Faisalabad (also known as Lyallpur) is the 3rd largest city in Pakistan after Karachi and Lahore. It is the 2nd largest city in the province of Punjab after Lahore, and a major industrial center. It was one of the first planned cities within British India. The city is also referred to as the "Manchester of Pakistan" Faisalabad is a major contributor towards Pakistan's GDP, contributing over 20%. According to the World Bank's Doing Business Report of 2010, Faisalabad was ranked as the best place to do business in Pakistan and the second best location, after Islamabad, to start a business.
The very first name of Faisalabad was Chenab Colony, then Sandalbar, then Lyallpur and currently is Faisalabad. Faisalabad was once part of ancient district of Jhang and Sandalbar, a 50 square kilometres (19 sq mi) part mainly consisted of thick forests and wild tribes. The tract from Shahdara to Shorekot, Sangla Hill to Toba Tek Singh, was traditionally called Sandalbar.
In 1880, a colonial officer called Captain Poham Young proposed a new town, with a design based on the Union Jack, with eight roads radiating from a large clock tower in the centre. The eight roads developed into eight separate bazaars. The construction of artificial canals allowed the surrounding areas to be irrigated. The town grew rapidly as people were invited with promises of land.
