The common languages spoken in D.G. Khan include Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto, and Saraiki. Despite the prevalence of poverty, the region has been influenced by wealthy landowners and Baloch tribal rulers, who have played significant roles in both national and provincial affairs. D.G. Khan is one of the oldest districts in South Asia, although its development has not been as rapid as other Punjabi cities. It remains one of the poorer districts in Pakistan, ranking among the top twenty.
The region also has a rich cultural heritage, with the Sangh Mela festival held in Sakhi Sarwar during March and April. This Vaisakhi fair is celebrated by both Hindus and Muslims, marking the wheat harvest season. Basant, a regional name for the festival, has attracted devotees from diverse religious backgrounds for centuries. In 1875, colonial official Max Arthur Macauliffe reported that the festival drew a large number of Muslim and Hindu attendees. The region's traditional dress includes simple yet meaningful garments such as the Shalwar Kameez, Dupatta, and Chadar. The handicrafts produced in D.G. Khan include wooden, clay, and date palm products, with women specializing in embroidery and gown making. Social life is modest but rich in traditions, with a strong Islamic influence in local customs. Sohan Halwa is a beloved regional dessert, representing the area's warmth, hospitality, and pride in its cultural values.
