Ancient History
Hafizabad is an old city of Punjab, Pakistan. In 327 BC, during Alexander's invasion of Punjab, the territory of the Sandal Bar was reported to be a well populated area. Large cities were located in this territory, and a lot of sub states were organized here under the presidency of maharajas and rajas.
In the 6th Century, Hafizabad was visited by the famous Chinese traveler Xuanzang. He moved to Sangla and stayed one night in a town, then called Jaipura which was located near the village of Koriala.
Medieval History
In the beginning of the 7th Century, Rajput kingdoms dominated eastern portions of Pakistan and Northern India. In 997 CE, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, took over the Ghaznavid dynasty empire established by his father, Sultan Sebuktegin. He conquered the Shahis in Kabul in 1005, and it followed by the conquests of some part of the Western Punjab region. Eastern regions of Punjab from Multan to the Rawalpindi in north (including region of present-day Hafizabad) remained under Rajput rule until 1193. The Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire later ruled the region. The Punjab region became predominately Muslim due to missionary Sufi saints whose dargahs dot the landscape of Punjab region. During the Delhi Sultanate period, a big city was situated at the site of the present village of Mehdiabad. But afterwards, this territory became unpopulated and jungle because of shortage of water and Afghan incursions. This situation persisted until Mughal Emperor Akbar's period. Hafizabad was formerly a place of some importance, and is mentioned in the Ain-i-Akbari as headquarters of a Mahal. Hafiz, the founder, was a favorite of Mughal emperor Akbar.
Independence
The predominantly Muslim population supported Muslim League and Pakistan Movement. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the minority Hindus and Sikhs migrated to India while Muslim refugees from India settled in Hafizabad. Most of the refugees have since settled and inter-married into the local population.
Hafizabad is 30 miles (48 km) away in the west from Gujranwala. Connection with the city is by Gujranwala Road or Hafizabad Road. On the Wazirabad - Faisalabad Railway Section, Hafizabad is the eighth railway station. The distance to the city of Wazirabad is 37 miles (60 km). Basically, it is an agricultural city. Since the construction of an interchange near Sukheke Mandi, Hafizabad is now just 22 km away from the M2 Motorway.