Pathankot is a city and a municipal committee in Gurdaspur district in the Indian state of Punjab. It was a part of the Nurpur princely state ruled by the Rajputs prior to 1849 AD. It is a meeting point of the three northern states of Punjab Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Due to its ideal location Pathankot serves as a travel hub for the three northerly states. Pathankot is the fifth largest city in the state of Punjab in terms of population. It is the last city in Punjab on the national highway that connects Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India. Situated in the foothills of Kangra and Dalhousie with the river Chakki flowing close by the city is often used as a rest-stop before heading into the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir Dalhousie Chamba and Kangra deep into the Himalayas.Pathankot is also used as a gateway for Chamba & Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Pathankot is economically well off city compared to many other towns of Punjab or Himachal Pradesh. Pathankot being in foothills of Himachal Pradesh and nearest rail link to Himachal Pradesh and on National Highway No 1 is demographically located at economically important location. Pathankot is only 30 km from Indo-Pak border and only rail and road link between rest of India and strategically important and sensitive Jammu & Kashmir.
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