Sarai Alamgir

Sarai is located at 32°54′00″N 73°45′00″E (32.900000, 73.750000); it lies at 232 m (761 ft) above sea level. The municipality has a moderate climate. During the summer, temperatures can reach 45 °C (113 °F) for short periods. Winter months are mild, temperatures rarely falling below 1 °C (34 °F). Sarai Alamgir is located south of Jhelum City, which lies across the Jhelum River. To the north of Sarai, cities are Mirpure and Bhimber. Mandi Bahauddin and Rasul are located to the south of Sarai Alamgir.[1][4]

In ancient history, the region participated in the Indus Valley civilization and the Gandhara civilization. At a later date, the Battle of the Hydaspes took place nearby, between the armies of Alexander the Great and the Great King Porus.[5][3] In the past, people of influence would build a Sarai, which would be caravan stations and rest houses for travelers. A typical Sarai would consist of a drinking well, a praying area and a resting place for people.[3]

The 'Sarai' (rest area) at Sarai Alamgir was founded by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb because of its strategic location on the Grand Trunk Road and the Jhelum River, and its proximity to Kashmir. Over time, Sarai Alamgir developed into a central town for adjoining village populations.

Sarai Alamgir gained prominence when the King George V Royal Indian Military School was established on 3 March 1922; it was one of four such cadet schools in British India to benefit the sons of members of the Royal Indian Army. The college is now known as the Military College Jhelum and is one of the oldest institutions in Pakistan.[3]

The Tehsil Municipal Administration is a corporate body and consists of the Tehsil Nazim, Tehsil Municipal Officer, four Tehsil Officers and other officials of the Local Council Service, and officials of the offices entrusted to the Tehsil Municipal Administration. A Tehsil Nazim is the head of Tehsil Municipal Administration and exercises all functions and powers assigned to him under the Ordinance. The Tehsil Municipal Officer acts as coordinating and administrative officer, in charge of the Tehsil Officers.

Sarai Alamgir is a historic crossroads between the ancient Grand Trunk Road and the Jhelum River.[3] Nearby are the sites of the Battle of the Hydaspes, the historic and ancient Alexandrian city of Bukephala (or Bucephala) and the huge Rohtas Fort.[5][6]

Sarai Alamgir city has these cities in its surrounding areas:

Sarai Alamgir Tehsil consists of nine union councils that, along with their respective populations in 1998, are:

• Mandi Bhalwal (109): 18,960
• Bhagnagar (113): 17,282
• Karyala (113): 20,531
• Simbli (114): 21,936
• Khohar (115): 32,486
• Sarai Alamgir-I (116): 17,271
• Sarai Alamgir-II (117): 19,895
• Thill Bakohal (110): 18,574
• Baisa (111): 20,353

The nearest international airports are at Islamabad and Sialkot, about 127 km (79 mi) and 90 km (56 mi) away, respectively.[7] There are other transport links to the town, including a railway station, the Grand Trunk Road, the Jhelum River and the Upper Jhelum Canal. Sarai Alamgir is located on GT Road (N5) and Pakistan's main railway line. A highway connects it with Mandi Bahauddin, while the other one goes to Mirpur, Azad Kashmir. A Motorway interchange is also in the pipeline which will be completed by 2023.