The old name of Okara city was (okan-wala اوکا والا) The Vedic period is characterized by Indo-Aryan culture that invaded from Central Asia and settled in the Punjab region.

The Kambojas, Daradas, Kaikayas, Madras, Pauravas, Yaudheyas, Malavas, Saindhavas and Kurus invaded, settled and ruled ancient Punjab region.

[5][6] During British rule the area was part of Montgomery District and contained a large saltpeter refinery.

Okara District is famous for its fertile lands, peaceful natural environment and green fields of potato, tomato, sugarcane, wheat, rice and maize crops.

[5] The area of district Okara is the gold mine for history seekers, spiritual and curious travelers.

One can find archaeological remains of different dynasties of prehistory, Indus Valley civilisation, Persians, Ghaznavids, Sultanates, the Mugal Empire, the Sikh Confederacy and the British Raj.

As you go west of the ridge, into Okara & Renala Khurd, the subsoil water is brackish, therefore the area is dependent on canals for irrigation.

However, after you cross the ridge east into Depalpur Tehsil, the subsoil water is sweet and good for agriculture.

Other produce grown locally includes the outputs of lemon, guava and grapefruit orchards, belonging to the food processing company, Mitchell's Fruit Farms Limited.

The main tribes and clans include: Syed, Malik, Jhujh, Channar, Wattus, Mungun, Jhakhar, Klaason, Dhall Jutt, Rajputs, Shaikhs, Lodhis, Kharals, Kamyanas, Kumbohs, Khanzadas, Noons, Arains, Chaudhary and Baloch are prominent.

Located in the village of Rehampur the Rosary Christian Hospital also provides medical services to Okara and surrounding areas.

Okara also has a Railway station, which contains several platforms, where almost every train going from Islamabad to Karachi makes a stop.

On 31 May 2005, the Ex-President General Pervez Musharraf inaugurated the Okara Bypass (30.786887° 73.459238°), the length of 12.7 km, on GT road (N-5).

[4] Nearby cities are Haveli Lakha, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Depalpur, Mundi Ahmad Abaad, Basirpur (بصیر پور) and Renaala Khurd.

There is a famous shrine of Sufi Sayed Shubbeer Husain Shaah Gilaani situated in the village "47/2-L (Raajpootaan) near Depalpur road, Okara.

There is a famous shrine of Soofi Baaba Wlee Roshun Shaah situated in the village of Bonga Saaleh.

Melas (fairs) in the month of 'Saawan' are notable among these traditions where different types of games are played on the drum-beat and shops of sweets and toys etc.

The population mostly relies on agriculture as their main source of livelihood, although a number of people work in factories and offices as well.