Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Region: Punjab
Geographic Coordinates: 29.395600, 71.683600
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 45.0°C (50°F to 113°F)
Climate: Hot and dry summers, mild winters with occasional rainfall.
Population: 762111
Language: Urdu
Bahawalpur is a city located in the Punjab province of Pakistan, Near the borders of Sindh and Balochistan. It is an important hub for trade and commerce due to its strategic location. The city has a rich history dating back to the 18th century when it was founded by Nawab Bahawal Khan I and served as the capital of the former princely state of Bahawalpur until its merger with Pakistan in 1955.
The city boasts a unique blend of traditional architecture and modern infrastructure, Exemplified by landmarks such as Noor Mahal, Built in 1872 by Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV as his summer palace. Another famous landmark is Derawar Fort, Built during the reign of Nawab Bahawal Khan II in the 9th century. Bahawalpur also offers several parks and gardens that provide respite from summers’ scorching heat. Gulzar-e-Quaid Park covers an area of around 140 acres with lush green lawns, Fountains, Jogging tracks, And children’s play areas.
Agriculture heavily relies on Bahawalpur’s fertile soil supporting crops like wheat, Cotton, Sugarcane mangoes making it one of Pakistan’s largest producers for these commodities. Additionally; several universities like Islamia University have been established here providing quality education to students from all over Pakistan. but not leastly; foodies will be delighted to try their famous delicacies such as Sajji Kheer and Halwa Puri during their visit to this beautiful city.
In conclusion; Bahawalpur is truly worth exploring for those looking to experience Punjab province’s beauty with its rich cultural heritage combined with natural beauty landmarks like Noor Mahal or Derawar Fort along with lush parks like Gulzar-e-Quaid Park.
Important Landmarks
- Noor Mahal
- Derawar Fort
- Sadiq Garh Palace
- Gulzar Mahal
- Abbasi Mosque
- Bahawalpur Museum
- Lal Suhanra National Park
- Darbar Mahal
- Central Library Bahawalpur
- Qila Bahawalpur
Primary Industries
- Agriculture:
- Cotton production
- Wheat production
- Sugarcane production
- Mango production
- Textile industry:
- Production of fabrics for local and international markets
- Education:
- Islamia University
- Sadiq Public School
- Quaid-e-Azam Medical College
- Healthcare:
- Bahria International Hospital
- Fatima Jinnah General Hospital
- Construction industry:
- Development of housing societies on the outskirts of the city
- Banking services:
- Branches of several banks providing financial services to individuals and businesses
- Tourism:
- Derawar Fort
- Noor Mahal Palace
- Lal Suhanra National Park
Overall, agriculture remains one of the most important industries in this region followed by textile production. The education sector also plays an important role due to the presence of various universities and colleges within this area, which attracts students from across Pakistan and abroad, making it an important center for higher education within the Southern Punjab province of Pakistan.
Noteable History
- Bahawalpur, located in the Punjab province of Pakistan, boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. The city is associated with several notable historical events and people.
- Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan I founded the state of Bahawalpur in 1748 after breaking away from the Durrani Empire. His reign marked the beginning of a new era for Bahawalpur.
- Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V ruled from 1907 to 1947 and is known for his contributions to education, infrastructure development, and modernization in Bahawalpur. He played a significant role in shaping the city’s future.
- Noor Mahal was constructed by Nawab Sir Muhammad Sadiq Khan Abbasi V in 1875 as a summer palace for his wife. It remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bahawalpur.
- Islamia University was established in Bahawalpur in 1975 to provide higher education opportunities to students. It has since become one of Pakistan’s leading universities.
- The Battle of Chachar was fought between Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s forces and Nawab Mubarak Khan II near Chachar village (present-day Rahim Yar Khan district) in 1810.
- Abbasid-style architecture characterizes many buildings throughout Bahawalpur, featuring intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors that are sure to impress visitors.
- Mirza Ghulam Ahmad created controversy among Muslims across Pakistan when he claimed prophethood as founder of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community including those living within modern-day district Bhwalapur boundaries.
- Several notable individuals are associated with Bahawalpur:
- Dr Abdus Salam (1926-1996) earned his PhD degree at Cambridge University after studying at Government College Lahore during his early life; he went on to become an accomplished physicist who won Nobel laureate honors while also founding International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy.
- Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar (1878-1931) was a prominent Muslim leader who played a major role in India’s independence movement and was one of the founders of the All India Muslim League.
- Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V (1904-1966) is credited with modernizing and developing Bahawalpur during his reign as the last ruling Nawab of Bahawalpur State.
- Syed Ahmed Khan (1817-1898), an Islamic scholar, reformer, and educationist founded Aligarh Muslim University in 1875.
- Mian Abdul Qadir Hoon served as Governor of Punjab province from 1999 to 2000. He is a famous Pakistani politician from Bahawalpur who has made significant contributions to politics in Pakistan.
- Abdul Hameed Nayyar is an eminent Pakistani physicist and academician known for his contributions to science education and research in Pakistan.
- Bahawalpur Museum
- Noor Mahal
- Darbar Mahal
- Sadiq Garh Palace
- Abbasi Mosque
- Lal Suhanra National Park
- Derawar Fort
- Uch Sharif
- Ahmedpur Lamma
- Bahawalnagar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally
- Basant Festival
- Urs of Hazrat Bahawal Haleem
- Urs of Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid
- Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha celebrations
- National Horse and Cattle Show
- Sufi Music Festival
- Traditional wedding ceremonies
- Independence Day celebrations
- International Islamic Heritage Festival
- Sajji – a dish made with marinated lamb or chicken cooked on skewers over open flames.
- Daal Chawal – lentils and rice served with various side dishes such as vegetables or yogurt.
- Kheer – a sweet rice pudding dessert made with milk, sugar, and cardamom.
- The BBQ Tonight Restaurant – known for its grilled meats and kebabs.
- The Royalton Hotel Restaurant – offers a variety of Pakistani and continental dishes in an elegant setting.
- Al-Madina Restaurant – famous for its spicy curries and biryanis.
Museums and Things To See
Cultural Events
Cuisine
Some popular restaurants in Bahawalpur, Pakistan are:
Parks and Recreation
- Bahawalpur Zoo
- Gulzar-e-Sadiq Park
- Sajjadi Park
- Farid Gate Park
- Noor Mahal Garden
- Lal Suhanra National Park (located on the outskirts of Bahawalpur)
- Quaid-e-Azam Stadium (for sports activities such as cricket and football)
- Jinnah Multipurpose Sports Complex (for various sports activities)
- Bahawalpur Gymkhana Club (for sports and social activities)
- Bahawalpur Golf Club (for golf enthusiasts)