Sadiq Public School bahawalpur

Sadiq Public School

(Redirected from Sadiq Public School)

Sadiq Public School
"Do The Right Fear No Man"
Established	January 15, 1954
Principal	Maj. (R) Syed Munir Ahmad
Location	Bahawalpur, Punjab,

Sadiq Public School, bahawalpur punjab is an elite premier boarding college-preparatory school of pakistan.Though a significant number of Day pupils study here as well). It is spread over 400 acres (1.6 km²) of land. It is one of the most expensive and Aristocratic public school in Pakistan. In respect to area covered and owned it is the largest in the country and in continental Asia. It has passed its fiftieth anniversary. During this period it has passed through various phases of evolution to reach a stage where it has become one of the foremost Boarding Schools of the country.

The foundation stone of the School was laid by His Highness Ala Hazrat Al Haj Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V on 4th March, 1953 and the School started functioning on 18th January, 1954.

Sadiq Public School operates on the lines of British Public Schools and the basic philosophy is to provide opportunities to students to equally and simultaneously develop their minds, bodies and characters in order to become responsible, sensible and patriotic citizens.

Making

The Nawab of Bahawalpur delivering the inaugural speech

When Pakistan came into being, there were only two public schools in the country namely the Aitchison College, Lahore and the Lawrence College, Ghora Ghali, Murree. The people of Baluchistan, Sind and Southern Punjab had to send their children all the way to these institutions for their schooling.

The Ameer of Bahawalpur Ala Hazrat and Chief Minister of the then Bahawalpur State visualised the need for an institution which would provide the same quality of educational opportunities to the people of the Southern Punjab.

In order to accomplish this ambitious project, the Ameer of Bahawalpur State, Ala Hazrat Nawab Sir Sadeq Mohammad Khan V generously allocated a sum of rupees nineteen lacs for the construction of the buildings. In addition, 450 acres (1.8 km²) of land was given by the Ala Hazrat at a token price. The project was completed in a record period of nine months. The site was transformed into a spacious campus of lawns and playing fields, in the midst of which rose nine complete buildings ready for use. The School started functioning on January 18, 1954 when the Ala Hazrat performed its opening ceremony.

Makhdoomzada Syed Hassan Mahmood, the then Chief Minister of Bahawalpur State was the main force behind the completion of this ambitious project which was completed in less than a year. The first batches of 'O' Level, Matriculation and Intermediate classes appeared in 1957, 1958, 1966 respectively.

Organization and curriculum

Senior School

Prep School

Sadiq Public School is divided into three schools:

• Junior School (Grades 1-5)

• Prep School (Grade 6-8)

• Senior School (Grade 9-12)

Pupils in each school are subdivided into houses. Houses are designed to promote inter-house competitions and mentorship opportunities.

The Senior school offer four types of diplomas/certifications. One branch is School Certificate/O-level (for grades 9-10) and the Higher School Certificate/A-level (for grades 11-12).

The other two types are Secondary School Certificate or Matriculation (for grades 9-10) and Higher Secondary School Certificate or Intermediate (for grades 11-12).

Boarding Houses

• Kamal Pasha House-East Wing -- Nursery to Grade 2 - (Junior School)
• Kamal Pasha House-West Wing -- Grades 3 to 5 - (Junior School)
• Alamgir House-North & South Wings -- Grades 6 to 8 - (Preparatory School)
• Salahuddin House -- Senior School Girls all grades 0-12 - (Senior School)
• Mehmood House -- Grades 9,10,11 & 12 - (Senior School)
• Abbas House -- Grades 9,10,11 & 12 - (Senior School)

Principals

President Ayub Khan and Nawab of Kalabagh with Principal Khan Anwar Sikander Khan

To begin with the School had only 37 children and 7 teachers. Mr. Khan Anwar Sikandar Khan, the first Principal, developed this institution from scratch and converted a veritable wilderness into a campus of panoramic spectacle. Khan Sahib was the Principal for over 18 years. For his meritorious services rendered in the field of education he was decorated with Sitara-i-Khidmat. On his retirement, Mr. Abu Zafar Haneef who was the Vice Principal took over as the Principal in March 1972. The next two principals were Col (Retd) Zahoor ul Haq from 1974 to 1990 and Mr. Agha Khalil Ahmad from 1990 to 2001. The previous principal, Prof. Mohammad Asif Malik took over in September 2002. He is a recipient of the President's Award of Pride of Performance for services rendered in the field of education. Maj. (R) Syed Munir Ahmad, an Old Sadiqian, took the charge as Principal in Nov, 2007, after the departure of Prof. Mohammad Asif Malik to Chand Bagh School Muridke as a Principal(he's been sacked now). Major (R) Syed Munir Ahmad had served in Shell Pakistan Limited as Country Manager before taking the office of Principal Sadiq Public School. He is the first Principal of Sadiq Public School who is an old Sadiqian. He left the school in 1966. He played instrumental role in the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Sadiq Public School in 2004 and was a Member of the Executive Committee OSA (Old Sadiqians Association) Islamabad Chapter.

50 Years

On January 18, 2004 the School completed its 50 years of existence. The School is widely recognized as a premier residential institution, imparting quality education to boys and girls from KG to 'O' and 'A' levels (Cambridge University) and local board Matriculation / Intermediate. The school currently has over 1250 boys and 350 girls supported by a staff of about 110. The curriculum of the School has a special correlation with its time tested traditions and the routine activity of each day.

