Multan

As the 6th largest city in Pakistan and one of the oldest cities in Asia, Multan has seen warfare and progress over its many decades of existence. Though some of the dilapidated buildings still show evidence of their past struggles, a growth in industrialism, commerce, and population has occurred since its’ official independence in 1947. Today, its’ long history comes with an abundance of shrines, mausoleums, and monuments that tell of the city’s cultural and religious past. The Institute of Blue Pottery is a cozy but interesting tourist stop that provides an insight into the city’s pivotal role in the production of blue pottery. Shoppers can visit the institute’s showroom as well as the traditional markets to purchase a piece of local pottery. A good Multan tour guide would remind shoppers though, to haggle in the local markets like Hussain Agahi to get themselves a good deal be it to purchase local textiles, handicrafts or to sample a taste of the delicious “multani halwa”. These commercial shops amidst the still-growing backdrop are an intriguing point of view into Multan’s culture, and not to be missed by the open-minded traveller.