Imtiaz Ali's upcoming film Main Vaapas Aaunga has brought renewed attention to Sargodha, a city in Pakistan's Punjab province that occupies a central place in the story's emotional narrative. The city, which recently made headlines after the Indian Air Force targeted the Sargodha Airfield Complex during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, serves as the destination of a decades-old promise in the film. Set against the backdrop of Partition, the story follows an elderly man who longs to return to his ancestral home in Sargodha, transforming the city into a symbol of memory, identity and a homeland left behind.
In the film, Sargodha represents more than a geographical location. It becomes a symbol of memory, identity and a lost past shaped by the events of 1947.
A city established during British rule
Unlike many cities across the Indian subcontinent, Sargodha is relatively modern in origin. It was established in 1903 under the Lower Jhelum Canal Colony project, a British initiative aimed at converting Punjab's arid plains into productive agricultural land through irrigation.
The city was founded by Lady Trooper under the supervision of Sir Charles Montgomery Rivaz, who served as Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab between 1902 and 1907.
From a small settlement, Sargodha expanded steadily because of its agricultural potential and strategic location. It became a municipality in 1914 and later evolved into one of central Punjab's major administrative centres.
Origin of the city's name
Local tradition links the name Sargodha to the words "Sar", meaning pond, and "Godha", believed to refer to a holy man or ascetic. Although historians continue to debate the precise origin of the name, the explanation remains a well-known part of local folklore.
Agricultural and military importance
Agriculture has long been central to Sargodha's identity, but the city is also known for its strategic military role. During British rule, an airfield was established there because of its location and operational significance.
Today, PAF Base Mushaf is regarded as one of Pakistan's most important air force installations.
Sargodha airbase
In May 2025, the Indian Air Force carried out precision strikes on the Sargodha Airfield Complex as part of Operation Sindoor. The operation was launched in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam and targeted the base's runways and infrastructure using standoff precision weapons.
The air base is among Pakistan's most significant military facilities and houses fighter aircraft including the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder and Chengdu J-10.
