Hundreds of visitors come to the mausoleum every day to pay their respects to the poet-philosopher.He was one of the major inspirations behind the Pakistan Movement, and is revered in Pakistan as Muffakir-e-Pakistan (The Thinker of Pakistan) or Shair-e-Mashriq (The Poet of the East). Iqbal died on April 21, 1938 in Lahore at the age of 60. Since the independence of Pakistan, an academy named after him (Iqbal Academy) has been established to promote and disseminate his poetical and philosophical messages and teachings. As another tribute, the newly built Lahore airport has also been named after him as Allama Iqbal International Airport.

Sialkot is known as the city of Iqbal who was born, and bred here.
It is a city with a rich cultural, political, social and educational history with a diverse mix of people from varying walks and backgrounds. Sialkot is a city of culture and industry. It has seen times of bloody wars and has prospered in the golden ages of peace.
Of late, the city of Sialkot has worn a new look with the newly laid roads, erection of crossing, installation of street lights, construction of new buildings and renovation of old buildings. The construction work of the Sialkot International Airport is also in progress.
A mushroom growth of educational institutions both in public and private sectors has taken place which shows the keen interest of the people of Sialkot in education.
For a prospective student the city of Sialkot provides a memorable and valuable experience. It is a vibrant city with facilities of all sorts. The centre of cultural, academic and social learning Sialkot boasts an enviable percentage of literacy.

Role of Sialkotis in 1965 Pakistan India War.

In 1966, Pakistan Government had awarded the citizens of Lahore, Sialkot And Sargodha for their braveness in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 which was started on 06.09.1965. when the Indian Army Troops suddenly attacked and break the Line of Control in the West Pakistan sector at near about 3.00 AM. The Indian Army Chief and high official announced that they would take dinner in Lahore Gymkhana Club. BBC announced this news in their news bulletins again and again. But all there dreams changed in to a dreadful dream, false and baseless when they cannot able to cross the BRB Canal with their utmost try till the end of the war. During this 17 days war, the character of Lahoris proved themselves as an undefeatable through their bravery. On 07.09.1965, the Indian Army attacked with over 1,000 armed Sherman tanks at Sialkot sector but all their dreams has been changed in to a dreadful dreams when the brave men from Pakistan Army laid down to tie the bombs on their chests and laid down in front of these tanks. It is called that this tank war was the second biggest war of tanks after 2nd World War. In the result, all most all the tanks were changed in to scrap. On the very same day, the Indian Air Force attacked the biggest air attack over Sargodha Air base with their latest Russian Mig which the had taken from the Soviet Union. But by the grace of Almighty Allah (God) once again helped the Pakistanis and most of their Russian Mig were totally damaged or fell down in an air fight. Seeing this braveness of the People of Lahore, Sialkot and Sargodha, the Government of Pakistan awarded the cities and citizens of Lahore, Sialkot and Sargodha with the flag name “HILAL-E-ISTAQLAL” which is one of the highest civilian award. The citizens of Lahore, Sialkot and Sargodha played an important role in this war and helped Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy with their full zeal and zest.

Pakistani Village

Satghara lies about 80 kilometres from Lahore (20 minutes drive away from Okara) in the quiet backwaters of the Punjab. On the southern bank of the Ravi, it is a typical Pakistani village where farmers live like rustics in the face of urban attractions. Though off the beaten track, it has never been out of limelight. Besides heritage conscious travellers from all over the world, Baloch leaders and contemporary historians visit the hamlet. The reason they say is that its a “tukia nwab chrakr ki,” the last resting place of great Baloch hero Mir Chakar Rind.

If one wants to absorb the sense of history, Satghara is just the place. A monument of departed greatness the relic belongs to a celebrated hero who now rest helpless and neglected in this silent place for removed from the noisy haunts of men. In the periphery few van trees, may be as old as the relics, stand witness to the bygone era.
For Balochis the sixteenth century was a very eventful period. They fought series of wars amongst themselves. These tribal conflicts not only cussed large scale blood shed but also resulted in mass migrations to Punjab Sindh and Gujrat.

