Hafizabad is an old city. In ancient times, When in 327 B.C Sikandar-e-Azam attacked the Hindustan then this territory ‘ Sandal Bar ‘, ( Where is now the current Hafizabad is located ) was a populated area . Big cities were located in this territory and a lot of sub states were organized here in the presidency of Maharajaz and Rajaz. In Sixth century, the famous Chinese tourist Hewang Sayan when came here, this area was backward but not empty yet. Then the tourist moved to Sangla , he stayed one night in one good town called then Jai Pura . Which was located near village Koriala, but afterwards this territory became unpopulated and jungle-like area because of shortage of water and Afghan attackers.
This situation remained the same till King Akbar’s Period . About village ” Mehdi Abad ” think that in Ashok’s Period here was a big city located , which was a holy place for budhists which named after ” Bodhaya ” .
The situation remained the same till King Akbar’s Period. King Akbar once came here for hunting. King lost his companions as he went far away while hunting. The King felt thirst and wanted to drink some water. Suddenly he saw the signs of smoke; he followed the way and found a Sarmast in a cottage. King asked to arrange some water, there was no water, but Sarmast called up the grazing deer and milked to serve the King. King drank the milk and thanked Sarmast and asked if he had any wish or desire. Faqir Sarmast asked to build a town for his followers. King promised and ordered his advisor Hafiz Meerak to construct and build a city.
Hafiz Meerak built a town and the town was named after his name Hafizabad . Another authentic reference says that King Akbar wanted to name this town as Akbarabad.
In King Akbar ‘s Period
Once upon a time, King Akbar came here for hunting. King lost his companies as he was busy in hunting. This territory was jungle like area and there was nothing to eat or drink. The King felt thirst and wanted to drink some water. Suddenly he saw the signs of smoke, was astonished to see the smoke. That how and from where this smoke is coming. He followed the way and found a cottage, and in the cottage there was a man named Sarmast . King told him about his thirst and asked to arrange some water , sarmast had no water , well he called up the grazing deer and milked to serve the king with milk . King drank the milk and asked the Sarmast that he was a king and please ask me for the thing you want , i would do what you want , Faqir Sarmast asked him to build a town for his pupils . King promised and ordered the current Hakim named Hafiz Meerak to construct and build a city here.
Hafiz Meerak did as the King ordered, and built a town here and the town was named after his name Hafizabad . About Hafizabad one authentic reference says that King Akbar wanted to name this town as Akbarabad but the name Hafizabad got popular until the King knew about its creation . King Akbar also remained the name same as Hafizabad . History Men think that this city came into being between 1556 – 1570. The main population was located there, where now recent old church is located.
Hafizabad – An ancient city
When railway line was being constructed for Hafizabad connecting it with other cities. Local people found some silver coins which was the currency in Tughlak Period. It means that Hafizabad was born before King Akbar ‘s Period, instead.
In Hafizabad, there was a toxal ( currency keepar ) , and a fort was also situated. This Fort remained a lot of years now there is ” Thaanna Saddar ” main police station and Tehsil. In the west of Tehsil, where now is Imam Bargah, there was a Chabootra where all the Muslims used to place their holy pieces named as Taziaz, it was the memorable place. Hafizabad – Sandal Bar which was called Dulla Bhatti ‘s Bar also was a famous city and this bar starting from here led to Khanewal.
Hafizabad – In different periods
In King Hamayoon ‘s period the majority of Hafizabad was Muslim . In Sher Shah Soori ‘s period the majority was Afghans . After Afghans , here Samra and Jatts of Got became power and Hafizabad was their property. In Aurang Zeb ‘s period Khatri and Arora came in power of the city , at this time Hafizabad became the small Hindu Town . After the death of Aurang Zeb, the Mughal Government became weaker and the conspiracies became stronger . First attack was done by Nadir Shah Irani on Hafizabad and then attacks after attacks were made. Chatta tribe attacked a lot . When Sikkhs came in power, this territory became the battle field between Muslims and sikkhs . Sahib Singh Bhangi, exploited this territory . The looters and bandits became power and the population was decreased gradually . People started to migrate , in short , terrorism was at its peak .
Hafizabad – Rebuilding and reconstruction
Investigation and research tell us that new Hafizabad reconstructed and rebuilt in 1760. The new town was also not attack free zone . Sardar Gor Bakhsh Singh Kapoor writes in his book that when in 1760 the city was renewed the forefathers and the old men started to make their houses and for this purpose they went to Sayyed Nagar (Near Ali Pur Chatta) , collected the wood and other building materials to construct their houses. In these times the groups of sikkhs used to fight over. These internal fighting’s affected the local people badly . It was the period of Bhagh Singh Wirak , when a lot of Hindu people became sikkhs , as they wanted protection .