Rahim Yar Khan: History
People have lived near this area for a very long time. The ancient tower of Pattan Minara stands 8 km to the east of the city center, and is believed to be the remains of a 5,000-year-old monastery, with the minara built during the Hakrra valley civilization of the Mauryan period (250 BC).
Rahim Yar Khan was founded in 1751 as Noshehra. Its region was part of the Multan province of Mughal Empire. Railway administrators wanted to change the name of the town due to its similar name to Nowshera. In 1881, Sadeq Mohammad Khan IV renamed the area to Rahim Yar Khan in honour of his son.
Rahim Yar Khan was a part of the Bahawalpur State until 1943, when it became a separate district.