From its grand mazaars to its bustling bazaars, its ancient temples to its lofty church, its fortified old town dotted with six historic gates to its modern new metro line, Multan is a study in contrasts and a beguiling mix of the old and the new.

Early morning cricket at the tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, the mausoleum of Sufi saint Sheikh Rukn-ud-Din Abul Fateh. As one of the most visited shrines in the country, it is a hub of activity at all times of the day.
Located some 10 minutes away from Shah Rukn-e-Alam is the much overlooked yet more intimate Shah Shams tomb. The decorated dome inspires a devotional atmosphere, yet a buzz of anticipation always hangs over the shrine and the nearby bazaar.
Located some 10 minutes away from Shah Rukn-e-Alam is the much overlooked yet more intimate Shah Shams tomb. The decorated dome inspires a devotional atmosphere, yet a buzz of anticipation always hangs over the shrine and the nearby bazaar.
Adding diversity to the historic city is the Cathedral of St. Mary, an early example of Gothic architecture from the 1850s.
Adding diversity to the historic city is the Cathedral of St. Mary, an early example of Gothic architecture from the 1850s.
In each street and around every corner of the old city, one has the chance of discovering a piece of the 3,000 year history of Multan. This ancient Hindu temple at Hussain Aghai now houses a madrassah.
In each street and around every corner of the old city, one has the chance of discovering a piece of the 3,000 year history of Multan. This ancient Hindu temple at Hussain Aghai now houses a madrassah.
The sticky, nutty Sohan Halwa is one of the city’s most famous exports and is believed to be of Persian origin.
The sticky, nutty Sohan Halwa is one of the city’s most famous exports and is believed to be of Persian origin.
The sticky, nutty Sohan Halwa is one of the city’s most famous exports and is believed to be of Persian origin.
Intricate latticed doors being carved at a workshop on Hassan Parwana Road. Woodcarving is one of the many crafts that Multan has to offer.
Multan’s skilled artisans handcraft the leather sandals, embroidered chappals and embellished khussas that are sought-after across the country.
The ancient art of blue pottery is a traditional Multani specialty. Mohammad Shabbir, master craftsman at the Institute of Blue Pottery, hard at work.

The city of saints emanates a peaceful glow at dusk.
A view of the newly launched metro line.