Kharian

Kharian
کھاریاں
Nickname: 
Little Norway
Kharian
Kharian
Coordinates: 32°48′39″N 73°51′53″E / 32.81083°N 73.86472°E / 32.81083; 73.86472
Country Pakistan
Province Punjab
DivisionGujrat
DistrictGujrat
Elevation
263 m (863 ft)
Population
 (2023)
 • City
103,036
DemonymKharians
Time zoneUTC+5 (PST)
Postal code
50090
Calling code0537
Highways N-5
M-12

Kharian is a city in the north-central part of Punjab, Pakistan. It is regarded as the 'wealthiest' subdistrict in Pakistan, housing one of the largest cantonments in South Asia, and also being known for its significant overseas population. With a residential population of over 103,036 (as of 2023), Kharian is located at the foothills of the Sub-Himalayan Range and serves as the headquarters of its eponymous subdistrict within the Gujrat district. It is often called the Little Norway of Pakistan because more than 70 percent of Pakistani Norwegians are originally from Kharian.

Kharian is known for its agriculture and large expatriate population. Many residents have migrated to Gulf countries and Europe in search of better financial opportunities, and the remittances they send back make up a significant portion of the tehsil's income. This influx of funds is one of the main reasons Kharian is often regarded as the wealthiest tehsil of Pakistan. Additionally, people from other regions of Pakistan move to Kharian seeking employment, filling the labour gap left by those who have moved abroad.