Mir Chakar Rind is considered one of the greatest Baloch heroes. He is the center of Balcohi love lore and war ballads. He lived in Sevi (modern time Sibbi) in the hills of Balochistan and became the head of Rind tribe after his father Shiahak. A natural leader and great warror, Mir Chakar Rind was a man with resolute determination. After the end of the thirty year war against Lasharies he migrated to Punjab between 1518 to 1519.
Why Chakare-e-Azam as he was known preferred to settle in central Punjab so far away from Sibi is not known. Once at Satghara, he constructed a new hamlet near an old village. He built a fortification wall around the village and watch towers in 15 squares kilometers area encircling the fort for early warning against impending dangers.

Tranquil Village

It was from this place that he refused to help Sher Shah Suri. His forces under the able command of his son Mir Shahdad, joined Humayun when after a long exile the Mughal emperor recaptured Delhi and ousted Afghan Suries in 1556. The emperor as a reward conferred a vast Jagir including Satghara (also horses and slaves) upon him. He ruled this chieftaincy till he died in 1565.

It is the tomb and fort of Mir Chakar Rind or whatever is left of them that curiously conscious and those interested in history come to see at Satghara. The fort is large. Actually the wall once encircled the entire village. Two gateways with flat bands and pointed arches still survive though badly damaged due to ravages of time. The wooden door panels have disappeared. With growth in population, the village has grown and spilled out of encircling wall long ago. Standing at a vantage point one can still feel antiquity permeating from the cluster of mud and brick houses inside the fortification wall. In some houses, one can see mythological and thematic murals of the Hindu period. On the periphery, the classical mud houses look nice.

Constructed of narrow red bricks, used in upright courses to ensure additional strength, the wall is 25 feet high and three feet thick. Some of its salient portions exist between the tomb and the first gateway. Despite the salinity and cracks creeping up the wall, the architectural feast seems to re-echo to the past memories.

Major portion of the wall and what would have been the living quarters of the family of Mir Chakar Rind have been lost. The courtyard of the tomb has shrunk due to encroachments and presently it is being used as Shamlat deh (community centre) for keeping the animals and elders to sit under the shadow of big pipal tree during lazy summer afternoons.

The followers who had accompanied Mir Chakar Rind to Satghara built the tomb after death of the hero. Today there is not a single Baloch living in the village. The neglected tomb is dilapidated and the surviving history is falling fast into decay.

The main chamber of the once majestic and imposing tomb is octagonal in plan. The roof, decorative work and plaster have vanished. Cracks have snaked in all direction on the walls. The rainy water gathers in the roofless main chamber and stays there till sun dries it. The water is destroying the foundations of the crumbling edifice, which is gradually sinking in ground. There are seven rough mud graves inside the chamber. A small tablet distinguishes the central grave. It reads: Akhari Aaramgah, MirChakar (Khan) Rind, Satghara, Okara, Munjanib Yong Baloch Welfare Society, Ravi Road, Lahore. Even the name of the great hero on the tablet is not written correctly – having word Khan inserted quite unnecessarily. Similarly, the large plaque placed by the Archaeology Department needs improvement.

The tomb was desecrated and its roof demolished by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who, on his way to Multan to fight against Nawab Muzafar, had stayed in Satghara about 150 years ago. It has never been repaired ever since.

Bahawalpur

Bahawal Pur (also Bhawalpur or Bhawulpore) (Urdu: بہاولپور ) is a city of (1998 pop. 403,408) located in Bahawalpur District, Punjab Pakistan. Bahawalpur is located south of the Sutlej River and it lies in the Cholistan region. It is situated 90 km from Multan, 420 km from Lahore and about 700 km from the national capital Islamabad. It was the capital of the former princely state of Bahawalpur. The city of Bahawalpur is famous for its kind-hearted people known as the Saraikis.

History

The city was founded in 1748 by Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan Abbasi I, whose descendants ruled the area until it joined Pakistan in 1947. The State of Bahawalpur was one of the largest states of British India, more than 450 kilometres long, and was ruled by General H.H. Jalalat ul-Mulk, Rukn ud-Daula, Saif ud-Daula, Hafiz ul-Mulk, Mukhlis ud-Daula wa Muin ud-Daula, Al-Haj Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V Bahadur, Nusrat Jung, Amir of the God gifted kingdom of Bahawalpur, GCSI (1.1.1941, KCSI 1.3.1929), GCIE (3.6.1931), KCVO who decided to join Pakistan at the time of independence in 1947. The state maintained its sovereignty until 1955.

