Larkana

Larkana
Name	Larkana
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	27, 33, 36, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Pakistan
Subdivision type1	Province
Subdivision name1	Sindh
Subdivision type2	District
Subdivision name2	Larkana District
Elevation m	147
Population total	490,508
Population as of	2017
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	Pakistan Standard Time
Utc offset	+5
Area code	074

Larkana is a major city located in the northwestern part of the Sindh province of Pakistan, serving as the administrative capital of Larkana District. Situated on the south bank of the Ghar Canal, a tributary of the mighty Indus River, it is a historic urban center within the fertile Indus Valley. The city is widely recognized as the hometown of the influential Bhutto family and is a significant political and cultural hub in the region, with deep roots tracing back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation.

History

The region's history is profoundly linked to the nearby archaeological site of Mohenjo-daro, one of the principal urban centers of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, which flourished around 2500 BCE. In the medieval period, the area came under the rule of the Samma dynasty and later the Kalhora dynasty, who established their capital at Khudabad near the modern city. During the British Raj, Larkana developed as a key administrative and agricultural district, with its importance cemented by the construction of irrigation canals like the Rice Canal. The city's modern political significance is inextricably tied to the rise of the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Bhutto family, producing leaders such as Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.

Geography and climate

Larkana is situated on the flat alluvial plain of the Indus River, with the Ghar Canal running through the city. The broader region is part of the fertile Indus River Delta and lies within the hot desert climate zone, classified as BWh under the Köppen climate classification. Summers, from April to September, are extremely hot, with temperatures frequently exceeding 45°C, while winters are mild and dry. The city's agriculture is entirely dependent on the extensive network of canals stemming from the Indus River, including the Rice Canal and the Dadu Canal, which irrigate the surrounding lands.

Demographics

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the city had a population of approximately 490,508 as of the 2017 census. The vast majority of residents are Sindhis and speak Sindhi as their first language, with Urdu and Saraiki also spoken. Islam is the predominant religion, with nearly the entire population adhering to it, predominantly following the Sunni branch. The city is part of the Larkana Division and serves as a cultural and demographic center for the northwestern region of Sindh.

Economy

The economy of Larkana is predominantly agrarian, with the surrounding district being a major producer of rice, wheat, and sugarcane, earning it the nickname "the rice bowl of Sindh." Key agricultural infrastructure includes the Rice Canal and numerous grain markets. The city also hosts several industrial units, including rice mills, cotton ginning factories, and sugar mills. As a district headquarters, it has a significant presence of government offices, banks like the National Bank of Pakistan, and educational institutions which contribute to the service sector.

Culture and landmarks

Larkana is a vital center of Sindhi culture, known for its traditional music, festivals like Urs at local shrines, and handicrafts. The city is home to the grand Mohatta Palace and the historic Bhit Shah is located within the division. The most prominent landmark is the mausoleum of the Bhutto family at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, the final resting place of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, and other family members. The nearby ruins of Mohenjo-daro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a major archaeological and tourist attraction.

Education

The city is an important educational hub for the region. It is home to the Chandka Medical College, now part of the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, and the Sindh University campus. Other notable institutions include the Government Pilot Secondary School, one of the oldest schools in Sindh, and the Larkana Institute of Technology. The Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Youth Development Program has also been active in promoting education in the area.

Transport

Larkana is well-connected by road and rail. The National Highway 365 passes through the city, linking it to Quetta and Karachi. The Larkana railway station is a major stop on the Karachi–Peshawar Railway Line operated by Pakistan Railways. The city is served by the Mohenjo-daro Airport, located approximately 25 kilometers away, which offers flights to Karachi and other domestic destinations. Local transport primarily consists of auto rickshaws, buses, and private vehicles.

Category:Cities in Sindh Category:Populated places in Larkana District