Having a population of 2.2 million, Gujranwala is the 7th most populated metropolitan city of Pakistan. Located in the northern part of the province of Punjab, the city is home to a variety of agricultural, industrial and commercial sectors. The surrounding district, also known as Gujranwala district, includes 7 other towns alongside this city, which acts as its divisional capital. Historically, Gujranwala has been known for being the birthplace of the famed Sikh ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Accordingly, the city has spent considerable time under the Sikh rule, which was ultimately overthrown by the British rule, before finally being made a part of Pakistan during the partition of the Indian subcontinent.
Punjab, in general, is known for its rivers, and Gujranwala is no different, as not one, but two rivers are located nearby, offering picnic opportunities on bright sunny days. Due to the positioning of the rivers, people own large plots of fertile land and farming is a common occupation of the locals, with sugarcane, wheat and rice being the key produce. The industrial sector focuses more towards the manufacturing of metals, textiles, auto parts, and other goods. The region has mild to hot summers and chilly winters, allowing the residents to enjoy both seasons to the fullest.
Gujranwala’s real estate industry is booming and there are plenty of projects underway for those looking to invest in the apartments. The options for investing in a flat start from a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment to buying a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom flat, with the area coverage ranging from 2 Marla to almost 4 Marla. These options are ideal for individuals who wish to move here for employment purposes. One of the property development projects, Garden Town is a 3-phase real estate venture, having a large number of flats on offer. As it is located on the Sialkot bypass, it also offers convenient transport routes to the residents, along with communal areas and parks for the homebuyers to enjoy.
The sale prices for flats here vary, depending on their location, close proximity to other facilities and commercial areas, as well as the facilities being provided by the residential project as a whole. The size of the apartment available for sale and the number of rooms also holds great importance in determining the price. Buyers can expect to pay as much as PKR 19.5 to 22.5 lakh for a 1-bedroom flat in Gujranwala, while 2-bedroom apartments can cost anywhere between PKR 40 to 51.5 lakh.
Gujranwala also has branches of some of the best educational institutes of Punjab, ensuring that good quality higher education is made accessible to all. The University of Punjab has its branch in the city, while Allama Iqbal Open University, Virtual University and GIFT University also have campuses here. Civil Hospital, as well as Allama Iqbal Memorial Trust Hospital, offer medical aid to the residents here.
The best part about buying a flat in a residential project is the additional facilities that you get to enjoy with your family. From uninterrupted power and water supplies to 24-hour gated security and a designated parking spot for your car, the benefits are many. While you get the comfort of living amid your neighbours with a sense of bonding and community, there is also the freedom of having space to enjoy with the family securely. Modern residential buildings are often built in a cluster within a boundary, offering parks, ponds, parking, and even play areas for the little ones.
For those who want to explore the area, the region’s history has left behind several sites that can be visited for a tour down memory lane. From the birthplace of Ranjit Singh, to the old Railway Station, and the Ghanta Ghar (Estcourt Clock Tower), there is plenty to see here. Nishan-e-Manzil is also a war monument that is frequently visited by locals and tourists alike, as the surrounding area is beautifully landscaped and also contains a boating lake. While wrestling is the main sport enjoyed within the city, parks like Jinnah Park, Model Town Park and Gulshan Park offer outdoor recreational opportunities to the residents.
When it comes to shopping, King’s Mall remains the go-to shopping destination, having a number of branded and local stores while also catering to the locals’ entertainment needs with Cinepax Cinemas. Other malls to visit are the Mall of Gujranwala and the Pace Mall. As shopping trips are often incomplete without a meal or a snack, all the major malls cater to the visitors’ appetite with food courts containing well-known fast food joints. These outlets can also be found as standalone eateries within the city. If Pakistani food is your preference, visit Bundoo Khan, which is known for its delectable cuisine.
Gujranwala offers an abundance of job opportunities because it is the 3rd largest industrial hub of the country, with the first two being Karachi and Faisalabad. Thus, if you’re planning to move to the city, getting employment here and ensuring that the daily commute is smooth is not going to be a problem. Apartment living is not for everyone, but small families can often benefit the most from investing in a flat in Gujranwala. This is because their kids get a chance to make new friends, live amid friendly neighbours and can even play outside within the boundaries of the apartment building without the parents being worried about their safety.
In addition, modern construction of apartments ensures that the best fixture fittings, floor plans and materials are used to construct a living space that is well worth the investment. From 1-bed flats to 2-bedroom options, apartments in this city can offer a good deal if you wish to move here with a small family. With public transport being easily available, commute within the city is not a problem and the Sialkot bypass further ensures that you’re never too far away from your loved ones living in other parts of Punjab.
