The Wah Cantonment (Punjabi: واہ چھاونی; Urdu: واہ کینٹ) (often abbreviated to Wah Cantt) is a military base in Wah, Pakistan. It is a part of the Taxila Tehsil of the Rawalpindi District, Pakistan. It is the 24th largest city in Pakistan by population, according to the List of Pakistan's Most Populous Cities.[2] It has the highest literacy rate in all of Asia, effectively 100%.[3]
The municipality is located 30 km (19 mi) northwest of the metropolitan region of Islamabad-Rawalpindi and southwest of the Haripur District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
History
Wah Cantt is located near the ancient city of Taxila, a small town enriched with one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and the “First University of the World”, located near Wah Cantt.[4]
It is believed that the name 'Wah' originated in the Mughal era. The name was coined by Jahangir, the Mughal emperor, while en route to Lahore after a visit to Kashmir, while residing in Wah village, which was formerly known as 'Jalal Sar'. Emperor Jahangir's army was searching for a place to rest where there was water because they were tired. When he saw a spot with a fresh water source, he yelled, “Wah.” Subsequently, individuals began to refer to the area as 'Wah'.[4][5]
In 1849, the region was brought under British rule and the British government decided to expand the Wah Cantonment which had turned into a British military camp. The Mughal invasion of this area had a significant impact on the architecture of the village and surrounding areas. You can still see it today in the Wah Gardens. Other notable locations include the Wah Ordnance Club and the POF hotel. The Pakistani Arms Manufacturing Company is a consortium of twenty manufacturing facilities that produce guns, armoured vehicles, and other weapons for the Pakistan Army.[6][5][7]
Military
Wah Cantt is a place where soldiers live and work. The entire area is completely closed to vehicular traffic, except the barriers that are under the supervision of the Pakistan Military Guards. All cars that enter the city have to have a pass or permit. The temporary pass can be obtained by presenting their identification card at the entry point to the city. It is then possible to retrieve it upon departure from the city.
The city's administration is handled by the Cantonment Board.[8]
Education
Wah Cantt has a high literacy level and a literacy rate likely exceeding 95%.[6] In this small town, there are two colleges, one medical school, and many other technical schools and colleges. Numerous students hailing from Wah Cantt are currently pursuing higher education at prestigious universities in Pakistan and abroad. Many places in the area have a history connected to it, such as Taxila, an old town nearby that was a place where people learned for many years.[6]
Many professional universities have been established over the past five years, as well as many private and government schools and colleges. This list encompasses both the The Spectrum Academy University of Wah and the COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad. The Swedish College of Engineering and Technology is among well-known engineering college which is affiliated with the University of Engineering Technology Taxila.[6][9]
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