The Royal House of Bahawalpur is said to be of Arabic origin and claim descent from Abbas, progenitor of the Abbasid Caliphs of Baghdad and Cairo. Sultan Ahmad II, son of Shah Muzammil of Egypt left that country and arrived in Sind with a large following of Arabs ca. 1370. He married a daughter of Raja Rai Dhorang Sahta, receiving a third of the country I dowry. Amir Fathu’llah Khan Abbasi, is the recognized ancestor of the dynasty. He conquered the bhangar territory from Raja Dallu, of Alor and Bhamanabad, renaming it Qahir Bela. Amir Muhammad Chani Khan Abbasi entered the imperial service and gained appointment as a Panchhazari in 1583. At his death, the leadership of the tribe was contested between two branches of the family, the Daudputras and the Kalhoras. Amir Bahadur Khan Abbasi abandoned Tarai and settled near Bhakkar, founding the town of Shikarpur in 1690. Daud Khan, the first of his family to rule Bahawalpur, originated from Scind where he had opposed the Afghan Governor of that province and was forced to flee. The Nawab entered into Treaty relations with the HEIC, 22nd February 1833. The state acceded to the Dominion of Pakistan on 7th October 1947 and was merged into the state of West Pakistan on 14th October 1955.

Education

EducationIt also boasts a number of reputable educational establishments namely The Islamia University, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College and the Sadiq Public School, Bahawalpur, which is one of the biggest schools in Pakistan and whole of Asia. The weather is hot and dry. Summer temperatures reach high forties degrees Celsius. There is very little rainfall.

There are many colleges some are given below;

Government SE college
Post Grduate college baghdad road
Technology college
Vocational colleges
Four degree colleges
Commerece college
Tebiya Colleges
Four elementary colleges for teaching training

Wildlife

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, peacocks alongside a variety of other animals. Located near the city is the Lal Sohanra National Park, one of the few safaris in the country housing large animals including lions and rhinoceres.

Sites of interest

Gerenal
Noor Mahal (House of the Royal Family)
Farid Gate
Bahawlpur Museum
Bahawlpur National Library
Bahawalpur Zoo
Mausoleums
Channen Peer Tomb
Mausoleums of Haugha Sahib

Fort of Munde Shahid

The old fort of Munde Shahid, 50 km from Bahawalpur and Marot Fort 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. The famous fort of Derawar is located near the city, being the private fort of the former royal family who continue to be major political players in Pakistan.

The Lal Sohanra National Park is also located close to the city. Architectural monuments include the former royal family’s palaces namely Darbar Mahal, Gulzar Mahal and Noor Mahal. All Mahals are now under military control.

Economy

Bahawalpur has only one railroad bridge over the Sutlej River, making it an important rail centre. The surrounding area is mostly agricultural, which allows agricultrual 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 near a drive of 40 mins.

Specialities of Bahawalpur

Bahawalpur is known for its cotton, silk, embroidery, carpets, and extraordinarily delicate pottery, which is produced here.

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.

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 needle work. 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 colors 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 colored threads.

Art Work

It is an attractive type of embroidery done on dupatta, kurta and chaddar etc.

Bazaars of Bahawalpur

The main shopping centers of Bahawalpur are Shahi Bazaar, Machli Bazaar, Farid Gate and the Mall.

History

Gojra town was established in 1896 when colonisation of Layallpur (Faisalabad) began. The railway line between Layallpur and Gojra was laid in 1899. The town was given the status of notified area committee in 1904 and upgraded as B-Class Municipality in 1925. In 1906 the population was 2,589 – according to the Imperial Gazetteer of India “The business done in this rising mart on the railway, which has sprung into existence in the last six years owing to the extension of the Chenab Canal to the surrounding country, bids fair to rival in importance that of Lyallpur itself”

After independence from Britain, in view of its increasing size, it was declared as 2nd class Municipal Committee in 1960. The town was raised to the status of Tehsil town and affiliated with the newly established district Toba Tek Singh on 01.07.1982. After the introduction of Devolution of Powers Plan, the Tehsil Municipal Administration Gojra came into being on 12.08.2001

Eye Surgery

Gojra was a renowned centre for eye surgery. Its fame for ophthalmic excellence was known throughout India.


