Talagang
City in Punjab, Pakistan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Talagang (Punjabi / Urdu: تلہ گنگ) is a city and the administrative headquarters of Talagang District located in Punjab, Pakistan.[1]
Talagang
تلہ گنگ | |
|---|---|
City | |
| Talagang | |
Traffic Chowk, Talagang | |
  Talagang  Talagang | |
| Coordinates: 32°55′40″N 72°24′40″E | |
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Province |  Punjab |
| District | Talagang District |
| Division | Rawalpindi Division |
| Population (2023) | |
• Total | 79,431 |
| Time zone | UTC+5 (PST) |
| Postal code | 48100 |
| Calling code | 0543 |
The city is located on the Potohar Plateau, north of the Salt Range and east of the Kala Chitta Range.[2]
Talagang is known for its literary tradition and has produced notable writers and poets including Satyapal Anand. The local economy is largely based on arid agriculture. The region is especially known for peanut production, which is among the highest in the Potohar region.
The area is also known for hunting grounds and wildlife including black francolin, white-throated francolin, quail, and hare.
Etymology
The historical name of Talagang was Awan Mahal, associated with the Awan tribe. Many Awans trace their lineage to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
Location
Talagang is located approximately:
It lies near the M-2 Motorway and historically functioned as a transport hub along the Islamabad–Karachi route. The development of the Rawalpindi–Mianwali CPEC route has changed traffic patterns in the region.
History
Historically, Talagang served as a regional administrative and agricultural centre. During the British Raj, the area contributed significantly to military recruitment.
Military figures from the region include Subedar Major Mauladad Khan of the Punjab Regiment, who was known for his long service and influence in military traditions.[3]
Economy
The economy is mainly based on:
- Agriculture
- Livestock
- Trade
- Small businesses
- Government employment
Peanut farming is a major economic activity, alongside wheat and other dryland crops.
Demography
Population
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1951 | 8,755 | — |
| 1961 | 10,818 | +2.14% |
| 1972 | 17,395 | +4.41% |
| 1981 | 20,885 | +2.05% |
| 1998 | 37,766 | +3.55% |
| 2017 | 64,083 | +2.82% |
| 2023 | 79,431 | +3.64% |
As of the 2023 Pakistani census, Talagang had a population of 79,431.[4]
Notable people
- Satyapal Anand – Writer and poet
- Nur Khan – Former Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force
Lieutenant Malik Mohammed Khan was a notable local welfare figure who promoted education, including girls’ education, in Talagang during the mid-20th century.[5]
Wildlife
Wildlife found in the surrounding rural areas includes:
- Black francolin
- White-throated francolin
- Quail
- Hare
Transport
Talagang is connected by road networks to: