12 places you didn't know existed in Bahawalpur

E-Paper | March 03, 2026

It’s time to put on your travel shoes, because these photos will definitely make you want to head out to Bahawalpur.

The princely state in Punjab boasts a treasure of historic buildings, monuments and parks that many have never heard of.

1. Visible from several miles in Cholistan desert, the majestic Derawar Fort is a sight not to miss

Photo submitted by @uzair2128 Derawar Fort is a large square #fortress in #Bahawalpur, #Punjab, #Pakistan. The forty #bastions of #Derawar are visible for many miles in the Cholistan #Desert. The walls have a circumference of 1,500 meters and stand up to 30 meters high. Submit your photos to us by using the hashtag #dawndotcom. #derawarfort #fort #cholistandesert #travel #photography #tourism #travelphotography #heritage #history

A photo posted by Dawn (@dawn_dot_com) on Nov 1, 2015 at 9:23pm PST

2. Darbar Mahal will definitely take you back to the Ancient Mughalai Fort

Darbar Mahal, Bahawalpur. The Darbar Mahal is a historic fort located in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. It has been built out of red bricks and its excellent view of architecture resembles the ancient Mughalai Forts. Photo submitted by @hasnainmanghi Submit your photos by using hashtag #dawndotcom #Fort #darbarmahal #ancient #architecture #redbricks #culture #culturalheritage #bahawalpur #pakistan

A photo posted by Dawn (@dawn_dot_com) on Oct 30, 2015 at 10:40pm PDT

3. Another attraction is the replica of Moti Mosque in Delhi, called the Abbasi Mosque

"Like a thief, reason sneaked in and sat amongst the lovers eager to give them advice. They were unwilling to listen, so reason kissed their feet and went on its way." -Rumi Abbasi Mosque. Bahawalpur, Pakistan. #rumi #sufi #quotes #bahawalpur #punjab #pakistan #derawar #fort #abbasimosque #mosque #masjid #wanderlust #colors #vsco #details #cholistan #desert #passionpassport #vscofilm #instagood #instagoodmyphoto #instaworld #roadtrip #instatravel #lifeofadventure #vscopakistan #hayatakarken

A photo posted by Abid (@aabbiidd) on Nov 2, 2015 at 8:19am PST

Tajdar-e-Haram • Abbasi Mosque. Bahawalpur, Pakistan. #bahawalpur #punjab #pakistan #derawar #fort #abbasimosque #mosque #masjid #wanderlust #colors #vsco #details #passionpassport #vscofilm #instagood #instaworld #roadtrip #instatravel #foundkhtt #lifeofadventure #vscopakistan #calligraphy #awhitecrush #whprhythm #JJ_forum_1324

A photo posted by Abid (@aabbiidd) on Sep 6, 2015 at 9:54am PDT

4. Noor Mahal and its stunning interior should be added to your itinerary

Noor Palace in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Photo submitted by @aabbiidd / Dawn Community You can also submit photos to us by using the hashtag #dawndotcom #bahawalpur #noorpalace #pakistan #palace #architecture #dawncommunity

A photo posted by Dawn (@dawn_dot_com) on Sep 29, 2015 at 6:05am PDT

"The cure for love is love." • Noor Palace. Bahawalpur, Pakistan. #quotes #bahawalpur #punjab #pakistan #noormahal #noorpalace #palace #prince #nawab #royal #wanderlust #colors #vsco #details #passionpassport #vscofilm #instagood #instaworld #roadtrip #instatravel #lifeofadventure #vscopakistan #heritage #hayatakarken

A photo posted by Abid (@aabbiidd) on Oct 5, 2015 at 8:46am PDT

5. You might want to go 73km out of Bahawalpur to visit this crumbling beauty: the Tomb of Bibi Jawindi in Uch Sharif

Tomb of Bibi Jawindi in Uch Sharif, Punjab, Pakistan Photo submitted by @myselfkumail The #Tomb of Bibi Jaiwindi — a #UNESCO World Heritage Site — was built in 1493 by an Iranian prince. Over the centuries, the tomb has badly disintegrated due to environmental conditions. Today, only the remaining half of the #structure is still standing. You can also submit your photos to us by using #dawndotcom #monument #shrine #Pakistan #punjab #history #photography #travel #heritage