One of the leading figures of Gojra was the eye surgeon, Dr. Herbhajan Singh. He gave eyesight to a huge number of patients whose eyes could not be cured by many of the ophthalmologists in more sophisticated hospitals in big cities like Delhi, Lahore or Calcutta. Another leading figure was Dr Rehmat Ullah. He was the person who made and kept Gojra famous for eye surgery all over Pakistan for a long time. During his life, Gojra was known as a centre of excellence for eye surgery in the whole country. He established an eye hospital in Gojra, by the name of Dr Rehmat Ullah’s General and Eye Hospital. He was famous for his expertise in the entire country and cured eyes of a huge number of people for free or at very nominal charges. He is still held in high regard and remembered for his services to the ill humanity by senior ophthalmologists from all over the country. Later on his mission was carried on by his two sons Dr Abdul Hafeez and Dr Muhammad Iqbal. People of Gojra hold this family in high regard for their continuing, untiring and selfless services for the people. This family is still serving the community with their services and the hospital founded by late Dr. Rehmat Ullah still stands as witness to the work done by him and being carried over by his family.

Another doctor, the late Dr Mian Abdul Hafeez, the founder the Mian Hospital is also held in high regard by the people of Gojra. People from distant areas used to travel for treatment by Dr Hafeez. The sons of Dr Hafeez wish to expand the Mian hospital and to make it regain its past popularity for patients. Dr. Amanat is a recent prominent name in field of eye surgery at Gojra.

Hockey

Gojra became famous in Pakistan after contributing a number of players to the Pakistan Hockey team, including Iqbal Bali and Muhammad Aslam (famous as Aslam Roda). When they returned to Gojra they established their own hockey teams, and provided free training to the youth of the village. The biggest event in the calendar it used to be the annual fixture between these two teams. This match use to attract a huge crowd. This actually created a nursery for the Pakistan hockey team and many of the Pakistan hockey team players including Manzoor-ul-Hasan, Rasheed-ul-Hasan, Tahir Zaman, Muhammad Shahbaz Junior, Khawar Javedd International, Sheikh Usman, Baber Abdullah, Muhammad Qasim (died on the day of Eid ul-Fitr 2006 due to Cancer).

British Rule

Following the British conquest of the Sikhs and their occupation of Rawalpindi in 1849, the city became a permanent garrison of the British army in 1851. In the 1880s a railway line to Rawalpindi was laid, and train service was inaugurated on January 1, 1886. The need for having a railway link arose after Lord Dalhousie made Rawalpindi the headquarters of the Northern Command and Rawalpindi became the largest British military garrison in British India.

On the introduction of British rule, Rawalpindi became the site of a cantonment, and shortly afterwards the headquarters of a Division; while its connexion with the main railway system by the extension of the North-Western Railway to Peshawar immensely developed both its size and commercial importance. The municipality was created in 1867. The income and expenditure during the ten years ending 1902-3 averaged 2-1 lakhs. In 1903-4 the income and expenditure were 1-8 lakhs and 2-1 lakhs respectively. The chief item of income was octroi (1-6 lakhs) ; and the expenditure included administration (Rs. 35,000), conservancy (RS. 27,000), hospitals and dispensaries (Rs. 25,000), public works (Rs. 9,000), and public safety (Rs. 17,000). The cantonment, with a population in 1901 of 40,611, was the most important in India. It contained one battery of horse and one of field artillery, one mountain battery, one company of garrison artillery, and one ammunition column of field artillery; one regiment of British and one of Native cavalry; two of British and two of Native infantry; and two companies of sappers and miners, with a balloon section. It was the winter headquarters of the Northern Command, and of the Rawalpindi military division. An arsenal was established here in 1883.

After Independence

In 1951, Rawalpindi saw the assassination of the first elected Prime Minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan, in Liaquat Bagh Park (also called Liaquat Garden.) On 27 December 2007, Liaquat Bagh Park’s rear gate in Rawalpindi was the site of the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.[3] Her father, former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was hanged in Rawalpindi in 1979 for murder. Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007, after departing a PPP rally in the Liaqat Bagh , two weeks before the scheduled Pakistani general election of 2008 where she was a leading opposition candidate.

Today Rawalpindi is the headquarters of the Pakistani Army and Air Force.

The famous Murree Road has been a hot spot for various political and social events. Nala Lai,in the middle of city.History describes Nala Lai water as pure enough for drinking but now it has become polluted with the waste water from all sources including factories and houses.