To a young mind, SADIQ provides rich examples of devotion and honour in the form of those Old-Sadiqians of this School whose patriotism and fortitude has become a part of national history. As of January 18th,2004 some 30 old-students of the School were sitting in the Senate, National and Provincial Assemblies.

Gen. Musa Khan, (chief of Army Staff) with School girls.

This hefty congregation of legislators far exceeds the number furnished by any single institution in Pakistan today. In addition, SADIQ can boast of moulding for the main stream sitting Chairman of the Senate, Chief Minister of Sindh, Federal and Provincial ministers, two serving Lieutenant Generals, four serving ambassadors, well-placed bureaucrats, leading industrialists, prominent scientists and also two former national cricket team captains namely Rameez Raja and Waqar Younis. In 2003 one of its students won the first prize in the English Essay Writing Competition organized by the Royal Commonwealth Society, London. Another student got the best result in A Level examination in the whole of Asia. A number of old students have joined the Armed Forces of Pakistan. Old-Sadiqians made significant contribution during the lndo-Pakistan wars. Two former students embraced shahadat. 2/Lt. Khalid Karak was decorated posthumously with Sitara-i-Jurrat, and 2/Lt. Farooq Afzal with Tamgha-i-Jurrat. (Statistics as of January 2004)

Girls Section

Girls' Section

The new campus was completed in 2008 and classes commenced in October, same year. Separate boarding houses have also been built for girls. Earlier, since 2006 the Salahuddin House was converted into a hostel for girls.

Information Technology Center

IT Center

Realizing that computer literacy is increasingly becoming a critical factor in success in the workplace, an I.T. Centre has been established adjacent to senior school academic block. School's Computer Department comprises a specialized team of very talented and supportive professors/ lecturers to provide excellence in training to the enrolled students. Currently it is also serving as an Exam Centre of Virtual University of Pakistan.

With plenty of labs available, equipped with high-end computer workstations, the facilities are second to none. The range of software covered in courses is impressive too, ranging from general productivity applications to more specialized tools for graphics and web design.

Assistant Professor Adnan Qaiser Saleem is heading the Information Technology Center at present.

Administration

Al-Maktoum Library

School Mosque

Administratively, the School is governed by a Board of Governors with the Governor of the Punjab as its President. District Co-ordination Officer, Bahawalpur and Principal of the school are also members of the board along with the General Officer Commanding 35 Division. Six to eight Old-Sadiqians also sit as members of the Board for a period of three years. The day-to-day administration is entrusted to the Principal, managed by the Executive Committee with the General Officer Commanding 35 Division as its Chairman.

Board of Governors

A Board of Governors with some prominent public figures oversee the various administrative, academic and financial activities of the School they are as

Ex-officio members:

• GOC 35 Div Bahawalpur
• Secretary Education Punjab
• DCO Bahawalpur
• Principal

Old – Sadiqians

• Mr. Rahim Yar Abbasi - Class of 1959
• Lt General Tariq Waseem Ghazi - Class of 1966
• Lt General Javed Hassan - Class of 1967
• Mrs. Shahnaz Hamid Paracha - Class of 1967
• Mr. Jahangir Khan Tareen - Class of 1969
• Dr. Syed Ghazi Gulab Jamal - Class of 1970
• Mr. Muhammad Zaka Ashraf - Class of 1970
• Mr. Tariq Bashir Cheema - Class of 1974

Facilities

Equestrian Show: Tent Pegging

Education

• Boarding Houses
• Science Labs
• IT (Information Technology) centre
• Audio Visual Aids
• Libraries
• Dramatics Societies (English/Urdu)
• Debating Societies (English/Urdu)

Sports

• Swimming Pools
• Squash Courts
• Tennis Courts
• Badminton Courts
• Basket Ball Courts
• Volleyball Courts
• Gymnasium
• Horse Riding Club
• Cricket Club
• Hockey Club
• Football Club
• Athletics and Gymnastics Club
• Sports Fields
• Coaches and training accessories for all sports

General

• Guest Houses for Parents/Wards
• Mosque
• Hospital (with fully equipped ambulance service)
• Canteen (General Store, Tailor Shops, Shoe Store, Barber Shop, Post Office, Ice-Cream/Drinks Parlor, Bakery, Fruit Shop)
• Internal Telephone Exchange System (EPABX)
• Auditorium