A photo posted by Dawn (@dawn_dot_com) on Jun 24, 2015 at 4:28am PDT

6. Have you ever heard of the Farid Gate in Bahawalpur?

#bahawalpur #punjab #pakistan #history #historic #gate #gateway #architecture #old #renovate #vintage #vscocam #vscoedit #vscogram #instapk #instapic #instaedit #instadaily #instagramer #picoftheday #photooftheday #icapturedaily #faridgate #farid

A photo posted by Dr.Ali Riaz (@aliclicks) on Jul 17, 2015 at 1:13am PDT

7. And here's another palace, the Sadiq Garh Palace

Sadiq Garh Palace. The #abadoned one. #mphotocapril #lawn #sky #dirt #italian #architecture

A photo posted by Safi Saldera (@safisaldera) on Apr 17, 2014 at 8:56pm PDT

8. The city also boasts of one of the largest national parks of South Asia, the Lal Sohanra National Park

Lal Sohanra is a national park of Pakistan situated in Bahawalpur district of Punjab province, which is one of the largest nationals parks in South Asia. Lal Sohanra is spread over 153000 acre and is notable for the diversity of its landscape, which includes areas of desert, forest and water. #blackbucks #blackbuck #dusty #sunlight #wildlfe #wwf #nature #lalsuhanra #nationalpark #Bahawalpur #southpunjab #kakufastphotography #ig_pakistan #igworldclub_country #igworldclub_award #igerspakistan #ig_great_shots #ig_today #ig #igworldclub_team #worldbeautiful #beautifulplace #instagallery #instapic #beautifulplace #explorepakistan #beautyofpakistan #pakistanphotographerscouncil #travelbeautifulpakistan #etribune #tourpakistan

A photo posted by K A K U F A S T (@kakufast) on Jul 2, 2015 at 6:12pm PDT

9. Even the central library is an architectural marvel

Central #Library #Bahawalpur #punjab #Pakistan

A photo posted by Bahawalpur (@bahawalpur_bwp) on Dec 20, 2013 at 3:15am PST

The Central Library of Bahawalpur (Urdu: سنٹرل لائبریری بھاولپور) is an old and worth mentioning library of Pakistan located in Bahawalpur city of Punjab province. It has the collections of 105000 books. The building itself is a piece of art which construction started in 1927 people of bahawalpur devoted 100000 rupees for construction. It is the 2nd biggest public library of the province. It possesses, besides vast collection of old newspapers since 1947 and even later than it, more than lac books and a fair number of manuscripts #bahawalpur #wonderfulpakistan #pakistan #centrallibrarybahawalpur #library #punjab

A photo posted by Wonderful Pakistan (@wonderfulpakistan) on Nov 13, 2015 at 2:03am PST

10. How stunning is the Gulzar Mahal?

#Gulzar Mahal #Bahawalpur

A photo posted by محمد احمد خان (@muhammadahmedkhan) on Nov 3, 2015 at 1:30am PST

The interior of Gulzar Palace is also strikingly beautiful

Inside the palace. #gulzarmahal #bahawalpur #Pakistan #architecture #palace #over100yearsold #travel #oneofeightpalaces #undergroundpathways #saadsaeed #photooftheday #discoverpakistan #frencharchitecture