Environment and People

Rawalpindi is chaotic but relatively dust-free. The literacy rate is 70.5% (January 2006). The population is ethnically and linguistically heterogeneous, comprising Pothoharis, Punjabis, Muhajirs,Hindkowans and Pakhtuns. The weather is highly unpredictable. The average annual rainfall is 39 inches (990 mm), most of which falls in the summer monsoon season. However, frontal cloudbands also bring quite significant rainfall in the winter. In summer, the maximum temperature can sometimes soar up to 52 °C (126 °F), while it may drop to a minimum of −3 °C (27 °F) in the winter.

Rapidly developing into a large city, Rawalpindi has many good hotels, restaurants, clubs, museums and parks, of which the largest is the Ayub National Park. Rawalpindi forms the base camp for the tourists visiting the holiday resorts and hill stations of the Galiyat area, such as Murree, Nathia Gali, Ayubia, Abbottabad, Swat, Kaghan, Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu and Chitral.

The best way to see Rawalpindi is by wandering through its bazaars, but you should orient yourself before setting out. The city has two main roads: the Grand Trunk Road runs roughly from east to west and is known as The Mall as it passes through the cantonment. Murree Road originates towards north from The Mall, crosses the railway lines and brushes the east end of the old city on its way to Islamabad. The two main bazaar areas are Raja Bazaar in the old city and Saddar Bazaar, which developed as the cantonment bazaar between the old city and the Mall.

The crowded alleys of the old city are home to many attractions, including Hindu and Sikh temples and Muslim shrines.

Rawalpindi has been know as military city since colonial times and therefore still remained Army headquarters after independence in 1947. Due to this, also present in Rawalpindi is the Pakistan Army Museum, providing an interesting information about colonial and present day armies, armoury of historical significance and war heroes.

Ayub National Park is located beyond the old Presidency on Jhelum Road. It covers an area of about 2,300 acres (9.3 km²) and has a play-land, lake with boating facility, an aquarium and a garden-restaurant. Rawalpindi Public Park is located on Murree Road near Shamsabad. The Park was opened for public in 1991. It has a playland for children, grassy lawns, fountains and flower beds.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, built in 1992, has a grass pitch, floodlights, and a capacity of 15,000. The home team is the Rawalpindi Cricket Association. Also located in the city is Rawalpindi Hockey stadium. This small but well built facility plays host to the national side throughout the year.

Rawat Fort is located 17 km (11 mi) east of Rawalpindi, on the Grand Trunk (G.T.) Road leading to Lahore. Gakhars, a fiercely independent tribe of the Pothohar Plateau built the fort, in early 16th century. The grave of a Gakhar Chief, Sultan Sarang Khan is located inside the fort. He died in 1546 fighting against the forces of Sher Shah Suri. If one dares to climb the broken steps inside the tomb, one may get a panoramic view of the plateau and the Mankiala Stupa. Besides Rawat, about an hours drive from Rawalpindi on the grand trunk road towards the city of Peshawar is Attock Fort. This impressive fort is easily visible and located near the Shrine ‘Hazrat Jee Sahib’, the tradition burial grounds for the ‘Bati’ Family of the Paracha clan from the near by (deserted) village of ‘Malahi Tola’. The Akbari fort is not open to the public as it is in active military use.

Pharwala Fort is about 40 km (25 mi) from Rawalpindi beyond Lehtrar road. It is a Gakhar fort built it in 15th century on the ruins of a 10th century Hindi Shahi Fort. Emperor Babur conquered the fort in 1519. Later, in 1825, Sikhs expelled Gakhars from this fort. Though the fort is in a crumbling state, it is still an attraction for castle lovers. The fort, being situated in prohibited area, is only open for Pakistani visitors.

Transport

There are many ways to get in and around Rawalpindi. Trains
The Railway Station is located in the Saddar City.The Railway Station was built in the 1880s by the government of British India. The British built many railways across South Asia to help facilitate trade and more importantly to help consolidate their rule. The routes the British built from Rawalpindi, which contained a major military base, linked to Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Sindh, Sukkur, Bahawalpur, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Kohat, Khanewal, Nawabshah, Nowshera and the Malakand Pass.

