Vehari is a district in Punjab, established in 1976 by separating three tehsils (Vehari, Burewala, and Mailsi) from Multan District. The name “Vehari” refers to a low-lying settlement near a flood channel. The district is situated along the right bank of the Sutlej River, which forms its southern boundary. It owes its development to the Pakpattan Canal, constructed in 1925 from the Sulemanki Headworks on the Sutlej, as well as the Neeli Bar Colony project.
The district’s ancient history is unclear, with early settlements mainly confined to the riverbanks, where seasonal flooding allowed limited cultivation. The rest of the land was largely barren, serving as pasture for nomadic herders. During the reign of Akbar the Great, the riparian area became the state of Fatehpur, governed by Fateh Khan of the Joiya family, who founded the town of Fatehpur. This town, located about 15 kilometers south of Mailsi, is the oldest in the Mailsi subdivision and contains some archaeological remains.
Vehari Tehsils:
Vehari district has been divided into following Tehsils:
- Tehsil Vehari
- Tehsil Mailsi
- Tehsil Burewala
Colleges and universities in vehari:
The city of Vehari is home to several prominent educational institutions, including constituent campuses of the University of Education, Lahore, COMSATS University, and two postgraduate colleges for both men and women. COMSATS University Vehari Campus has been offering MS and BS programs since 2009, while the Virtual University Campus has been serving the educational needs of the city since 2001. In addition, it boasts numerous higher secondary schools and private colleges, providing a range of academic opportunities.
The University of Education, a government-funded institution, operates its campus in Vehari, offering diverse programs through its more than four faculties and numerous departments. COMSATS University, this Campus is a public sector institution funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, playing a vital role in higher education in the region.
Moreover, some of Pakistan’s leading universities have established sub-campuses in Vehari, including the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, University of Education Lahore, and Allama Iqbal Open University. These universities contribute to the city’s academic landscape, offering a wide variety of programs and expanding access to higher education for the local population. Through these institutions, it has become an important hub for higher education, supporting the academic and professional aspirations of its residents.
Vehari Population:
According to 2023 census, population of Vehari district is 3,430,421. Number of total households in the district is 543,384. Average household size is 6.31, while annual growth rate is 2.83.
Representation in National & Provincial Assembly:
This district has been allocated 4 seats of National Assembly and 8 seats of Punjab Assembly. Below mentioned candidates were elected in election 2024:
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY:
| NA-156 | Ayesha Nazir Jatt | IND |
| NA-157 | Syed Sajid Mehdi | PML N |
| NA-158 | Begum Tehmina Daulatana | PML N |
| NA-159 | Aurangzeb Khan Khichi | IND |
PUNJAB ASSEMBLY:
| PP-229 | Muhammad Yousaf | PML N |
| PP-230 | Salman Shahid | IND |
| PP-231 | Khalid Zubair Nisar | IND |
| PP-232 | Malik Nosher Khan Anjam Lungerial | PML N |
| PP-233 | Muhammad Saqib Khurshid | PML N |
| PP-234 | Muhammad Naeem Akhtar Khan | PML N |
| PP-235 | Jehanzeb Khan Khichi | IND |
| PP-236 | Muhammad Ali Raza Khan Khakwani | IND |
History:
The ancient Punjab region saw invasions, settlements, and rule by various groups, including the Kambojas, Daradas, Kaikayas, Madras, Pauravas, Yaudheyas, Malavas, and Kurus. After defeating the Achaemenid Empire in 331 B.C., Alexander the Great marched into what is now the Punjab region with an army of 50,000.
The area, including present day Vehari, was subsequently ruled by several empires and kingdoms, such as the Maurya Empire, Indo-Greek Kingdom, Kushan Empire, Gupta Empire, White Huns, Kushano-Hephthalites, and the Turk and Hindu Shahi kingdoms. In 997 C.E., Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi succeeded his father, Sultan Sebuktegin, and took control of the Ghaznavid dynasty. By 1005, he had conquered the Shahis in Kabul, followed by the Punjab region, which later came under the rule of the Mughal Empire.
Following the independence of Pakistan in 1947, its largely Muslim population supported the Muslim League and the Pakistan Movement. After independence, Hindus and Sikhs migrated to India, while Muslim refugees from India settled in the District. The main castes in the region include Jatt, Dhudhi-Rajput, Joiya-Rajput, Sheikh, Bhatti-Rajput, Baloch, Khokhars, Daha, Gujjar, Arian, Sial, Awan, and Langrial.
In 1925, the construction of the Pakpattan Canal as part of the Neeli Bar plan contributed to the development of the this area, with the river Sutlej primarily irrigating the land. There is a well-known myth that the water of the Sutlej is blue, which is why the region was named “Neeli Bar” (Blue Field). When Muhammad Bin Qasim conquered Multan, this region was under the rule of Raja Dahir. In 1591, the Mughal Emperor Akbar merged the areas of Multan, Kehror, Jhang, Shorkot, and Vehari to create the province of Multan.
During this period, the Joiya family ruled over Fatehpur, located on the right bank of the Sutlej River. Archaeological remains from this era can still be found today. In 1748, Moin-ud-Din was appointed governor of Multan, and later, Meer Muno was made Subedar. Under an agreement, he handed over the eastern part of Multan, including Vehari, to Kora Mull, who assumed control of the area. Kora Mull established his rule and took on the title of Maharaja.
Famous personalities of Vehari District:
Following are some of the prominent personalities of this district:
- Waqar Younis, former cricketer, fast bowler
- Tehmina Daultana, MNA, politician
- Wasim Ahmed, former hockey player
- Salim Sherwani, former Hockey player
- Mian Saqib Khursheed, mpa vehari