List of Notable Alumni

• Muhammad Mian Soomro, former President, Prime Minister, and Chairman of Senate of Pakistan
• Ali Muhammad Mahar, former Chief Minister of Sindh.
• Abdus Sattar Laleka (Late), former Federal Minister.
• Mohammad Siddique Khan Kanju, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan.
• Syed Ali Raza, President National Bank of Pakistan.
• Lt Gen Javed Hassan, Rector National School of Public Policy, Lahore and former Commandant National Defence College, Islamabad.
• Lt Gen Tariq Waseem Ghazi, former Secretary Defence and Commander V Corps, Karachi.
• Lt Gen Waseem Ahmad Ashraf, former Commander XXX Corps, Gujranwala.
• Dr Mohammed U. Akhtar, Vice President, Motorola.
• Muhammad Akhtar Mummunka, writer, photographer and painter, former country manager PIA.
• Ishaq Khan Khakwani, former Federal State Minister of Pakistan.
• Makhdoom Altaf Ahmed, Senior politician.
• Makhdom Shahab-ud-Din, former Finance Minister, Pakistan.
• Syed Gulzar Mashhadi, Senior Bureaucrat, Pakistan.
• Riaz Hussain Pirzada, former Federal Minister.
• Rameez Hassan Raja, former captain Pakistan Cricket Team.
• Waqar Younis, former captain Pakistan Cricket Team.
• Sardar Shaukat Mazari, Speaker Punjab Provincial Assembly, Pakistan.
• Muhammad Zaka Ashraf, President & CEO Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd.
• Syed Salim Raza, Governor State Bank of Pakistan.
• Ahmad Jawad, CEO Harvest Tradings Pakistan
• Major(R) Muhammad Aslam Khan Joiya, former MPA Punjab
• Major(R) Munir Ahmed, Principal Sadiq Public School

Bahawalpur Airport

Bahawalpur Airport Sheikh Rashid Airport
Summary
Airport type		Public
Operator		Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority
Serves		Bahawalpur District, Punjab
Location		Bahawalpur
Elevation AMSL		392 ft / 119 m
Coordinates		29°20′53″N 071°43′04″E / 29.34806°N 71.71778°E / 29.34806; 71.71778
Runways
Direction	Length		Surface
	m	ft
08/26	2,848	9,345	Asphalt

Bahawalpur Airport is situated 2 nm (3.7 km) from the city centre of Bahawalpur, in lower Punjab. The airport mainly caters the city of Bahawalpur, however, the national carrier decided to launch international flights to the Middle East in July 2009. The airport extension project is being supervised by the Dubai Civil Aviation Department.

History

The airport was re-developed from funds of the United Arab Emirates government. A new terminal has been constructed and was renamed after the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who helped fund and over look its construction. On November 9, 2002 the first portion of 4,400-foot-long runway of the Bahawalpur airport was opened. A PIA Fokker F27 Friendship landed at the airport from Islamabad. The entire expenditure of the project is estimated to be Rs260 million and most of it was borne by the ruler of Dubai.During November 2004, contractors began working on re-developing the old airport into a more modern and advanced facility.

During the year 2005, he said the PIA had earned a record revenue of Rs150 million, which was double as compared to the year 2004 from operating at this airport. On January 21, 2007, Phase two of the airport was inaugurated and Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, opened the facility and viewed the new amenities including the departures and arrivals halls.

Structure

The new building was named after late Dubai Emir, Sheikh Rashid Terminal, who also funded majority of the project. The airport has a concourse hall for arrival of approximately 60 to 70 passengers and departure lounges for about 140 passengers with several rooms for offices of the airport and airline managers, which was not available at the old building. Besides that, there is also a Commercially Important Persons (CIP) lounge instead of a VIP lounge. According to airport manager Tahir Ahsan, the CIP lounge has been constructed to do away with the "VIP culture", where any premium passenger can use the lounge. There are also food outlets provided and the new traffic control tower has also been built within the building.

There are many cameras installed in the building to monitor the movement of passengers. A flight information system was also introduced in the building. All parts of the building are air-conditioned. A royal lounge has also been built adjacent to the main terminal building. The lounge will be reserved for princes and members of the royal family whenever they visit the city. A parking lot has been built outside the building after converting the surrounding sandy area into lush green lawns.

The airport consists of arrival and departure halls, new airline offices, logistics, engineering and security support centres as well as cargo areas and passenger and cargo aircraft-parking bays. The airport extension project is being supervised by the Dubai Civil Aviation Department as well as the Defence Ministry of Pakistan. The recent extension of the airport was set to streamline air cargo operations and boost agricultural exports from the Punjab province.

Airlines and destinations

Domestic

Airlines	Destinations
Pakistan International Airlines	Dera Ghazi Khan, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore

International

Airlines	Destinations
Pakistan International Airlines	Dubai [July 1, 2009]

Events

• On August 17, 1988 a Pakistan Air Force Lockheed C-130B Hercules carrying the President of Pakistan Zia-ul-Haq and many top diplomats took-off from the airport. Shortly after take-off the aircraft lost control and caught fire on impact with the ground. All on board were killed. However, many believe the crash was actually a sabotage yet this was never proven.

Bahawalpur (princely state)

Original provinces Baluchistan East Bengal Federal Capital Territory NWFP Sind West Punjab Baluchistan States Union Amb Bahawalpur Chitral Dir Hunza Kalat Khairpur Kharan Las Bela Makran Nagar Phulra Swat Minor states Jhalawan Phulra Sarawan One-unit provinces East Pakistan West Pakistan Other subdivisions Gilgit Agency Trans-Karakoram Tract Marri-Bugti Country Divisions of Pakistan

Bahawalpur

Capital Bahawalpur Area 45,911 km² Languages Siraiki , Punjabi and Urdu Established 1690 Abolished 14 October 1955

Bahawalpur was a princely state of the Punjab in what is now Pakistan, stretching along the southern bank of the Sutlej and Indus Rivers, with its capital city at Bahawalpur. The state was counted amongst the Rajputana states (now Rajasthan) to the southeast. After two centuries of varying degrees of independence, the state became part of Pakistan in 1947. In 1941, the state had a population of 1,341,209 living in an area of 45,911 km² (17,494 sq mi). It was divided into three districts: Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalnagar.

