Layyah: History
The town was founded around 1550 by Kamal Khan Mirani, a member of Baloch Mirani dynasty and a direct descendant of Ghazi Khan, who laid the foundation of Dera Ghazi Khan. The region was part of Multan Subah of Mughal Empire. Around 1610, the town was taken from the Mirani rulers by the Jaskani Baloch, who held it until 1787. Abdun Nabi Sarai was appointed Governor by Timur Shah Durrani, but three years later, it was included in the Governorship of Muhammad Khan Sadozai, who transferred his seat of Government to Mankera. Pathans also settled the land during the Abdali era of Jahan Khan who was the chief of Durrani forces in the region.
In 1794, Humayun Shah, a rival claimant to the throne of Kabul, was captured near Layyah and brought into the town, where his eyes were gouged out by order of Zaman Shah. Under the Sikh Government, the town once more became the centre of administration for the neighbouring tract, and after the British occupation in 1849, was for a time the headquarters of a Civil Administrative Division. This administrative status of Layyah was short-lived and the British reduced it to the level of Tehsil headquarters, making it a part of Dera Ismail Khan. In 1901, Layyah was transferred to the new District of Mianwali. Later on, it was made part of the Muzaffargarh District. In 1982, Layyah Tehsil was upgraded to District headquarters comprising three Tehsils: Layyah, Karor and Chaubara. The municipality was created in 1875.
In February 2025, a branch of Pak Tea House, a literary centre, was established in the city.