Pathankot

Pathankot ਪਠਾਨਕੋਟ
Pathankotlocationin
Nickname(s): PTKii
Pathankot Show map of Punjab Pathankot Show map of India Location in Punjab, India
Coordinates: 32°16′01″N 75°36′00″E / 32.266814°N 75.6°E / 32.266814; 75.6Coordinates: 32°16′01″N 75°36′00″E / 32.266814°N 75.6°E / 32.266814; 75.6
Country	India
State	Punjab
District	Pathankot
Government
• Body	district
• Deputy Commissioner	Shri Amit Kumar, I A S.
• Member of Parliament	Vinod Khanna
Area rank	9th
Elevation	331 m (1,086 ft)
Population (2011)
• Total	155,909
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Pin Code	145001
Telephone code	0186
Vehicle registration	PB-35
Largest city	Pathankot
Website	pathankot.gov.in

Pathankot is a city in the Indian state of Punjab. In 2011 it became the capital of Pathankot district (carved out of Gurdaspur district) of the Majha region of Punjab, India. Pathankot is at the meeting point of the three northern states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, and close to the border with Pakistan on its West. Due to its location, Pathankot serves as a travel hub for those three northerly states. Pathankot is the 9th most populous city in the state of Punjab.4th Largest and populous(After Ludhiana, Amritsar & Jalandhar) if SUB-URBAN areas are included like Sarna(5km from ISBT), Sujanpur(8th KM from ISBT), Mamun(5km from ISBT),Jugial(9km from ISBT).Situated in the foothills of Nurpur and Dalhousie, with the river Chakki flowing close by, the city is often used as a rest-stop before heading into the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, Dalhousie, Chamba, and Kangra, deep into the Himalayas.

Pathankot is an ancient city and has historical significance. From various accounts; It may be believed that 'Audumbara' was the name of it. Numerous coins of great antiquity found at Pathankot prove that it is one of the oldest sites in the Punjab and it must always have been a place of great significance situated as it in the foot of the hills.

Pathankot was the capital of Nurpur State and its name was changed to Dhameri (Nurpur) in the time of Akbar. The Pathania clan of Rajput derived its name from ancient name of Pathankot which was Paithan at that time.

After the independence of India, Pathankot, has developed as an important town in many aspects. The strategic point of location has prompted the establishment of the army and for the air force station for the defence of India. The Indian army and Indian air force has successfully defended the territory of India in times of war. Traders supplying the army needs have also increased their business. After the partition of India,like in most other North Indian cities a huge amount of People came from West Punjab (newly formed Pakistan) and settled in and around Pathankot. Most of them started trades of different kinds, contributed to the growth of the city and area and presently many those businesses have grown into large business houses.