Markets in Faisalabad: Ghanta Ghar and 8 Bazaars
The most famous markets in Faisalabad are the eight bazaars that run out from the Ghanta Ghar (clock tower) in the city centre โ Kachehri, Rail, Karkhana, Montgomery, Jhang, Bhowana, Aminpur and Chiniot Bazar. Faisalabad is Pakistan's textile city, so cloth, fabric and clothes are what its markets do best.
Ghanta Ghar Faisalabad history
Faisalabad was founded in the British era as Lyallpur, and its centre was planned so that eight roads meet at one point, forming the shape of the Union Jack flag. The Ghanta Ghar clock tower was built at that meeting point in the early 1900s. Each of the eight roads became a bazaar, and together they are still the city's main shopping area.
Ghanta Ghar Faisalabad bazar names
The eight bazaars around Ghanta Ghar are named after the towns or places their roads lead towards.
| Bazaar | Name comes from |
|---|---|
| Kachehri Bazar | The courts (kachehri) |
| Rail Bazar | The railway station |
| Karkhana Bazar | The factories (karkhana) |
| Montgomery Bazar | Montgomery, the old name of Sahiwal |
| Jhang Bazar | Jhang |
| Bhowana Bazar | Bhowana |
| Aminpur Bazar | Aminpur |
| Chiniot Bazar | Chiniot |
Faisalabad famous markets for clothes and fabric
Because so much of Pakistan's cloth is woven and printed in and around Faisalabad, the city is one of the best places to buy fabric โ lawn, cotton, khaddar, linen and bed sheets โ often close to factory prices. The bazaars around Ghanta Ghar are full of cloth shops, and some specialise in particular fabrics, so walk a few before you buy.
Buying in bulk for a business? Wholesale Markets in Pakistan for Small Sellers covers Faisalabad's wholesale cloth trade.
Other Faisalabad markets
Beyond the eight bazaars, the city has modern shopping areas and malls in newer neighbourhoods, plus local markets in every residential area. Each has its own timings, so check before you go.
How to buy fabric like a local
Fabric is easy to overpay for. A few checks help.
- Feel the fabric and hold it up to the light to check thickness.
- Ask for the width as well as the length โ widths vary.
- Check printed fabric for colour that rubs off.
- Buy a little extra for shrinkage on cotton.
- Compare prices in at least three shops.
Before you go
The bazaars around Ghanta Ghar are busy and narrow.
- Park away from the centre and walk in.
- Go early on weekdays.
- Carry small notes for bargaining.
โ ๏ธ Careful here
Market timings in Pakistan change โ city governments set closing times, many markets close one day a week, and Ramadan and Eid change everything. Check the day before you go (a quick call to a shop you know works best), rather than relying on a timing printed online.
Shop online from anywhere
If you can't get to a bazaar, dapxop is an online marketplace where small independent sellers from across Pakistan list handmade and small-batch products โ jewellery, clothing, gifts, crochet, home dรฉcor and more โ and dapxop arranges delivery to your door.
Other city guides in this series: Markets in Karachi: Famous, Cheap and Local Bazaars ยท Saddar Karachi Market Guide: Zainab, Empress & More ยท Markets in Lahore: Famous Bazaars and What to Buy ยท Markets in Islamabad and Rawalpindi: Bazaar Guide ยท Markets in Peshawar: Qissa Khwani, Karkhano & More ยท Markets in Multan: Famous Bazaars and What to Buy ยท Markets in Hyderabad Sindh: Shahi Bazar & Churi ยท Markets in Quetta: Liaquat Bazar, Kandhari & More.
Shop fabric and clothing from small sellers online.
Shop unstitched fabric โExplore on dapxop
Shop from small sellers across Pakistan.
Frequently asked
How many bazaars are there around Ghanta Ghar Faisalabad?
Eight: Kachehri, Rail, Karkhana, Montgomery, Jhang, Bhowana, Aminpur and Chiniot Bazar.
Why is Faisalabad built like the Union Jack?
The British-era planners laid out eight roads meeting at one central point, which forms the shape of the Union Jack. The Ghanta Ghar stands at the centre.
When was Ghanta Ghar Faisalabad built?
It was built in the early 1900s, when Faisalabad was still called Lyallpur.
What is Faisalabad famous for?
Textiles โ Faisalabad is Pakistan's biggest centre for weaving and cloth, which is why its markets are full of fabric.
Which is the best market in Faisalabad for clothes?
The bazaars around Ghanta Ghar are the most famous for cloth and clothes; walk several before buying.
Can I buy unstitched fabric online?
Yes. dapxop lists unstitched fabric and clothing from small sellers, with delivery arranged across Pakistan.