# Mangowal Gharbi

Mangowal Gharbi (منگووال غربی), or West Mangowal in English, is a town and Union Council headquarters in Gujrat District in Punjab province, Pakistan. This town is famous for rice and flour mills, Outclass Marriage Halls as [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Akbar+Marriage+and+Banquet+Hall/@32.4981466,73.9021724,17z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x391f1396c844d9d3:0xbea939cfcc88120c!8m2!3d32.4981421!4d73.9043611 Ijaz Marquees.

## Geography

According to the 2017 Census of Pakistan, the population is 19,735. Mangowal Gharbi (postcode 50640) is located 19 kilometers west of Gujrat along the Sargodha road. Nearby villages include Gumrali, Dinga, Jahangirpur Chakrian, Kot Matta, and Chah Mughlan. Due to its position on the Gujrat-Sargodha Highway, Mangowal Gharbi serves as a business hub for the surrounding villages.

## History

Mangowal West is located 19 kilometers west of Gujrat along Sargodha Road. Historically, this village and the neighboring ones, including Goleki, Dinga, Chakrian, Ladha, and Ishra, were named after prominent Sikh Sardars.

### Muslim background

The renowned Sufi saint Shah Sharif visited the area in the 17th century. The Muslim Sufi and saint Syed Hafiz Abdul Rahim Shah (Rahmat-ul-Alih) began preaching Islam to the ancient Sikh and Hindu communities in the region, leading many to convert to Islam. His followers and descendants were later assigned to various towns and cities, including Moin-ud-D-Pur, Madina Sayyedan, and Saroki in the east, as well as Miana Gondal, Bar Moosa, and Mandi Baha-ud-Din in the west, to spread the message of Islam. Over time, the entire region embraced Islam.

### Arian Hindu/Sikh cultural background

Mangowal, Kunjah, Jokalian, and Dinga were once prominent centers of Hindu and Sikh culture. Mangowal, in particular, was home to several historically significant and spiritually revered buildings from the ancient community, including more than five Mandirs (temples), an Ashnaan Ghaat (a swimming and bathing pool) with a Mandir, and a large idol-worship site called Baamda. Additionally, two large guest houses (Janj-Ghar) and a community center remain, though these are now under the care of the Matrooka-Waqf-Amlaak Board, which has not maintained them. The area also had over seven public water wells, each with its own attached hammam (bathhouse), but many of these historical landmarks have either been destroyed, altered, or repurposed for private use.
The people of Mangowal are known for their hard work, with many now living and working around the world. The population primarily consists of Kashmiris, Arayins, Sayyeds, Jat/Warraich, Waince, Rehmani, and Mirza tribes. The Mian brothers (originally Malik Awan, Mian Muhammad Taj Muazzam and Mian Noor Muazzam) have played a significant role in modernizing the town.
About half of the current population migrated from India after the partition of the subcontinent in 1947. These people, known as Muhajir (migrants), left their properties in India in search of freedom and to embrace Islamic culture. In recent years, the town has seen significant growth due to its improving economic conditions, expanding communication networks, and the development of attractive housing schemes. As a result, Mangowal has become a bustling shopping hub for the area, with numerous plazas, hundreds of shops, and a steady stream of customers.

## Famous personalities of Mangowal

A diverse group of individuals has contributed to the betterment of the community, both past and present. Some of them include:
* Mian Noor Muazzam & Mian Taj Muazzam (Donated land worth 5 million current value to schools, former Chairman of U.C.)
* Ch. Ghulam Farid (Late), MLA
* Ch. Bahawal Bukhash (Late), MLA
* Ch. Ijaz Hussain, former Chairman of U.C.
* Ch. Muhammad Ikram, Member of Zila Council
* Ch. Aitezaz Ehsan, MPA
* Sir Khadim Hussain Tahir, Principal of Boys High School, Mangowal Gharbi
* Dr. Mian Mohammed Aslam, Eye Specialist
These individuals have played significant roles in shaping the community and its development.

## Education

Government Sector Educational Institutions
* Govt.High School Mangowal Gharbi. (more than 1200 students)
* Govt.Girls High School Mangowal Gharbi. (near 1300 students)
* Govt. Boys Degree College Mangowal.
Private Sector Educational Institutions
* The Jinnah School Mangowal Gharbi
* Oxford School System School Mangowal Gharbi
* The Ambition School Mangowal Gharbi
* Alfarabi School Mangowal Gharbi

## Health

Government Sector Health Institutions
* Govt. Maternity Hospital Mangowal Gharbi (Lungay Road) MBBS qualified Dr. served
* Basic Health Unit Mangowal Gharbi (Near Anwar Town) MBBS Dr. served in working hours
* Rural Health Dispensary Mangowal Gharbi (Near Lari Adah) MBBS Dr. served in working hours

## Serving mankind

The craftsmen of the town have a great sense of serving, creating and entertaining. The quality of mangowal wood works( furniture) is outstanding. Old ages mud-crafts industry is still active and creating various household mud utensils in the town which are regularly exported to various parts of the country. Super kernel Basmatii rice is abundantly produced by the industrious farmers here and processed in modern processing units (more than 16 rice processor units) and frequently exported all over the world to fetch currency exchange for the prosperity of the country.

## Accelerated development era

Town and surrounding area has rapidly grown since 2001 up to 2007 during District Government of Gujrat under Ch.Shafaat Hussain of PML(Q). A high profile motorway, water supply, maternity hospital, basic health unit, revamping of roads, streets and ways, provision of gas are valuable services for Illaqa Mangowal. The provision of gas was approved by Governor Lt Gen Khalid Maqbool much before election of Ch Shafat Hussain, because of efforts of Ch Ikram. The person managing the information is requested to consult relevant records before listing.