Guide
About Sahiwal
Sahiwal is a city in central Punjab and the headquarters of Sahiwal Division. Under British rule it was named Montgomery, after Sir Robert Montgomery, a Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, and it took its present name later in the twentieth century.
The city is the commercial centre for a productive farming district and gives its name to the Sahiwal breed of dairy cattle. In recent years it has also become an energy location, with a large coal-fired power plant built nearby under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Economy and main industries
Agriculture and livestock are the base of the local economy. The Sahiwal is a zebu dairy breed associated with this region and is regarded as one of the best dairy breeds of humped cattle, so milk production, livestock trading, veterinary services and animal feed are significant local businesses.
The Sahiwal coal power plant, built near the city as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and inaugurated in 2017, consists of two 660 MW units with a combined capacity of 1,320 MW. It was built by Huaneng Shandong Ruyi (Pakistan) Energy, and its use of coal has drawn criticism over air pollution and other environmental concerns.
The Sahiwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry was proposed by local businessmen in 2000 and received its licence in May 2008 under the Trade Organisations Ordinance. Its licence covers trade and industry in both Sahiwal and the neighbouring Pakpattan district. The chamber has organised industrial expos, including one at Zafar Ali Stadium with more than 100 stalls, signed agreements with the Lahore and Sargodha chambers, and met the Pakistan Stock Exchange about listing smaller companies on its growth board.
Main business areas and markets
Model Saddar Bazaar is the city's central market, and its beautification and renovation were inaugurated by the Punjab chief minister in October 2026, alongside a new model agriculture mall and a 27 km road towards Arifwala. Farid Town has developed into a busy shopping area with clothing shops, everyday goods, boutiques and eateries, and commercial plazas have been built in its newer schemes.
Other localities used in business addresses include High Street, Civil Lines, Jahaz Ground and Pakpattan Road.
Agriculture and livestock services
Much of the city's trade looks outward to the farms and villages of Sahiwal and Pakpattan districts, which come to the city for farm inputs, machinery, livestock and household shopping. The model agriculture mall inaugurated in 2026 adds a dedicated venue for agricultural trade, and the new road towards Arifwala improves access from the east of the division. Seasonal Ramazan bazaars, such as the one set up at Hockey Ground, are another regular feature of the city's retail calendar.
Finding businesses in Sahiwal
Common searches include dairy farms and milk suppliers, cattle traders, agricultural dealers, schools and colleges, hospitals and clinics, and engineering and transport firms working with the power sector. PakistanYP listings can be filtered by locality, such as Farid Town or Civil Lines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the area code for Sahiwal?
The telephone area code is 040, or +92 40 from abroad.
What was Sahiwal called before?
It was called Montgomery, after Sir Robert Montgomery, a Lieutenant Governor of Punjab during British rule.
What is the Sahiwal coal power plant?
It is a 1,320 MW plant of two 660 MW units near Sahiwal, built under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and inaugurated in 2017.
Which area does the Sahiwal Chamber of Commerce cover?
Its licence covers trade, commerce and industry in Sahiwal and the neighbouring Pakpattan district.