Kamoke (Urdu: کامونکی) is a city in the Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan. It ranks as the 30th largest city in Pakistan according to the 2017 census with a population of 249,767. Kamoke is known for its prominent rice market, being one of the largest in the sub-continent, and for its numerous mosques.
Kamoke
کامونکی | |
---|---|
City | |
Kamoke | |
Nickname: The City of Rice & The City of Mosques | |
Coordinates: 31°58′25″N 74°13′22″E / 31.97361°N 74.22278°E | |
Country | Pakistan |
Province | Punjab |
District | Gujranwala |
Tehsil | Kamoke |
Founded in | 1600-1700 (AD) |
Government | |
• Type | Municipal Committee |
• Member of National Assembly (MNA) | Chaudhary Zulfiqar Bhindar[1][circular reference] |
• Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) | Chaudhry Akhtar Ali Khan[2][circular reference] |
• Chief Officer (CO) | Miss Sofia Ashiq[3] |
• President Markazi Anjuman Tajran Kamoke | Ch Ahtesham Mustafa Khokhar[4] |
Area | |
• City | 30.9 km2 (11.9 sq mi) |
• Metro | 450 km2 (170 sq mi) |
Elevation | 201 m (659 ft) |
Population | |
• City | 249,767 |
• Rank | 30th, Pakistan |
• Density | 8,100/km2 (21,000/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC+5 (PST) |
Postal Code | 52470 |
Area code | 055 |
Website | MC Kamoke |
Located on the Grand Trunk Road, Kamoke is 21 km from Gujranwala and 44 km from Lahore, offering convenient access to both cities. The city is also well-connected by rail, situated on the main Lahore-Rawalpindi Railway Line.
Kamoke was historically settled during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar and was officially declared a tehsil in 1992 by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. It is administratively governed by the Town Municipal Administration under the City District Government of Gujranwala, featuring Tehsil Civil Courts, its own police circle, and a tehsil headquarters hospital.
Kamoke stands out for its economic activities, particularly in the rice industry, where varieties like Basmati, Super Basmati, and Karnal are grown, processed, and exported globally. The city's modern infrastructure, vibrant economy, and cultural significance make it a notable urban center in Punjab.
Infrastructure and Development
editKamoke is committed to enhancing its infrastructure to meet the standards of modern cities. Key projects include:
- Smart City Initiatives: Implementation of IoT (Internet of Things) for efficient city management, including smart lighting, waste management, and traffic control systems.
- Green Spaces: Development of parks and recreational areas to promote a healthy lifestyle and improve the urban environment.
- Public Transportation: Introduction of a modern public transport system, including electric buses and bike-sharing programs to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
- Digital Services: Expansion of digital government services to facilitate ease of access for citizens, including online bill payment, e-governance portals, and a city app for real-time updates.
Economic Development
editKamoke's economy is primarily driven by its rice market. However, the city is diversifying its economic base with initiatives such as:
- Industrial Zones: Establishment of industrial zones to attract investment and create job opportunities.
- Technology Parks: Development of technology parks to support startups and tech companies.
- Tourism Promotion: Leveraging historical sites and cultural heritage to boost tourism.
Education and Healthcare
editKamoke is investing in education and healthcare to improve the quality of life for its residents:
- Educational Institutions: Establishment of new schools, colleges, and vocational training centers to provide quality education.
- Healthcare Facilities: Upgrading existing hospitals and clinics, and introducing specialized medical services.
Sustainability and Environment
editSustainability is a key focus for Kamoke, with initiatives aimed at preserving the environment:
- Renewable Energy: Investment in solar and wind energy projects to reduce the city's carbon footprint.
- Water Management: Implementation of water conservation measures and improvement of water supply infrastructure.
- Waste Management: Introduction of recycling programs and proper waste disposal systems.
Cultural and Social Development
editKamoke values its rich cultural heritage and is working to promote social development:
- Cultural Events: Organizing cultural festivals and events to celebrate the city's heritage.
- Community Programs: Initiatives to support community development, including sports programs and social services.
For further details and updates, you can visit the [official website of MC Kamoke](http://mckamoke.lgpunjab.org.pk/).
References
edit- ^ "Chaudhary Zulfiqar Bhindar Profile". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ "Chaudhry Akhtar Ali Khan Profile". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ "MC Kamoke: Administrative Setup". Local Government Punjab. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ "Administrators' appointments planned as Punjab LG system dissolves today". The Nation (newspaper). 31 December 2021. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ "MC Kamoke: Administrative Setup". Local Government Punjab. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ "Pakistan: Provinces and Major Cities - Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information". Retrieved 2024-06-29.