The state was founded in 1802 by Nawab Mohammad Bahawal Khan II after the break up of Durrani Empire. Nawab Mohammad Bahawal Khan III signed the state's first treaty with the British on 22 February 1833, guaranteeing the independence of the Nawab. The state acceded to Pakistan on 7 October 1947 and was merged into the province of West Pakistan on 14 October 1955.

History

The Abbasi-Daudputras, the Sindhi tribe from whom the ruling family of Bahawalpur belong, claim descent from the Abbasid Calphs. The tribe came from Sindh to Bahawalpurand assumed independence during the decline of the Durrani Empire, the mint at Bahawalpur was opened in 1802 by Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan II with the permission of Shah Mahmud of Kabul. On the rise of Ranjit Singh, the Nawab, Muhammad Bahawal Khan III, made several unsuccessful appeals to the British for protection. However as part of the 1809 Treaty of Lahore, Ranjit Singh was confined to the right bank of the Sutlej. The first treaty with Bahawalpur was negotiated in 1833, the year after the treaty with Ranjit Singh for regulating traffic on the Indus. It secured the independence of the Nawab within his own territories, and opened up the traffic on the Indus and Sutlej. The political relations of Bahawalpur with the paramount power, as at present existing, are regulated by a treaty made in October, 1838, when arrangements were in progress for the restoration of Shah Shuja to the Kabul throne.

During the first Afghan War, the Nawab assisted the British with supplies and allowing passage and in1847-8 he co-operated actively with Sir Herbert Edwardes in the expedition against Multan. For these services he was rewarded by the grant of the districts of Sabzalkot and Bhung, together with a life-pension of a lakh. On his death a dispute arose regarding the succession. He was succeeded by his third son, whom he had nominated for the throne in place of his eldest son. The new ruler was, however, deposed by his elder brother, and obtained asylum in British territory, with a pension from the Bahawalpur revenues; he broke his promise to abandon his claims, and was confined in the Lahore fort, where he died in 1862.

In 1863 and 1866 insurrections broke out against the Nawab who successfully crushed the rebellions; but in March, 1866, the Nawab died suddenly, not without suspicion of having been poisoned, and was succeeded by his son, Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV, a boy of four. After several endeavours to arrange for the administration of the country without active interference on the part of Government, it was found necessary, on account of disorganization and disaffection, to place the principality in British hands during his minority. The Nawab attained his majority in 1879, and was invested with full powers, with the advice and assistance of a council of six members. During the Afghan campaigns (1878-80) the Nawab placed the entire resources of his State at the disposal of the British Government, and a contingent of his troops was employed in keeping open communications, and in guarding the Dera Ghazi Khan frontier. On his death in 1899 he was succeeded by Muhammad Bahawal Khan V, who attained his majority in 1900, and was invested with full powers in 1903. The Nawab of Bahawalpur was entitled to a salute of 17 guns

Postage stamps of Bahawalpur

Bahawalpur used the postage stamps of British India until 1945. On 1 January 1945, it issued its own stamps, for official use only, a set of pictorials inscribed entirely in Arabic script.

On 1 December 1947 the state issued its first regular stamp, a commemorative stamp for the 200th anniversary of the ruling family, depicting Mohammad Bahawal Khan I, and inscribed "BAHAWALPUR". A series of 14 values appeared 1 April 1948, depicting various Nawabs and buildings. A handful of additional commemoratives ended with an October 1949 issue commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union. After this the state adopted Pakistani stamps for all uses.

Languages

Saraiki, Seraiki or Siraiki is the main language. Urdu and Punjabi are also major languages.

Rulers of Bahawalpur

The rulers were Sindhi Abbasids of Shikarpur and Sukkur who captured these areas. Because of this fact, people of upper Sindh who afterwords became state Bahawalpur did not dislike the rulers. They took the title of Amir until 1740, when the title changed to Nawab Amir. Although the title was abolished in 1955, the current head of the House of Bahawalpur (Sallah ud-din Muhammad Khan) uses the title informally. From 1942, the Nawabs were assisted by Prime Ministers.

Tenure	Nawab Amir of Bahawalpur
1690 - 1702	Bahadur Khan II
1702 - 1723	Mobarak Khan I
1723 - 11 April 1746	Sadeq Mohammad Khan I
11 April 1746 - 12 June 1750	Mohammad Bahawal Khan I
12 June 1750 - 4 June 1772	Mobarak Khan II
4 June 1772 - 13 August 1809	Mohammad Bahawal Khan II
13 August 1809 - 17 April1826	Sadeq Mohammad Khan II
17 April 1826 - 19 October 1852	Mohammad Bahawal Khan III
19 October 1852 - 20 February 1853	Sadeq Mohammad Khan III
20 February 1853 - 3 October 1858	Fath Mohammad Khan
3 October 1858 - 25 March 1866	Mohammad Bahawal Khan IV
25 March 1866- 14 February 1899	Sadeq Mohammad Khan IV
14 February 1899 - 15 February 1907	Mohammad Bahawal Khan V
15 February 1907 - 14 October 1955	Sadeq Mohammad Khan V
14 October 1955	State of Bahawalpur abolished

