[3] The main languages spoken in the city include Saraiki, Punjabi, and Urdu.

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.

In 1794, Humayun Shah, the 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.

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.

[6] In February 2025, a branch of Pak Tea House, a literary centre, was established in the city.