Airport

Islamabad International Airport is actually located at Chaklala which technically is a part of Rawalpindi. The airport is served by over 25 airlines, both national and international. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national carrier of Pakistan, has numerous routes, with many domestic and international flights every day. Construction on the new Rawalpindi/Islamabad international airport has now been started near the town of Fateh Jang approx 25 kilometres (20 mi) from both cities.

Highways

The main route running through Rawalpindi is the Murree Road. This road runs West-East through the city and continues to the hill station of Murree, which is a major summer attraction for Rawalpindi residents. Murree Rd is one of the busiest roads in the Punjab Province of Pakistan.

Rawalpindi is on the ancient Grand Trunk Road (also known as G.T. Road or, more recently, N-5) which links Rawalpindi to nearly every major city in northern Pakistan, from Karachi, to Peshawar, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Bahawalpur, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Kohat, Khanewal, Nawabshah, Nowshera and the Malakand Pass.

The city is also served by two nearby six-lane Motorways, M2 (Lahore-Islamabad) and M1 (Islamabad-Peshawar), which were completed in the 1990s. Somewhat further away is the famous Karakoram Highway, the world’s highest international road, which connects Pakistan to China.

Public Transportation

Public transport for travel within Rawalpindi is diverse, ranging from yellow taxis, auto-rickshaws, mini-buses and even tongas (horse-drawn carriages). Due to lack of planning of roads, mess of traffic is found even on small roads. For inter-city travel, air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses and coaches are regularly available to many destinations in Pakistan.

There is also an Islamabad/Rawalpindi central railway station that allows travel to every major city in Pakistan. In addition to freight, Pakistan Railways provides passenger rail service throughout the day, with train coaches that have air-conditioning in first-class

Heritage

Rawalpindi has numerous sights of architectural masterpieces. Few of the heritage buldings are Purana Qil’aa (The Old Fort), Bagh Sardaran (Chief’s Gardens), Haveli Sujaan Sigh, which is the remains of the Sikh Nawabs of Rawalpindi, the grand building has been converted into Fatima Jinnah Women University, which is the only female university to have established in the region. Other ancient buildings include Jain Mandir, [[Jain Temple].Gordon College, a prestigious institution of high learning was set during the British Raj.The shrine of Hazrat Sakhi Shah Chan Charagh is one of the centres devotees are flocked to.An institution of high devotion and solace located near the famous Raja Bazar He is the patron saint of the city and regarded as one of the two protectors of the twin cities, i.e Islamabad and Rawalpindi along with Hazrat Bari Imam, his cousin brother.

Major Industries

According to the general survey of industry conducted by Directorate of Industries and Mineral Development Punjab. There are at present 939 industrial units operating in the district. This district is not famous for industrial goods like other districts. The progress has been mostly in the private sector. The existing industrial units provide employment to about 35,000 persons i.e. about 1.6 % of district population is directly employed in large, medium and small industrial units.

Apparently there is no shortage of skilled manpower. The Technical/ Vocational Training Institute operating in the district turn out about 1974. Technicians/ Artisans annually trained in various fields of engineering. Airconditiong, Drafting, Metallurgy, Welding, Auto knitting and commerce etc.

Kohinoor Textile Mills: Kohinoor Mills is the largest unit in the district,which is located near Naseer Abad and is equipped with 50,000spindles and 1,021 power looms.
Wattan Woolen Mills: Next is Wattan Woolen and Hosiery Mills fitted 10,000 spindles.
Rahat Woolen Mills established in 1954 is one of the oldest and most prominent mill in Rawalpindi.

Armed Forces Institute of CardiologySilk industry
Woolen Mills
Hosiery Industry
Engineering Industry
Food Industry
Flour Mills
Soap Industry
Glass Factories
Chemical Factories
Drink (Beverages)
Foot Wear
Furniture and Fixture
Marble
Handicrafts

Bahawalpur

Bahawal Pur (also Bhawalpur or Bhawulpore) (Urdu: بہاولپور ) is a city of (1998 pop. 403,408) located in Bahawalpur District, Punjab Pakistan. Bahawalpur is located south of the Sutlej River and it lies in the Cholistan region. It is situated 90 km from Multan, 420 km from Lahore and about 700 km from the national capital Islamabad. It was the capital of the former princely state of Bahawalpur. The city of Bahawalpur is famous for its kind-hearted people known as the Saraikis.

