Ahmadpur East, Pakistan
Region: Punjab
Geographic Coordinates: 29.143900, 71.259200
Climate: Climate: hot and dry summers, mild winters with occasional rain. Weather patterns: monsoon season from July to September, with high humidity and heavy rainfall. Dust storms are also common in the region.
Population: 128112
Language: Urdu
Ahmadpur East is a city located in the Bahawalpur district of Punjab, Pakistan. It lies 80 kilometers away from the district headquarters and is situated on the left bank of Sutlej River. The city has a population of approximately 200, 000 people and is known for its rich cultural heritage, Historical significance, And agricultural produce. The history of Ahmadpur East dates back to the Mughal era when it was known as Khairpur Mirs. The city was ruled by various dynasties including Mughals, Sikhs, And Britishers before being annexed to Pakistan in 1947.
The city has numerous historical sites such as Derawar Fort which was built by Rai Jajja Bhatti in the ninth century. Ahmadpur East is an important agricultural hub that produces wheat, Cotton, Sugarcane, Mangoes and citrus fruits among other crops. The fertile land around Sutlej River provides ample irrigation facilities for farmers to cultivate their crops all year round. Additionally, There are many dairy farms that provide milk products such as butter and cheese. The city has several educational institutions ranging from primary schools to colleges offering higher education degrees in various fields such as science and arts subjects.
There are also technical institutes providing vocational training courses for students who want to learn practical skills. Tourism is an important industry in Ahmadpur East due to its rich cultural heritage sites such as Derawar Fort which attracts thousands of tourists every year from across Pakistan and abroad. Other tourist attractions include Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally held annually since 2005 attracting rally enthusiasts from all over Pakistan. The people of Ahmadpur East are friendly with strong family values which are reflected in their social norms and customs.
They celebrate various festivals throughout the year including Eid-ul-Fitr (end of Ramadan), Eid-ul-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) along with other regional festivals such as Basant (kite-flying festival) and Urs of Sufi saints. Ahmadpur East is a city with a rich cultural heritage, Historical significance, Agricultural produce and educational institutions. The city’s location on the banks of Sutlej River provides ample irrigation facilities for agriculture while also attracting tourists due to its historical sites. The people are friendly with strong family values which are reflected in their social norms and customs making it an interesting place to visit.
Important Landmarks
- Derawar Fort
- Uch Sharif
- Lal Suhanra National Park
- Bahawalpur Museum
- Noor Mahal Palace
- Abbasi Masjid
- Ahmedpur East Railway Station
- Sadiq Garh Palace
Primary Industries
- The major industries and businesses in Ahmadpur East, Pakistan include:
- Agriculture
- Textile manufacturing
- Food processing
- Small-scale retail businesses
- The city is known for its production of:
- Cotton crops which are processed into textiles
- Sugarcane crops which are processed into sugar
- Additionally, there are several small-scale factories that produce goods such as:
- Soap
- Candles
- Furniture
- Retail businesses such as:
- Grocery stores
- Clothing shops
- All of these industries and businesses contribute to the local economy.
- The town of Ahmadpur East was established by the Nawab of Bahawalpur in the early 19th century.
- During the British Raj, Ahmadpur East played a significant role in trade and commerce, with a thriving market for cotton and other agricultural products.
- Following India and Pakistan’s partition in 1947, many Hindu and Sikh residents migrated to India while Muslim refugees settled in Ahmadpur East.
- Several notable personalities have been associated with Ahmadpur East, including Sardar Bahadur Khan Bhutta – a prominent politician who served as Governor of Punjab from 1951 to 1953; Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haqqani – a renowned Islamic scholar who founded several madrasas in Pakistan; and Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri – an influential Islamic scholar who is also the founder of Minhaj-ul-Quran International.
- In recent years, Ahmadpur East has been hit by devastating floods that caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure in the area. The local government has struggled to provide relief to affected residents due to limited resources and inadequate planning for disaster management.
- Tomb of Bibi Jawindi: A 14th-century mausoleum that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Uch Sharif: A historical town known for its ancient Islamic architecture and Sufi shrines.
- Derawar Fort: A historic fort located in the Cholistan Desert.
- Bahawalpur Museum: An art and history museum showcasing the cultural heritage of Bahawalpur region.
- Noor Mahal: A palace built in 1872 by Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV, now converted into a hotel.
- Lal Suhanra National Park: A wildlife reserve that is home to various species of flora and fauna.
- Abbasi Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in Pakistan with unique architectural features.
- Darbar Mahal Palace: A royal palace built during the reign of Nawab Bahawal Khan V in 1905.
- Jamia Masjid Ghousia Ahmadpuriya (Ahmadpuriya Mosque): One of the largest mosques in Ahmadpur East with beautiful Islamic architecture.
- Kotla Tolay Khan Archaeological Site : An ancient archaeological site dating back to Indus Valley Civilization times located near Ahmad Pur East city
- Eid-ul-Fitr – a Muslim festival celebrated at the end of Ramadan.
- Eid-ul-Adha – another Muslim festival that commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah.
- Basant Festival – a kite flying festival celebrated in spring.
- Independence Day – 14th August is celebrated as Pakistan’s Independence Day.
- Urs Festival – a Sufi Islamic festival that celebrates the death anniversary of Sufi saints.
- Shandur Polo Festival – A polo tournament held annually between teams from Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
- National Horse & Cattle Show – A livestock show held annually in Lahore showcasing various breeds of cattle and horses from across Pakistan.
- Biryani: Ahmadpur East is famous for its delicious biryani, which can be found at many local restaurants.
- Nihari: Another popular dish in the area is nihari, a slow-cooked meat stew that is often served with naan bread.
- Kebabs: There are many different types of kebabs available in Ahmadpur East, including chicken and beef varieties.
- Tandoori roti: This flatbread is cooked in a traditional tandoor oven and is often served with spicy curries or grilled meats.
- Sajji: A specialty of the Balochistan region, sajji consists of whole roasted lamb or chicken that has been marinated in spices and cooked over an open flame.
- Ahmadpur East Public Park: This expansive park is situated in the city center and features walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Ghazi Stadium: A popular sports stadium that hosts local cricket matches and other events.
- Jinnah Park: This park has a large playground area for children as well as walking paths and seating areas for adults.
- Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally: An annual event that takes place in the nearby desert and draws crowds from across Pakistan.
- Horse Riding Club: Located outside of the city, this club offers lessons and trail rides suitable for all ages.
- Fishing at Sadiqabad Canal: The Sadiqabad Canal is located near Ahmadpur East and is a popular spot among locals for fishing trips.
- Hiking at Cholistan Desert National Park: The Cholistan Desert National Park boasts several hiking trails through its stunning landscapes.
- Cultural Festivals: Throughout the year, Ahmadpur East hosts numerous cultural festivals that showcase local music, food, art, and crafts to visitors from all over the world.
Noteable History
Museums and Things To See
Cultural Events
It is advisable to check with local authorities or tourism boards for accurate information on cultural events and festivals happening in Ahmadpur East or any other place you plan to visit in Pakistan before making travel plans due to COVID-19 restrictions or other unforeseen circumstances that may affect such events/festivals schedules or participation rules/regulations etc.
Cuisine
Some popular restaurants to try these dishes include Al-Madina Restaurant & BBQ Point, Al-Makkah Restaurant & BBQ Point, and Shahbaz Tikka Shop & Restaurant.