Gujranwala: The Heart of Wrestlers and Food Lovers

• Helloہیلو
  [hello]
• Goodbyeخدا حافظ
  [khuda hafiz]
• Yesہاں
  [haan]
• Noنہیں
  [nahin]
• Please/You're welcomeبراہ کرم
  [bara e karam]
• Thank youشکریہ
  [shukriya]
• Excuse me/Sorryمعاف کیجیے
  [maaf kijiye]
• How are you?آپ کیسے ہیں؟
  [aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ٹھیک ہوں۔ آپ؟
  [theek hun. aap?]
• Do you speak English?کیا آپ انگریزی بولتے ہیں؟
  [kya aap english bolte hain?]
• I don't understandمجھے سمجھ نہیں آیا
  [mujhe samajh nahi aya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseبراہ کرم مینو دیکھنا ہے
  [bara e karam menu dekhna hai]
• I don't eat meatمیں گوشت نہیں کھاتا
  [main gosht nahi khata]
• Cheers!چیرز!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseبراہ کرم ادا کرنا ہے
  [bara e karam ada karna hai]

• Help!مدد!
  [madad!]
• Go away!چلے جاؤ!
  [chale jao!]
• Call the Police!پولیس کو بلاؤ!
  [police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!ڈاکٹر کو بلاؤ!
  [doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostمیں گم ہوگیا ہوں
  [main gum hogaya hoon]
• I'm illمیں بیمار ہوں
  [main bemar hoon]

• I'd like to buy...میں خریدنا چاہتا ہوں...
  [main kharedna chahta hoon...]
• I'm just lookingمیں صرف دیکھ رہا ہوں
  [main sirf dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?یہ کتنا ہے؟
  [ye kitna hai?]
• That's too expensiveیہ بہت مہنگا ہے
  [ye bohot mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?کیا آپ قیمت کم کر سکتے ہیں؟
  [kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?وقت کیا ہوا ہے؟
  [waqt kya hua hai?]
• It's one o'clockایک بجے ہیں
  [ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)دس بج کر پندرہ منٹ ہوں
  [das baje ke pandrah minute hain]
• Morningصبح
  [subah]
• Afternoonدوپہر
  [dopahar]
• Eveningشام
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayکل
  [kal]
• Todayآج
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowکل
  [kal]
• 1ایک
  [aik]
• 2دو
  [do]
• 3تین
  [teen]
• 4چار
  [chaar]
• 5پانچ
  [paanch]
• 6چھ
  [chhe]
• 7سات
  [saat]
• 8آٹھ
  [aath]
• 9نو
  [no]
• 10دس
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?کہاں ہے...
  [kahan hai...]
• What's the address?پتہ کیا ہے؟
  [pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?کیا آپ مجھے دکھا سکتے ہیں (نقشے پر)؟
  [kya aap mujhe dikhha sakte hain (naqsha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?اگلا (باس) کب ہے؟
  [agla (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)ایک ٹکٹ (کے لیے ....)
  [aik ticket (ke liye ....)]

The region that is now Gujranwala has a rich ancient history. Archaeological findings suggest that this area was inhabited as far back as the early Aryan civilizations around 1500 BCE. The city’s strategic location along the Grand Trunk Road made it an important settlement during various periods, including the Maurya and Gupta Empires.

During the medieval period, Gujranwala came under the rule of various local and regional powers, including the Ghaznavid and Ghurid dynasties. However, it was under the Mughal Empire that the region truly flourished. The Mughals contributed to the development of infrastructure, including roads and caravanserais, which facilitated trade and commerce.

The 18th century saw the rise of the Sikh Misls in the Punjab region. Gujranwala became particularly significant as the birthplace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1780, who later founded the Sikh Empire. Under his rule, the city became a crucial military and administrative center. Many of the fortifications and historical buildings in the city date back to this period.

Following the decline of the Sikh Empire, Gujranwala came under British colonial rule in the mid-19th century. The British developed the city’s infrastructure, including the railway system, which linked it to other major cities in the region. The establishment of educational institutions and administrative buildings also took place during this time.

The partition of India in 1947 was a tumultuous period for Gujranwala, as it was for much of Punjab. The city saw significant demographic changes, with a large influx of Muslim refugees from India and the migration of its Hindu and Sikh population to the newly created India. The city has since experienced rapid growth and development, becoming an important industrial and commercial hub in Pakistan.

Today, Gujranwala is one of Pakistan’s largest cities and is known for its vibrant culture, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine. It continues to be an industrial powerhouse, particularly known for its production of agricultural machinery, textiles, and ceramics. The city also hosts numerous cultural and sporting events, reflecting its dynamic and diverse heritage.

Gujranwala is located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The nearest international airport is Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, approximately 70 kilometers away. From Lahore, you can take a taxi, a bus, or hire a private car to reach Gujranwala. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Alternatively, Gujranwala has its own railway station, and you can take a train from major cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi.

Gujranwala has a variety of transportation options. Rickshaws and taxis are readily available for short distances and are relatively inexpensive. For longer distances, you can use local buses or hire a private car. The city also has ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem. Walking is an option in the central areas, but for exploring the outskirts, renting a car or using public transport is advisable.

The official currency in Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available throughout Gujranwala, and you can withdraw cash using international debit or credit cards.

Gujranwala is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some areas have higher crime rates, particularly for petty crimes like pickpocketing. It is advisable to stay vigilant in areas like the main bazaar and bus stations.

In case of emergency, dial 15 for police assistance and 1122 for medical emergencies. Gujranwala has several hospitals and clinics that provide emergency services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are readily available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques or religious shrines. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Gujranwala like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Pakistani goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss trying the famous Gujranwala barbecue, particularly the 'Siri Paye' and 'Taka-Tak' dishes. For a unique experience, visit the Gujranwala Cantt area to see colonial-era architecture and enjoy a peaceful stroll in the parks.