Located 145 kilometers from Islamabad, Lalamusa is a minor city in the Gujrat district. The name of the city is derived from the personal name “Musa,” while “Lala” is of Punjabi origin and means “brother”; the resulting name is Lalamusa (Brother Musa). Prior to 1880, the city was known as Lalamusa, but it is now known as Old (Purana) Lalamusa. Gujrat and Bahrain are nearby, as are the localities of Kotla Qasim, Khawas Pur Miana Chack, and Budo Kalas. Lalamusa, a city of approximately 200,000 people, contains all of the essential necessities and amenities of existence. This city has everything, from a historically significant train station to hospitals, colleges, and markets.
Lalamusa in British Era and Post Partition
The British construction of a railway junction in 1880 was crucial to the development of the metropolis (then a small village). Before the construction of the railway junction, this city was a nearly desolate region, but after its construction, a large number of English families settled there. This is why the town contains a modest English cemetery. After partition, a small number of Hindus and Sikhs migrated to Lalamusa, and several minor villages merged with it, granting it city status.
Famous Individuals
Lalamusa is renowned for producing Pakistan’s most influential political figures. Ex-Information Minister and Ex-Governor of Gillgit Baltistan, Qamar Zayaan Qaira, is the most recognizable figure that springs to mind. Chauhdary Fazal Elahi, the former president of Pakistan, hailed from the village of Marala, which was located within the jurisdiction of national Assembly 106 and two kilometers from Lalamusa. Mian Muhammad Afzal Hayat, the former chief minister of Punjab, was also a native of the city.
This city is not only renowned for producing the most influential political figures, but also the most attractive voices in the Pakistani music industry. Pakistan’s renowned folk vocalist Alam Lohar was also born here. He is known for singing Heers by Waris Shah. Son Arif Lohar, also from this city, followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a highly successful singer.
Javed Chaudhry, one of Pakistan’s most esteemed and accomplished journalists, is a product of Lalamusa’s journalism program. According to a survey, his notorious column “Zero Point” is the most widely read column in Pakistani newspapers.
People of Lalamusa
The people are extremely hospitable and enjoy a simple lifestyle. The majority of Lalamusa’s residents belong to the lower middle class. People in this city typically operate small enterprises or perform manual labor. The land of Lalamusa is fertile, and a large population is also involved in agriculture. In addition, there are numerous Lalamusans who have settled in Europe and the Middle East and contribute significantly to foreign remittances.
Food of Lalamusa
When it comes to exquisite dishes and culinary items, Lalamusa is in a league of its own. Samoosa from Lalamusa is renowned for its piquant and delicious flavor. In Pakistan, Noona Halwai’s barfi is the most well-known, but Mian-G Restaurant’s Lalamusa Daal is also delectable.
Clothes
Shalwaar qameez is a common piece of clothing. The elderly still prefer to wear shalwaar qameez, whereas the newer generation now also favors pant shirts. However, the majority of females don shalwaar qameez, and jeans are discouraged there.
Festivals of Lalamusa
In Lala Musa, numerous festivities are celebrated throughout the year, including the Reaping of Crops festival, during which people rejoice because they will soon reap the benefits of their labor. To entertain the masses, naiza baazi, horseback riding, dog battles, and rooster fights are performed during this festival.
Sports in Lalamusa
Cricket is the most commonly practiced sport. Football is also a popular sport in the city, but the lack of sporting facilities has forced young people to play in the streets and on school/college grounds. However, few initiatives have been taken to ameliorate the situation, and cricket clubs, such as the Riaz Cricket Club and the Lalamusa Cricket Club, have been established. Bodybuilding is another popular discipline, and there are numerous GYMs for both men and women. There are currently two champions from the city in the annual “Mr.Pakistan” bodybuilding competition, in which bodybuilders from all over Pakistan compete.
Education
Unfortunately, LalaMusa’s educational facilities are inadequate. There are only two government colleges and three private colleges, and as a result, students pursue higher education in neighboring communities, such as Gujrat and Kharian. There is not a single university, and as a result, the majority of the population pursues an education through Marticulation and then engages in carpentry and other manual labor. Those desiring a higher education depart the city for Islamabad or Lahore.
Market entry
The city serves as a central marketplace for the surrounding villages because of its proximity to numerous villages. This wholesale market in the heart of the city is where villagers sell their produce. In addition, although there are wholesale markets in Gujrat and Kharian, residents of adjacent villages prefer to visit the wholesale market due to its accessibility.
Regarding Retail Market, there is a central market in the city where locals buy for daily necessities. The retail market consists of every category of store, from bakeries to electronics stores, and serves every type of customer.
Religious Unity
As mentioned previously, Hindus and Sikhs also resided in the city prior to partition, but they are now considered a minority. Even though they are a minority, they have religious freedom in the city. Minorities are able to freely practice their religion at a church and a temple in the city. The minorities have been granted complete religious freedom and are regarded as equal citizens.