History

The city was founded in 1748 by Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan Abbasi I, whose descendants ruled the area until it joined Pakistan in 1947. The State of Bahawalpur was one of the largest states of British India, more than 450 kilometres long, and was ruled by General H.H. Jalalat ul-Mulk, Rukn ud-Daula, Saif ud-Daula, Hafiz ul-Mulk, Mukhlis ud-Daula wa Muin ud-Daula, Al-Haj Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V Bahadur, Nusrat Jung, Amir of the God gifted kingdom of Bahawalpur, GCSI (1.1.1941, KCSI 1.3.1929), GCIE (3.6.1931), KCVO who decided to join Pakistan at the time of independence in 1947. The state maintained its sovereignty until 1955.

The Royal House of Bahawalpur is said to be of Arabic origin and claim descent from Abbas, progenitor of the Abbasid Caliphs of Baghdad and Cairo. Sultan Ahmad II, son of Shah Muzammil of Egypt left that country and arrived in Sind with a large following of Arabs ca. 1370. He married a daughter of Raja Rai Dhorang Sahta, receiving a third of the country I dowry. Amir Fathu’llah Khan Abbasi, is the recognized ancestor of the dynasty. He conquered the bhangar territory from Raja Dallu, of Alor and Bhamanabad, renaming it Qahir Bela. Amir Muhammad Chani Khan Abbasi entered the imperial service and gained appointment as a Panchhazari in 1583. At his death, the leadership of the tribe was contested between two branches of the family, the Daudputras and the Kalhoras. Amir Bahadur Khan Abbasi abandoned Tarai and settled near Bhakkar, founding the town of Shikarpur in 1690. Daud Khan, the first of his family to rule Bahawalpur, originated from Scind where he had opposed the Afghan Governor of that province and was forced to flee. The Nawab entered into Treaty relations with the HEIC, 22nd February 1833. The state acceded to the Dominion of Pakistan on 7th October 1947 and was merged into the state of West Pakistan on 14th October 1955.

Education

It also boasts a number of reputable educational establishments namely The Islamia University, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College and the Sadiq Public School, Bahawalpur, which is one of the biggest schools in Pakistan and whole of Asia. The weather is hot and dry. Summer temperatures reach high forties degrees Celsius. There is very little rainfall.

There are many colleges some are given below;

Government SE college
Post Grduate college baghdad road
Technology college
Vocational colleges
Four degree colleges
Commerece college
Tebiya Colleges
Four elementary colleges for teaching training

Wildlife

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, peacocks alongside a variety of other animals. Located near the city is the Lal Sohanra National Park, one of the few safaris in the country housing large animals including lions and rhinoceres.

Sites of interest

Gerenal
Noor Mahal (House of the Royal Family)
Farid Gate
Bahawlpur Museum
Bahawlpur National Library
Bahawalpur Zoo
Mausoleums
Channen Peer Tomb
Mausoleums of Haugha Sahib

Fort of Munde Shahid

The old fort of Munde Shahid, 50 km from Bahawalpur and Marot Fort 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. The famous fort of Derawar is located near the city, being the private fort of the former royal family who continue to be major political players in Pakistan.

The Lal Sohanra National Park is also located close to the city. Architectural monuments include the former royal family’s palaces namely Darbar Mahal, Gulzar Mahal and Noor Mahal. All Mahals are now under military control.

Economy

Bahawalpur has only one railroad bridge over the Sutlej River, making it an important rail centre. The surrounding area is mostly agricultural, which allows agricultrual 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 near a drive of 40 mins.

Specialities of Bahawalpur

Bahawalpur is known for its cotton, silk, embroidery, carpets, and extraordinarily delicate pottery, which is produced here.

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.

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 needle work. 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 colors with beautiful patterns and geometric designs. These are used for keeping the ‘chapattis’ and also as a wall decoration.

Sialkot is known as the city of Iqbal who was born, and bred here.
It is a city with a rich cultural, political, social and educational history with a diverse mix of people from varying walks and backgrounds. Sialkot is a city of culture and industry. It has seen times of bloody wars and has prospered in the golden ages of peace.
Of late, the city of Sialkot has worn a new look with the newly laid roads, erection of crossing, installation of street lights, construction of new buildings and renovation of old buildings. The construction work of the Sialkot International Airport is also in progress.
A mushroom growth of educational institutions both in public and private sectors has taken place which shows the keen interest of the people of Sialkot in education.
For a prospective student the city of Sialkot provides a memorable and valuable experience. It is a vibrant city with facilities of all sorts. The centre of cultural, academic and social learning Sialkot boasts an enviable percentage of literacy.