A photo posted by S1A4 S1E5D4 (@saad.saeedd) on Oct 8, 2015 at 2:34pm PDT

11. Who would believe this is the Government Boys High School?

Government Boys High School SADIQ DANE BAHAWALPUR, BAHAWALPUR CITY, BAHAWALPUR Government Sadiq Dane Model high school Bahawalpur was established in 1911. This old and historical and academic institution is attributed in the name of Nawab of Bahawalpur Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi the 5th and the then Governor of Punjab Sir William Dane. The primary portion of this academic institution consists of six rooms, middle portion comprises of seventeen rooms and Secondary school block has eighteen rooms. About two thousands students are studying here. This institution has rendered commendable service to the nation, particularly in the field of education. This institution has produced several doctors, engineers Bankers and renowned players and politicians. Such as Justice of the Supreme court Mr. Justice M.A Shahid., Mr. Justice Farukh Mehmood(R), Brigadier Mr. Abdul Qayyum(R), Federal secretary Mr. Malik Najeeb Ullah Bhutta, Ex. Nibe Nazim city Mr. Liquat Ali Shah, Ex. Minister Railway Mr. Malik Faroo-e-Azam,Ex. Principal Mr. Syed Daulat Ali Zaidi, Famous political and Social personality Mr. Malik Hibib Ullah Bhutta, Ex. Inspector General Jails Punjab Mr. Hafiz Muhammad Qasim, Station Director Radio Pakistan Mr. Sajid Hassan Durani, Famous Journalist and writer Mr. Hafeez Qasar, International cricket player Mr. Kamran Hussain etc. #bahawalpur #schools #sdschool #sadiqdaneschool

A photo posted by Wonderful Pakistan (@wonderfulpakistan) on Oct 21, 2015 at 11:06am PDT

12. All the nawabs of Bahawalpur are buried in this royal graveyard in Cholistan desert:

Photo submitted by @sher_aly / Dawn Community : Graveyard of Bahawalpur's Nawabs, Cholistan desert, #Pakistan. Submit your photos to us by using the hashtag #dawndotcom #dawncommunity #Punjab #cholistandesert #architecture #Bahawalpur

A photo posted by Dawn (@dawn_dot_com) on Nov 2, 2015 at 8:43am PST

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M.Saeed

Nov 18, 2015 05:09pm

But, all of these architectural masterpieces are gravely neglected and in apathetic state. Reason, we have no respect for our historic past.

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Pakistani

Nov 18, 2015 05:10pm

MashAllah. Breath taking. I will include Bahawalpur in my next trip to Pakistan.

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Lashari

Nov 18, 2015 05:14pm

waaaooo

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Ahmed

Nov 18, 2015 05:20pm

beautiful

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Syed Husain

Nov 18, 2015 05:32pm

We need to do everything we can to preserve these beautiful masterpieces. The Tomb of Bibi Jawindi in Uch Sharif is absolutely beautiful. Let us do what we can so that it does not deteriorate any more.

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reen

Nov 18, 2015 05:36pm

beautiful! what a treat

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Khan

Nov 18, 2015 05:47pm

My city..so serene and homely..great place to live historically and culturally.

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Zala

Nov 18, 2015 06:04pm

It these structures were in Lahore, they would have been looked after quite well.

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Fawaz Khalil

Nov 18, 2015 06:06pm

Bahawalpur is a beautiful place....sadly most of the mahals are taken over by the army as their offices so I doubt if you can visit them....however that is also the reason they are maintained well (contrast the state of Noor Mahal with Sadiq Garh palace). A pic or two of Sadiq Public Schools sprawling green fields or beautiful buildings would have complemented the story even more.

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dawn

Nov 18, 2015 06:50pm

I have not been to B'pur but these seems like worth a visit. Have the Americans left?

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Shahid Hussain Soomro

Nov 18, 2015 06:54pm

Saraiki Belt has being neglected. there are also many other historical places which also need more attentions.

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Vishnu Mahant

Nov 18, 2015 07:10pm

What a beautiful architectural delight, it is a crime to neglect it. If Pakistan learns to develop it as a tourism place, it will succeed beyond belief. Sometimes you need to open your doors to the world by making it safe and accessible!

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Tahir

Nov 18, 2015 07:30pm

My great country and just one of its great cities. We must take full ownership of the thousand years of wonderful history of Muslims in Hindustan and what is left of it in Pakistan. As this history, iconic monuments, and heritage of our ancestors is being erased and eradicated in Baharat next door, it is imperative that we recognize our responsibility today and take special care of historical places.

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Rashid Siddiqui

Nov 18, 2015 07:40pm

Wow! Thank you for such a wonderful piece of information especially some stunning images of the city's past. I hope I could visit this great historic city in my next visit to the country.

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faridullah

Nov 18, 2015 07:45pm

Wow, what an era.

