Multan: The City of Saints and Sufis

• HelloAs-salamu alaykum
  [Ass-sah-lah-moo ah-lie-koom]
• GoodbyeKhuda hafiz
  [Khu-dah hah-feez]
• YesJee
  [Jee]
• NoNahi
  [Na-hee]
• Please/You're welcomeMeharbani/ Khush aamdeed
  [May-har-bah-nee/ Koosh ahm-deed]
• Thank youShukriya
  [Shook-ree-ah]
• Excuse me/SorryMaazrat chahta hoon/ Maafi
  [Maaz-rut chah-tah hoon/ Mah-fee]
• How are you?Kya hal hai?
  [Kya hahl hai]
• Fine. And you?Theek hoon. Aur aap?
  [Thake hoon. Or aap?]
• Do you speak English?Kya aap English bolte hain?
  [Kya aap English bol-tay hai]
• I don't understandMujhe samajh nahi aaya
  [Moo-jay sa-maj nahi ah-yah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenu dekhna chahta hoon, meharbani
  [Men-oo dekh-na chah-tah hoon, may-har-bah-nee]
• I don't eat meatMain gosht nahi khaata
  [Main go-sh-ta na-hee kha-ta]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBill dena chahta hoon, meharbani
  [Bill deh-na chah-tah hoon, may-har-bah-nee]

• Help!Madad!
  [Mad-ad!]
• Go away!Door ho jao!
  [Door ho jow!]
• Call the Police!Police ko bulao!
  [Po-leece ko boo-lao!]
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  [Doc-tor ko boo-lao!]
• I'm lostMain gum ho gaya hoon
  [Main goom ho ga-ya hoon]
• I'm illMain beemar hoon
  [Main bee-mar hoon]

• I'd like to buy...Kuch lena chahta hoon...
  [Kuch lay-na chah-tah hoon...]
• I'm just lookingBas dekh raha hoon
  [Bas dekh ra-ha hoon]
• How much is it?Yeh kitne ka hai?
  [Yeh kit-nay ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveYeh bohot mehnga hai
  [Yeh bo-hut meh-ngah hai]
• Can you lower the price?Kya aap price kam kar sakte hain?
  [Kya aap price kam kar sak-tay hai?]

• What time is it?Kitne baj gaye hain?
  [Kit-nay baj gaye hai?]
• It's one o'clockEk baj gaya hai
  [Ek baj ga-ya hai]
• Half past (10)Das baje ke baad
  [Das ba-jay ke baad]
• MorningSubah
  [Su-bah]
• AfternoonDopahar
  [Do-pa-har]
• EveningSham
  [Sham]
• YesterdayKal
  [Kal]
• TodayAaj
  [Aaj]
• TomorrowKal
  [Kal]
• 1Ek
  [Ek]
• 2Do
  [Do]
• 3Teen
  [Teen]
• 4Chaar
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• 6Chhe
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• 7Saat
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• 8Aath
  [Aath]
• 9Nau
  [Nau]
• 10Das
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?Kahan hai...
  [Ka-haan hai...]
• What's the address?Pata kya hai?
  [Pa-ta kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kya aap mujhe dikhayenge (map par)?
  [Kya aap moo-jhay dikha-yen-gay (map par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Agli bus kab hai?
  [Ag-lee bus kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ek ticket (.... ke liye)
  [Ek ticket (.... ke li-ye)]

Multan, one of the oldest cities in South Asia, has been a significant cultural and trade center for over 5,000 years. Known as the 'City of Gold,' Multan's early history is intertwined with the Indus Valley Civilization. Archaeological evidence suggests that the region was a thriving hub of commerce, attracting traders from Mesopotamia and Egypt. The city's wealth and strategic location made it an important settlement in ancient times.

In 326 BCE, Alexander the Great invaded the Indian subcontinent and captured Multan after a fierce battle. The city's resilience and strategic importance were evident even then. Alexander's conquest brought Multan into the Hellenistic world, influencing its culture and trade for centuries to come. The city was known as 'Mallian' during this period, deriving its name from the Malloi tribe that inhabited the region.

The Islamic conquest of Multan began in the 8th century when Muhammad bin Qasim, an Umayyad general, captured the city in 712 CE. This marked the beginning of a new era for Multan, as it became a key center of Islamic culture and learning. The city saw the construction of numerous mosques, madrasas, and Sufi shrines during this period. Multan became known as the 'City of Saints' due to the many Sufi mystics who settled there, spreading their teachings and gaining a devoted following.

During the 10th and 12th centuries, Multan came under the rule of the Ghaznavid and Ghurid dynasties. These rulers further fortified the city and developed its infrastructure. Multan was an important center of trade, linking the Indian subcontinent with Central Asia and the Middle East. The city's bazaars were famous for their textiles, ceramics, and spices, attracting merchants from far and wide.

Multan's significance continued to grow under the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century and later during the Mughal Empire from the 16th to 18th centuries. The city saw an era of prosperity and cultural renaissance under Mughal rule. Magnificent architectural structures, including mosques, forts, and gardens, were built, many of which still stand today. Multan's strategic location made it a vital provincial capital, contributing to the administrative and military strength of the Mughal Empire.

In the early 19th century, Multan was annexed by the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The city witnessed several battles during this period, notably the Siege of Multan in 1848-49, which led to its capture by the British Empire. Under British rule, Multan underwent significant modernization, including the development of infrastructure such as railways, roads, and educational institutions. The British also promoted the cultivation of cash crops like cotton and wheat, transforming the city's economy.

Following Pakistan's independence in 1947, Multan became part of the newly formed country. The city has continued to grow and modernize while retaining its rich cultural and historical heritage. Today, Multan is an important economic and cultural hub in Pakistan, known for its thriving agricultural industry, handicrafts, and historical sites. The city's numerous Sufi shrines and festivals attract pilgrims and tourists from across the globe, preserving its legacy as the 'City of Saints.'

Multan is accessible via Multan International Airport (MUX), which has direct flights from major cities in Pakistan and select international destinations. The city is also well-connected by rail and road. There are frequent train services from cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. For those traveling by road, Multan is connected via the National Highway (N-5) and the M-4 motorway, making it a convenient drive from other parts of the country.

Within Multan, you can use various modes of transportation including rickshaws, taxis, and app-based ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem. Public buses operate on major routes, but they can be crowded. Renting a car is an option but be prepared for busy traffic conditions. For short distances, rickshaws are the most convenient and economical choice.

The official currency in Multan is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash in case you travel to more remote areas.

Multan is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Some areas with higher crime rates include the outskirts of the city and less populated neighborhoods. Always keep your belongings secure and be cautious in crowded places like markets and public transport hubs.

In case of emergency, dial 15 for police assistance and 1122 for medical emergencies and fire services. Multan has several hospitals and clinics that provide emergency care. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly out of respect for local customs. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect religious practices and remove your shoes when entering mosques and shrines. Public Transport: Do respect local etiquette and avoid loud conversations on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'As-Salaam-Alaikum' (Peace be upon you). A handshake is common among men. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept hospitality graciously. Don't eat or drink in public during the month of Ramadan.

To experience Multan like a local, visit the bustling Hussain Agahi Bazaar for traditional crafts and local cuisine. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city's rich history. Don't miss the chance to visit the Sufi shrines and the historic Multan Fort. For a unique experience, take a boat ride on the Chenab River.