Role of Sialkotis in 1965 Pakistan India War.

In 1966, Pakistan Government had awarded the citizens of Lahore, Sialkot And Sargodha for their braveness in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 which was started on 06.09.1965. when the Indian Army Troops suddenly attacked and break the Line of Control in the West Pakistan sector at near about 3.00 AM. The Indian Army Chief and high official announced that they would take dinner in Lahore Gymkhana Club. BBC announced this news in their news bulletins again and again. But all there dreams changed in to a dreadful dream, false and baseless when they cannot able to cross the BRB Canal with their utmost try till the end of the war. During this 17 days war, the character of Lahoris proved themselves as an undefeatable through their bravery. On 07.09.1965, the Indian Army attacked with over 1,000 armed Sherman tanks at Sialkot sector but all their dreams has been changed in to a dreadful dreams when the brave men from Pakistan Army laid down to tie the bombs on their chests and laid down in front of these tanks. It is called that this tank war was the second biggest war of tanks after 2nd World War. In the result, all most all the tanks were changed in to scrap. On the very same day, the Indian Air Force attacked the biggest air attack over Sargodha Air base with their latest Russian Mig which the had taken from the Soviet Union. But by the grace of Almighty Allah (God) once again helped the Pakistanis and most of their Russian Mig were totally damaged or fell down in an air fight. Seeing this braveness of the People of Lahore, Sialkot and Sargodha, the Government of Pakistan awarded the cities and citizens of Lahore, Sialkot and Sargodha with the flag name “HILAL-E-ISTAQLAL” which is one of the highest civilian award. The citizens of Lahore, Sialkot and Sargodha played an important role in this war and helped Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy with their full zeal and zest.

Even now, Islamabad remains a city where people come from all over the country to enjoy its peaceful, noise-free atmosphere with a lot of greenery and nice surrounding scenery. It also serves as a base camp for people from the south and coastal areas like Karachi visiting valleys like Swat and Kaghan and northern areas like Gilgit, Skardu & Chitral located in the Hindu Kush mountains.

Understand

English Local Newspaper The Dawn, The News, The Nation & The Daily Times are national newspapers in English supplemented with local news sections. Business Recorder is the only newpaper providing national and international business news. However, newspapers are like New York Times, Los Angles Times, International Herald Tribune, Financial Times, Khaleej Times, Gulf News, Sunday Times and etc., are also available. These international newspapers usually arrive in Islamabad a day after publishing. All newspapers (international, national and local) are available at book stores in leading hotels like Serena & Marriot. They can also be purchased from leading book stores like London Book House (Kohsar Market in sector F-6/3), Saeed Book Bank (Jinnah Super Market in sector F-7), and Mr. Books (Super Market in sector F-6).

By bus

Skyways and Daewoo are 2 of the nicer long-haul operators. Skyways offer some direct services to/from Islamabad and Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi. Daewoo has it’s own terminal on the road from Islamabad just outside Rawalpindi. The majority of buses arrive and depart from Rawalpindi, a few kilometres and a 45 minute taxi ride from Islamabad.You can call the Daewoo Station in advance for booking. They shall confirm a seat for you. The number is 051 111 007 008. You can travel to Peshawar, Lahore, D I Khan, Murree, Sialkot, Abottabad, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Multan, and recently they have started service between Karachi and Hyderabad.

Get around

Streets of IslamabadTaxis in Islamabad are abundant, popular and generally safe. Cost is around Rs20 – Rs30 per sector traveled, depending on your bargaining skills. Prices will be higher at night, especially departing from places like Jinnah Super (F-7). It is always advisable to agree the fare before travelling.

Car Hire is also a good way of getting around. Although road signs and directions are only available on main roads, Due to Islamabad being a relatively small city, It is easy to find your way around. There are various car hire companies in Blue Area F-6 and also in G-8 Markaz where cars can be hired with drivers to avoid paying large sums for security and also, to avoid having to find your way. All 5* and major hotels have their own car hire services and are relatively cheap. A tip to the driver at the end of the booking period is appreciated and advisable however, not an obligation.