Tenure	Prime Minister of Bahawalpur
1942 - 1947	Sir Richard Marsh Crofton
1948 - 1952	John Dring
1952 - 14 October 1955	A.R. Khan
14 October 1955	State of Bahawalpur abolished

Transport Provider in Bahawalpur

Transport

Bahawalpur is well connected with various cities in Pakistan. The city has its own airport built by the Dubai Civil Aviation Department and the CAA. Bahawalpur Airport links the city with various Pakistani cities such as Dera Ghazi Khan, Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore with the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines. The airline has also launched international flights to Dubai with plans to introduce more international destinations. There are daily train and bus services from Multan, Lahore, sukkur, Karachi etc. to Bahawalpur. Tongas (hourse carts) and rickshaws are plentiful in the city. Cars are also available for hire in the city.

Education in bahawalpur

Education

The Islamia Universty of bahawalpur

Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur designed

Sadiq Public School, Bahawalpur

The city boasts a number of reputable educational establishments namely The Islami University of Bahawalpur, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College and the Sadiq Public School, Bahawalpu, which is one of the largest and premier boarding schools in Pakistan. Other infamous schools include Beaconhouse School Bahawalpur, The City School, Alpina School, Army Public School and The Educators. The city also has a diverse higher educational institutions in the city which are recognised throughout the country. Some of the most notable include: Government Sadiq Egertin College (SE College), Government Sadiq Degree College for Girls, Millat College, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Post Graduate College, Rise School of Accountancy, Grace College of IT, Govt. College of Technology, Govt. Sadiq College of Commerce, Govt. Polytechnic Institute for Women, Govt. Technical Training Institute, Tebiya College and Allama Iqbal College of Commerce.

Bahawalpuri Culture

Culture

Uch Sharif Tomb is an ancient city located near the city

Sadiq Ghar Palace, is in urgent need of restoration, however, lack of government interest the palace has been closed to the public

The city of Bahawalpur is a famour tourist destination for not only locals but for its rich heritage provides an important hot spot for historians as well as archeologists. Bahawalpur is known for its cotton, silk, embroidery, carpets, and extraordinarily delicate pottery. The Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) has established a Craft Development Center for Cholistan area, outside Farid Gate, Bahawalpur from where handicrafts manufactured in Cholistan can be purchased. Some of the souvernirs produced in the city include, Flassi - It is a piece of 4-ft * 7-ftsize, made of camel hair and cotton yarn. It is used for wall hanging, as a decoration piece and a carpet. Gindi or Rilli - It is made of small pieces of many colors of cotton cloth and needlework. It can be used as wall hangings, bed covers, carpets and blankets. Changaries - Like big plaques, these are made of palm leaves in different bright colours with beautiful patterns and geometric designs. These are used for keeping the 'chapattis' and also as a wall decoration. Khalti - It is like a purse embroidered on top with multi coloured threads. Artwork - It is an attractive type of embroidery done on dupatta, kurta and chaddar etc.

The main shopping centers of Bahawalpur are Shahi Bazaar, Machli Bazaar, Farid Gate and the Mall. Commercial area in Satellite Town is a newly developed center that is gaining popularity rapidly. A few shopping malls including Bobby Plaza, Takbeer Shopping mall, Time, Prince cater for all kinds of needs. Shopping is a major attraction in the city, the city is bustling with traders and craftsmen selling all sorts of artwork for travellers and tourists.

Derawar Fort is on the outskirts of the city in the Cholistan Desert

East of Bahawalpur is the Cholistan Desert which covers an area of about 15,000 km² and extends into the Thar Desert of India. The region was once watered by the Hakra River, known as the Saravati in vedic times. At one time there were 400 forts in the area and archaeological finds around the Derawar Fort, the only place with a perennial waterhole, indicate that it was contemporaneous with the Indus Valley Civilisation. The average annual rainfall is only 12 cm, and the little cultivation there is, is made possible by underground wells, drawn up by the camels. The water is stored in troughs, built by the tribes, between sandhills and din waterholes called tobas. The people are racially similar to those in Rajasthan - tall, with sharp features. They live in large, round, mud and grass huts, usually built on the top of sandhills. On the whole, they are pastoral and nomadic. The main tribes are the Chachar, Mehr, Lar, Paryar, Channar, Chandani and Bohar. The forts here were built at 29 km intervals, which probably served as guard posts for the camel caravan routes. There were three rows of these forts. the first line of forts began from Phulra and ended in Lera, the second from Rukhanpur to Islamgarh, and the third from Bilcaner to Kapoo. They are all in ruins now, and you can see that they were built with double walls of gypsum blocks and mud. Some of them date back to 1000 BC, and were destroyed and rebuilt many times.

One of the few zoos in Pakistan is located in Bahawalpur. Located over an area of several acres inside the city, it contains a variety of animal species including Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, hyenas, leopards, and peacocks alongside a variety of other animals. Located near the city is the Lal Suhanra National Park, one of the few safaris in the country housing large animals, including lions and rhinoceros. The Bahawalpur Wildlife Zoo has a collection of one hundred and thirty animals and seven hundred birds of tropical regions, particularly those found in Cholistran region. The zoo has the distinction of occasional breeding of lions and supply of beasts to other zoos in the country. It also has an aquarium and zoological museum with stuffed rare birds and animals.

