered from its residents to all walks of life for Pakistan and also in the British Army. Dulmial is one of the two towns on Earth which was awarded the Victoria Gun After WWI in 1920. The gun was received by Cap. Ghulam Mohammad Malik and other WWI veterans. Since the creation of Pakistan Dulmial has kept its reputation in the Pak Army as well, apart from the military services this town is also known for the reputation of its people working in high ranks in almost every important governmental and non-governmental organisation.
Akwal
Akwal village is situated west 3 miles (4.8 km) of Talagang, it is a wealthy village with schools and colleges for girls and boys, mostly the people are related recruited into the. Mr Noor Khan who was awarded the “Tamgha Shuja Bahdari” in the 1948 war for shooting down Indian aircraft near Muzaffarabad.
Bhagwal
Bhagwal is a famous town of the Chakwal. It has very important political town because the famous Journalist and Political Leader “Ayaz Ameer” belongs to this town.
Bilalabad (Kufri)
Bilalabad (Kufri) is one of the oldest towns of Tehsil Talagang. Its population is over eight thousand, before partition its dominant population were wealthy Hindus, whose businesses were spread up to Peshawar. The houses built by them are still master pieces of architecture. Most of the population are from the Awan. Beside farming the clan is noted for performing a distinguished role in Pakistan Defence Services and business. Where few years back Gentleman Cadit Umar Awan S/O Col(Rtd) Nazir awan and nephew of Wing Cdr Anwar Awan & Wing Cdr Ahmed Awan claimed “Sword of Honour” from Royal Military Academy Sandhurst UK.
Budhial
Budhial is a village located about 25 kilometres from Talagang. This a beautiful village, and has many places worth seeing.
Choa Saidanshah
Choa Saidanshah village and tehsil of Chakwal are named after a famous Sufi Sakhi Saidan Sherazi Choa Saidan Shah. It is a beautiful valley of Chakwal.
Dharyala Kahun
Dharyala Kahun is a beautiful village situated at a hilltop in the Kahoon valley, 13 km away from the centre of Choa Saiden Shah. The majority of the population are Awans and serving in the Armed Forces and other businesses. Lt Gen Muhammad Afsar,a proud son of the village earned laurals for Dharyala Kahoon when he passed out as number one from Pakistan Military Academy Kakul in April 1963. He rose to be Engineer In Chief of the Army and retired as Quarter Master General. After his retirement, he served as Managing Director Army Welfare Trust also.
Dhoular
Dhoular is a village of Tehsil Talagang, it is one of the oldest, largest and culturally rich village of the area.
Dullah
Dullah is a beautiful village of Tehsil Chakwal, it is one of the oldest villages, most of people are serving in the Pakistan army, but unfortunately a lot of work is still needed to promote literacy, some people are living without electricity.
Lawa
Lawa is one of the largest villages in Asia[citation needed], it is a village of Talagang Tehsil, it has a population of over 115,000.
Khoday
Khoday – this village is situated in North of City Chakwal total population of this village is near about 6,000. Most of the people of this village are now residing in UK, Hong Kong And Middle East. this village is popular for ox racing in district. The biggest tribe of this village are the Awans.
Piera Fatehial
Piera Fatehial is a village of Talagang, it is located about 15 km from Talagand. Its population is more than 10000, it is one of the most educated villages in the area.
Rupwal
Rupwal is one of the oldest and historic towns of Chakwal.
Tamman
Tamman is a medium-sized village, located 30 km towards the west of Talagang it is one of the oldest towns with more than 10,000 population. Tamman High School is considered one of the most up to date high schools in the area.