Layyah, previously spelled as Leiah, is a city located in the southern part of the Punjab province in Pakistan. It serves as the headquarters of Layyah District and Layyah Tehsil. In this comprehensive overview, we delve into the geographical, historical, demographic, educational, and economic aspects of Layyah, shedding light on the city’s vibrant past and promising future.
Geography
Layyah is strategically positioned between 30°45′ to 31°24′ north latitudes and 70°44′ to 71°50′ east longitudes. The city’s geographical features are characterized by a semi-rectangular block of sandy land nestled between the Indus River and the Chenab River in the Sindh Sagar Doab region. Layyah boasts an average elevation of 143 meters above sea level, providing a picturesque backdrop for the city. The district encompasses an expansive area, covering 6,291 square kilometers, with a width extending 88 kilometers from east to west and a length spanning 72 kilometers from north to south.
History
Layyah’s historical roots extend deep into the annals of the subcontinent’s past. The city was founded around 1550 by Kamal Khan Mirani, a descendant of Ghazi Khan Mirani, who is credited with laying the foundation of Dera Ghazi Khan. During the Mughal Empire, Layyah was a part of the Multan province, and it played a pivotal role in the historical dynamics of the region.
In the early 17th century, around 1610, Layyah underwent a change in leadership as it was taken from the Mirani rulers by the Jaskani Balochs, who held sway over the region until 1787. During this time, Abdun Nabi Sarai was appointed Governor by Timur Shah Durrani. Still, shortly thereafter, it was included in the Governorship of Muhammad Khan Sadozai, who subsequently moved his seat of Government to Mankera.
In the tumultuous year of 1794, Layyah became the stage for a significant historical event when Humayun Shah, a rival claimant to the throne of Kabul, was captured near the city. Tragically, he met a gruesome fate as his eyes were put out by order of Zaman Shah. Under the Sikh Government, Layyah once again emerged as a center for administration in the neighboring tract.
However, the British colonial period brought its own set of changes. In 1849, after British occupation, Layyah became the headquarters of a Civil Administrative Division for a short period. Unfortunately, this administrative glory was short-lived, as the British later reduced Layyah to the level of a Tehsil headquarters, making it a part of Dera Ismail Khan. In 1901, Layyah was transferred to the newly established District of Mianwali. Eventually, it became a part of the Muzaffargarh District. It was in 1982 that Layyah Tehsil regained its district status, now comprising three Tehsils: Layyah, Karor, and Chaubara.
The municipality in Layyah was officially established in 1875, marking an important milestone in the city’s governance.
Administrative Divisions
Layyah District is subdivided into three tehsils, each with its unique characteristics and significance:
- Chaubara Tehsil
- Karor Lal Esan Tehsil
- Layyah Tehsil
The district also encompasses several main towns, which include Chowk Azam, Fatehpur, Kot Sultan, Pahar Pur Thal, Choubara, Peer Jaggi, and Ladhana. Additionally, there are numerous villages scattered throughout the region, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Layyah’s cultural landscape.
Education
Education is a cornerstone of development in Layyah, and efforts have been made to improve the educational infrastructure in the district. According to the Pakistan District Education Ranking, a report released by Alif Ailaan, Layyah is ranked 38th out of 155 districts nationally, with an education score of 66.76. This ranking is a testament to the progress being made in providing quality education to the local population.
The learning score of Layyah is notably high at 70.8, reflecting a commitment to academic excellence. One of the remarkable achievements is the school infrastructure score of Layyah, which stands at 94.38, placing it at a national rank of 18. This score highlights that most schools in Layyah are equipped with essential facilities such as electricity, drinking water, and functional toilets.
However, there are challenges in the realm of education that Layyah continues to grapple with. Reports from the TaleemDo! App, submitted by residents of Layyah, indicate that students in government schools have lower confidence levels compared to their peers in private schools, primarily due to the high fees associated with private education. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the quality of teachers and the availability of basic facilities in schools.