Noor Mahal lit at night after being newly renovated

Bahawalpur Library

Even with all the markets and forts, one thing that Bahawalpur is recognised above all others is the numerous palaces that still remain intact ever since the fall of the Nawabs. There are countless palaces, locally known as Mahals in the city. Some of the most famous include: Noor Mahal, Gulzar Mahal, Darbar Mahal, Shimla Khoti Sadiq Ghar Palace, Darbar Mahal. The city also has a city gate called Farid Gate, which in its hayday provides the only entrance to the city for its kings. The gate still remains and now is located in a busy market in the inner city. The Bahawalpur Museum and Bahawalpur National Library house various collections of coins, medals, postage stamps of former state of Bahawalpur, manuscripts documents, inscriptions, wood carvings, camel skin paintings, historical models and stone carvings etc. of Islamic and pre Islamic period. There is a complete set of medals of all classes issued by the ex-state to its military officers/ civilians and to other important citizens of ex-state.

The city also has several mausoleums of prominent leaders who fought and defended the region over several thousands of years. Some of the most profilic include the tombs of Channen Peer Tomb Yazman and Mausoleums of Haugha Sahib. There is also an old fort of Munde Shahid, 50 km from Bahawalpur and Marot Fort which are considered to be antiquities. A place outside the Marot Fort is known as 'Baithak Maula Ali'. The tomb of Naugaza is located in the Munde Sharif Fort.

Economy of bahawalpur

Economy

Darbar Mahal, a former palace of the Nawabs of Bahawalpur.

Irrigation from canals such as this, provide the city with fertile soil for various crop production

Bahawalpur is also an important agricultural training and educational center. Soapmaking and cotton ginning are important enterprises; cotton, silk, embroidery, carpets, and extraordinarily delicate pottery are produced. Factories producing cottonseed oil and cottonseed cake were built in the 1970s. It is an important marketing center for the surrounding areas and is located on the crossroads between Peshawar, Lahore, Quetta and Karachi. Bahawalpur is also known for its distinctly embroidered slippers and shoes and the filigree pottery which is made here.

Bahawalpur has only one railway bridge, the Adamwahan (Empress) Bridge, over the Sutlej River, and also has rail links with Peshawar, the capital of North-West Frontier Province and Karachi the capital of Sindh (which is 899 km from Bahawalpur), making it an important rail centre. The surrounding area is mostly agricultural, which allows agricultural exports to many parts of the world. There is also a large market town for mangoes, dates, wheat, sugarcane, and cotton that bring in continuous demand all year round. In addition, it has soap making and cotton spinning factories, as well as enterprises producing silk and cotton textiles, carpets, and pottery. Bahwalpur has also sugar mill which provides some of the export market out of the country.

Punjab is Pakistan's most fertile province, rich in both agriculture and ancient history. It's also one of the more stable of the country's regions. The prosperous and hospitable town of Bahawalpur is a gentle introduction to the area, which makes the city an ideal tourist destination. From here you can journey into Cholistan - a sandy wasteland dotted with nomadic communities and wind-swept forts - or the Lal Suhanra National Park, an important wildlife reserve. Further north is Harappa which is, after Moenjodaro, the second most important site of the Indus Valley civilisation. Bahawalpur is the most southerly town in the Punjab. There are daily flights from Islamabad about 555 km (344mi) away. Most of the major destinations in the Punjab can be reached by car, bus, coach, and train.

A recent report on the agro-economy of Bahawalpur and a number of its districts, which includes an agro-economic survey, investment climate review and economic growth diagnostic provides a comprehensive overview of the local agrarian economy, its interface with the national economy and the main drivers and constraints to growth. The report also provides a comprehensive assessment of the major policy and institutional challenges to future economic development. The city also has an attractive economy, lying at the junction of trade routes from the east, south-east, and south. It is a center for trade in wheat, cotton, millet, and rice grown in the surrounding region. Dates and mangoes are also grown here. Canals supply water for irrigation. The principal industries are cotton ginning, rice and flour milling, and the handweaving of textiles.

Flora and fauna of bahawalpur

Flora and fauna

The most commonly seen animals in the city include the Hog deer, ravine deer, black buck and blue bull. Fox, jackals, hares, Wild boars, porcupines, mongoose, arks, owls and hawks are also found in large numbers. Lal Suhanra National Park, one of the few zoos in Pakistan is located in the city. Covering an area of several acres within the city limits, it contains a variety of animal species including Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, hyenas, leopards, and peacocks alongside a variety of other animals. Currently being one of the few safari parks in the country it houses large animals, including lions and rhinoceros.

Demographics

Demographics

Bahawalpur is one of the largest district of the Punjab covering an area of 24830 Sq.km. It has peculiar demographic, topographic and geographical characteristics. The district is situated almost in the center of the country at an elevation of 152 meters from the sea levels. The population of Bahawalpur dist. has increased from 1.453 million in 1981 to 2.411 million in 1998 showing a growth rate of 3.88% per year as compare with 3.3% of Punjab. Population density has increased from 59 in 1981 to 97 in 1998 as compared witn 353 of the Punjab. The majority of Bahawalpur's residents speak Saraiki, English, Punjabi and Urdu. The principal inhabitants of the region surrounding Bahawalpur are Jat and Baluchi people.

