Multan is a city in Punjab, Pakistan, located on the bank of
Chenab River. Multan is one of the five largest urban
centres of Pakistan in 2024 and is the major cultural,
religious and economic centre of Southern Punjab. Multan is
known for its rich ancient heritage and historic landmarks.
The city is one of the oldest inhabited cities of Asia, with
a history stretching deep into antiquity. A historic capital
of Punjab and a significant cultural centre of Indus Valley
civilization. Multan region was centre of many civilizations
in its 5 millennia old history.
Multan was part of the Achaemenid Empire ruled by Darius the
Great of Iran around 500 BC era. The city was besieged by
Alexander the Great during the Mallian Campaign. It was
conquered by the Umayyad military commander Muhammad bin
Qasim in 712 CE after the conquest of Sindh. Multan reached
height of its splendour during the Arab rule of 9th and 10th
century when it was made a separate state, the Emirate of
Multan, thereby ruling large parts of Punjab and Kashmir