Higher Education
The pursuit of higher education is a significant aspect of Layyah’s educational landscape. The city is home to a range of educational institutions, including public sector colleges, private sector colleges, public sector universities, and private sector universities. These institutions offer diverse academic programs and disciplines, providing students with opportunities for advanced learning.
Small Dams
Layyah District boasts an impressive network of 17 small dams, each serving a crucial role in providing water for irrigation. These dams have been strategically placed to enhance the agricultural productivity of the region, benefiting local farmers and contributing to the economic growth of the district. Some of the notable dams in the district include Khokher Zer Dam, Surlah Dam, Dhok Talian Dam, Kot Raja Dam, and others, each playing a vital role in ensuring water availability for cultivation.
Industries
Economic activities in Layyah are diversified and contribute to the district’s financial well-being. The industrial landscape in Layyah encompasses a sugar mill, numerous rice factories, cotton ginning factories, ice factories, and flour mills. These industries play a pivotal role in providing employment opportunities and sustaining the local economy.
Land Statistics
The land in Layyah is categorized into six distinct types, each with its unique characteristics:
- Cultivated Area: Covering 10,12,828 acres.
- Irrigated Area: Encompassing 8,32,306 acres.
- Barani Area: Extending over 1,80,522 acres.
- Uncultivated Area: Spanning 5,39,820 acres.
- Culturable Waste: Covering 59,600 acres.
- Un-Culturable Area: Extending over 4,80,220 acres.
These land categories are pivotal for agricultural planning, providing a foundation for strategic decisions related to land use and development.
Types of Irrigation
Irrigation plays a critical role in sustaining agriculture in Layyah. The district’s irrigation is divided into three types, each catering to specific agricultural needs:
- Reverian Area: Covering 2,01,572 acres.
- Thal Irrigated Area: Encompassing 6,70,633 acres.
- Thal Barani Area: Extending over 6,80,433 acres.
This diversified irrigation infrastructure supports the region’s agriculture and contributes to food security and economic stability.
Transportation
Layyah is well-connected through a comprehensive transportation network that facilitates the movement of goods and people. The city’s road network is intricately linked to various cities and towns, ensuring efficient transportation. Major road connections include routes to Kot Addu, Muzaffargarh, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Karachi, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Islamabad, Multan, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Lahore. Additionally, Layyah benefits from a rail network, offering transportation services to Muzaffargarh, Multan, Bhakkar, Mianwali, and Rawalpindi/Islamabad.
Floods
Layyah has a history of recurring floods, posing challenges to its residents. To address these issues, innovative solutions have emerged. In Sehar village, residents have taken matters into their own hands by rebuilding their homes on raised dirt platforms that are five to six feet high. These platforms are fortified with eucalyptus trees planted around the edges, providing a natural barrier against floodwaters. This grassroots innovation reflects the resilience and resourcefulness of Layyah’s population.
Demographics
At the time of the 2017 census, Layyah District had a population of 1,823,995, with 924,837 males and 899,016 females. The district’s population is predominantly rural, with 1,502,821 residing in rural areas and 321,174 in urban centers. The literacy rate in Layyah was recorded at 58.19%. Muslims constitute the predominant religious community, representing 99.35% of the population, while Christians account for 0.53%.
In terms of language, Layyah is linguistically diverse. At the time of the 2017 census, 66.67% of the population spoke Saraiki, 27.79% spoke Punjabi, 2.78% spoke Urdu, and 2.29% spoke Pashto as their first language.
Conclusion
Layyah, with its rich historical heritage, dynamic educational initiatives, agricultural infrastructure, and thriving industries, plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic fabric of the Punjab region in Pakistan. As the city and district continue to make progress in various sectors, they remain an integral part of the nation’s cultural and economic landscape. Layyah’s journey reflects the resilience and determination of its residents, who work tirelessly to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for growth and development.