About bahawalpur

Bahawalpur (Punjabi, Urdu: بہاولپور), located in the province of Punjab, is the twelfth largest city in Pakistan. The city was once the capital of the former princely state of Bahawalpur. The city was home to various Nawabs (King's) and counted as part of the the Rajputana states (now Rajasthan, India). The city is known for its famous palaces such as the Noor Mahal, Sadiq Ghar Palace, Darbar Mahal as well as the ancient fort of Derawar located in the Cholistan Desert bordering India. The city also is located near the historical and ancient cities of Uch and Harappa which was once a stronghold of the Delhi Sultanate and Indus Valley Civilisation. The city is also home to one of the few natural safari parks in the country, Lal Suhanra National Park.

The population according to the 2007 data was recorded to have risen to 798,509 compared to the 1998 census, 403,408. Saraiki is the local language, while Urdu and English are offical languages used in various educational and government institutions. Bahawalpur is located south of the Sutlej River and lies in the Cholistan region near the Thar Desert. It is situated 90 km from Multan, 420 km from Lahore, 270 km from Faisalabad.

The main crops which Bahawalpur is recognised for are Cotton Sugarcane, Wheat, Sun Flower Seed, Rape/Mustard Seed and Rice. Bahwalpur Mangoes, Citrus, Dates and Guavas are some of the famous fruits exported out of the country as well as Onion, Tomato Cauliflower, Potatoes and Carrot. Being an industrial expanding city the government has revolutionised and libertised various markets allowing the Caustic Soda, Cotton Ginning & Pressing, Flour Mills, Fruit Juices, General Engineering, Iron & Steel Re-rolling Mills, Looms, Oil Mills, Poultry Feed, Sugar, Textile Spinning, Textile Weaving and Vegetable Ghee & Cooking Oil industries to flourish

Geography and climate of bahawalpur

The City, which lies just south of the Sutlej River, it is the site of the Adamwahan Empress Bridge, the only railway bridge over the Sutlej in Pakistan. It is situated 90 km from Multan, 420 km from Lahore, 122 km from Burewala, 90 km from Vehari, 270 km from Faisalabad and about 700 km from the national capital, Islamabad. The west region of the city is called the Sindh. It is a fertile alluvial tract in the Sutlej River valley that is irrigated by floodwaters, planted with groves of date palm trees, and thickly populated forests. The chief crops are wheat, gram cotton, sugarcane, and dates. Sheep and cattle are raised for export of wool and hides. East of Bahawalpur is the Pat, or Bar, a tract of land considerably higher than the adjoining valley. It is chiefly desert irrigated by the Sutlej inundation canals and yields crops of wheat, cotton, and Sugarcane Farther east, the Cholistan, is a barren desert tract, bounded on the north and west by the Hakra depression with mound ruins of old settlements along its high banks; it is still inhabited by nomads.

The climate is mainly hot and dry. In summer's the temperature reaches high forties degrees Celsius during the day and the nights slightly cooler. Since the city is located in a desert environment there is little rainfall. The weather conditions in reach extremes in both summer and winter. Average temperature in summer is 33c and 18c in winter. Rainfall is very scarce and scanty. The average rainfall is 20 to 25 cm annually.

bahawalpur History

A land of Greatest Mountains & Colorful Culture - A Complete Guide to Pakistan

Bahawalpur

The State of Bahawalpur was a princely state of the Punjab in what is now Pakistan, stretching along the southern bank of the Sutlej and Indus Rivers, with its capital city at Bahawalpur. The state was counted amongst the Punjab states rather than the neighboring Rajputana states (now Rajasthan) to the southeast. After two centuries of varying degrees of independence, the state became part of Pakistan in 1947. In 1941, the state had a population of 1,341,209 living in an area of 45,911 km² (17,494 sq mi). It was divided into three districts: Bahawalpur, Rahimyar Khan and Bahawalnagar.

The founder of the state of Bahawalpur was Nawab Bahawal Khan Abbasi I. The Abbasi family ruled over the State for more than 200 years (1748 to 1954). During the rule of the last Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V, Bahawalpur State was merged with Pakistan in 1954. Bahawalpur was formerly the capital of the state and now is the District and Divisional Headquarters of Bahawalpur Division. It is an important marketing centre for the surrounding areas and is located on the crossroads between Peshawar, Lahore, Quetta and Karachi. Saraiki is the local language of the area. Urdu, Punjabi and English are also spoken and understood by most of the people.

Postage stamps of Bahawalpur

Bahawalpur used the postage stamps of British India until 1945. On 1st January 1945, it issued its own stamps, for official use only, a set of pictorials inscribed entirely in Arabic script.

On 1st December 1947 the state issued its first regular stamp, a commemorative stamp for the 200th anniversary of the ruling family, depicting Mohammad Bahawal Khan I, and inscribed "BAHAWALPUR". A series of 14 values appeared 1st April 1948, depicting various Nawabs and buildings. A handful of additional commemoratives ended with an October 1949 issue commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union. After this the state adopted Pakistani stamps for all uses.

