Clock Tower, Faisalabad

The Faisalabad Clock Tower is a clock tower in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan, and is one of the oldest monuments still standing in its original state from the period of the British Raj. It was built by the British, when they ruled much of the South Asia during the nineteenth century.

Faisalabad clock tower
گھنٹہ گھر
A close view of clock tower, Faisalabad
Location in Pakistan
Coordinates
LocationFaisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
TypeIndo-Saracenic Revival architecture
Completion date14 November 1903

The foundation of the majestic Clock Tower was laid on 14 November 1903 by the British lieutenant governor of Punjab Sir Charles Riwaz and the biggest local landlord belonging to the Mian Family of Abdullahpur. The fund was collected at a rate of Rs. 18 per square of land. The fund thus raised was handed over to the Municipal Committee which undertook to complete the project.

Ghanta Ghar bazaar is made up of eight bazaars, where local grown produce is bought and sold.

The locals refer to it as "Ghanta Ghar" گھنٹہ گھر in Urdu which translates into Hour House in English. It is located in the older part of the city. The clock is placed at the center of the eight markets that from a bird's-eye view look like the Union Jack flag of the United Kingdom. This special layout still exists today and can be viewed using the latest software from Google Maps. The eight markets (bazaars) each has unique product types for sale. The bazaars are named for the directions these open towards i.e. Katchery bazaar, Chinot bazaar, Aminpur bazaar, Bhawana Bazaar, Jhang Bazaar, Montgomery bazaar, Karkhana bazaar and Rail bazaar.

During festivals of Eid and Independence Day the mayor (nazim) of Faisalabad delivers a speech at this site and hangs the flag at full mast.

Significance in the History of Faisalabad
A view of clock tower during night

Clock Tower or Ghanta Ghar is the most recognized building of Faisalabad. It is not only the center of the city, it is also the center of all the activities that happen in the city. During election season, each political party tries to hold rallies at this spot. The same is done for all demonstrations. The central rally of Eid e Milad and biggest procession of Moharram is also held at Ghanta Ghar each year.

The importance of this iconic tower is so much that one of the leading politicians of 1960s famously drew a parallel between the presidential system of General Ayub and this clock tower because like Ghanta Ghar which is visible throughout the city, the presidential system of General Ayub made him of equal prominence.

See also
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