Farooqabad

The city was founded by Sardar Chuhar Singh.

History

Originally known as Chuhar Kana, Farooqabad's founding is linked with Shamke, Banduke, and Jhamke, all the result of Sikh Sardar, Chuhar Singh's endeavours. He played a significant role in the city's establishment.

After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Sikh Empire under Maharajah Ranjit Singh created a secular kingdom in the Punjab. The first police station in Farooqabad was set up during the British rule in 1924 and is called Sadar Thana Farooqabad. Steady growth followed as students came from all parts of the Punjab and North West India. The predominantly Muslim population supported the Muslim League and the Pakistan Movement. The independence of Pakistan in 1947 saw puritan influences come to the fore, while Chuhar Kana receded into relative insignificance. The minority Hindus and Sikhs in the Farooqabad area migrated to India while the Muslim refugees from India settled in the city.

With the advent of an Islamization push by the military government of Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, the city experienced a period of transformation. The rechristening of Chuhar Kana as Farooqabad in 1983 encapsulates this transition, effectively realigning the city's historical narrative.

In recent times, 'Sikh Yatrees' (Sikh pilgrims) from all over the world have regularly been visiting their places of religious significance, like Sucha Sauda in the Farooqabad area.