Rulers of Bahawalpur

The rulers of Bahawalpur took the title of Amir until 1740, when the title changed to Nawab Amir. Although the title was abolished in 1955, the current head of the House of Bahawalpur (Salar ud-din Muhammad Khan) uses the title informally. From 1942, the Nawabs were assisted by Prime Ministers.

Tenure	Nawab Amir of Bahawalpur
1690 - 1702	Bahadur Khan II
1702 - 1723	Mobarak Khan I
1723 - 11th April 1746	Sadeq Mohammad Khan I
11th April 1746 - 12th June 1750	Mohammad Bahawal Khan I
12th June 1750 - 4th June 1772	Mobarak Khan II
4th June 1772 - 13th August 1809	Mohammad Bahawal Khan II
13th August 1809 - 17th April 1826	Sadeq Mohammad Khan II
17th April 1826 - 19th October 1852	Mohammad Bahawal Khan III
19th October 1852 - 20th February 1853	Sadeq Mohammad Khan III
20th February 1853 - 3rd October 1858	Fath Mohammad Khan
3rd October 1858 - 25th March 1866	Mohammad Bahawal Khan IV
25th March 1866 - 14th February 1899	Sadeq Mohammad Khan IV
14th February 1899 - 15th February 1907	Mohammad Bahawal Khan V
15th February 1907 - 14th October 1955	Sadeq Mohammad Khan V
14th October 1955	State of Bahawalpur abolished

Tenure	Prime Minister of Bahawalpur
1942 - 1947	Sir Richard Marsh Crofton
1948 - 1952	John Dring
1952 - 14th October 1955	A.R. Khan
14th October 1955	State of Bahawalpur abolished

Travel Info

Bahawalpur is the starting point to explore the Cholistan Desert. Interesting Safaris can be organised from Bahawalpur to Cholistan.

Hotels In Bahawalpur

PTDC MOTEL

Tours

Full day Multan Shrines & Bazaar.

Leave from your hotel Morning or Afternoon drive to the old city "The Fort" Visit Mausoleum Hazarat Bahauddin Zakaria (1182 - 1266) a Sufi saint who traveled all different countries of Islam and learnt the faith of unity . He taught the teachings of sufism to the people in Multan and had this beautiful mausoleum built for himself. The tomb is made of terracotta bricks and is very well decorated with the blue glazed tiles.

Later visit the tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam a Sufi saint inspired by his grand father Bahauddin Zakaria and learnt the lessons of Sufism. The tomb in magnificently beautiful and very well restored by the Agha Khan Award of Architecture in 1986. Originally built in 1320 by emperor Ghayasuddin Tughlaq for himself . On his becoming the devote of the saint he preferred it for the saint who Died in 1234. Tomb is an octagonal structure of Baked bricks beautifully decorated with blue & turquoise glazed tiles. After that drive to the tomb of Shah Shams Tabrez A saint having numerous devotes from all faiths& religions . You have a chance to see the prayers of devotes and faces of people coming from different villages and town to have a look of the saint's Mausoleum. Tour ends with a visit to the main bazaar of Multan. A school of colors and happy faces (mind the heat In summer) one can spend hours roaming this bazaar.

Evening Dinner & puppet Show.

Multan is famous for the puppet shows a typical string puppet show depicting a legend from the numerous Sufi stories. Watch the puppet later ride the Horse carriages to Dine at a local restaurant.

Full day Harrappa.

Leave very early morning to see the ruins of this 5000 years old city of Indus civilization. Return late in the evening. On the way stop at different villages & towns.

Full day Excursion to Punjnad & Uch Sharief .

Early morning Drive 70 Kilometers to Punjnad. On the way stop at a small village of fishermen community. Punjnad is confluence of 5 rivers . You can have a boat ride here in River Chenab, later continue to Uch Sharief the land which attracted most of the Sufis of the subcontinent. Still the town shows the same mystic feeling. There are many beautiful mausoleums of different saints . We shall see here the tomb of Sheikh Jalaluddin Surkh & Jewindi Bibi both elaborately decorated with blue glazed tiles. After visiting the Bazaar we will return back to Multan.

Transfers

Airport to Hotel

It is only 10 - 15 Minutes easy drive from airport to PTDC motel Bahawalpur

Multan - Bahawalpur

95 Kilometers road is very nice and there are not as many stops as such you do get a good view of country side and if you wants you may stop at a school or village on the way.

Bahawalpur -

Bestway is to take a train from Multan and reach Sukkur. There are regular trains leaving 0745 , 0945 , 1120 , 1305. Train journey can be a wonderful experience as you get to see very interesting railway stations and numerous people going & coming. You also get a broader view of the country side.

By road it is 454 Kilometers. Road is well paved but usually there is a lot of Trucks traffic due to which journey be longer the 9 Hours.

Multan - Lahore

348 Kilometers 7 - 8 Hors It is usually recommended with the tour of Harrappa on the way making it a 10 Hours Journey. Road is pretty good there are many small & big towns on the way. One must leave early in the morning stopping at different tea stalls and towns it should take about 3 Hours & 30 Minutes to Harrappa visit the site & museum later continue to Lahore Lunch at a local restaurant (Usually called Truck restaurant ) Arrive Lahore in the evening