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S. I. Rafiq

Nov 18, 2015 07:53pm

Salute to Nawabs of Bahalpur. They ruled their state with full autonomy under the Britsh Raj. Bahawalpur was a welfare state. When Pakistan was created, the nawab gave millions of rupees to Pak govt. to run it affairs. Bahawalpur could have stayed an independent nation, but it opted to join Pakistan.

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Agha Ata

Nov 18, 2015 08:18pm

I can honestly say that I have been in Pakistan for 45 years, but never saw or even heard of such beautiful places in Bahawalpur. It is a shame that many of us do not even know the beauties of this country. Thank you Writer!

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Khwarezmi

Nov 18, 2015 08:18pm

I have exploredthe world from East to West but forgot the amazing sites in Pakistan. Time to sepnd my tine and money in Pakistan.

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Pappu Bhai Verma

Nov 18, 2015 08:29pm

Mesmerizing indeed! I never knew Pakistan had so many hidden treasures! Indian and global media only show dark side or Pakistan and we tend to believe it. Pakistan tourism board should launch a massive campaign to promote tourism.

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Changez_Khan

Nov 18, 2015 08:52pm

My goodness. Awesome picture. Pakistan has amazing treasure and people in Pakistan not thankful for that.

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Syed Shah Bukhari

Nov 18, 2015 08:52pm

@Tahir. Brother, none of Mughal architecture is erased in India, in fact they are in better state than in Pakistan.

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Minhaj Ahmad khan

Nov 18, 2015 09:57pm

My city love it. It has own very antique places

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amer mahmood

Nov 18, 2015 09:58pm

Classic photos. Loved them. Yes indeed a pity to see their poor state. There ought to be a government fund for this, lord knows if there is one!! Anyways, not much of tourisim to generate income. Not much of an international PR. The one we have drives people away. But great photos, A must to visit. Great to hold corporate event/fashion shows to generate income

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ibiubu111

Nov 18, 2015 10:05pm

...What, no mention of Sadiq Public School. I know its not an icon in history, but an icon in my heart!!!! Attended SPS 1962-1966

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Awais Ijaz bhatti

Nov 18, 2015 10:12pm

Indeed we had great heritage and visiting places but we don't care them and slowly and steadily they are turning into ruins.... tourism department must look into it and take emergent measures to save them all

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Reality Bites

Nov 18, 2015 10:27pm

Rich in culture and architecture not to mention one of the sweetest languages in Pakistan, Saraiki. I would also include Sadiq Public School, a beautiful campus and institution which happens to be my school for eight years.

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Asif

Nov 18, 2015 11:18pm

This time it is a must for me to visit this place, simpily excellent!

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Dr.Cajetan Coelho

Nov 18, 2015 11:41pm

Fantastic. Thanks.

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Amreeki

Nov 18, 2015 11:48pm

They all look really nice in pictures. I just hope they aren't photoshopped. But I would definitely make it a point to stop over in this town next time I'm in Pakistan.

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rameesha shauket

Nov 19, 2015 12:00am

I'm live in BWP. I have visited and re-visited these places many times because they carry a real magic in them. But sadly some of them are not like the pictures above.... They are neglected.

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ahmedj

Nov 19, 2015 01:22am

Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Fawara Chowk, Islamia University and Sadiq Public School have been missed. There are also many fortresses outside Bahawalpur just like Darawar fort. The story behind Darawar fort is that the bricks were transported from Uch Sharif, which is 73 km away. The fort itself was built by several masons especially brought from far flung areas. This is the reason that all the bastions around the fort are not identical to each other. Need to have a part II of this article.

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parveez

Nov 19, 2015 01:25am

I have been to Bahawalpur many time, and only been to NOOR MAHAL. I will be there next month, and will go and visit some of these places. Thanks for sharing these places.

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Silvan

Nov 19, 2015 03:04am

Mind blowing pictorial article

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Khabeer ul Tanwir

Nov 19, 2015 03:28am

The author forgot to mention Sadiq Public School. A wonder in the field of education. Many politicians, armed officers, civil servants, doctor and engineers have been students are Old Sadiqians

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Zulfiqar_Ahmed

Nov 19, 2015 05:29am

Very beautiful. Had no idea Bahawalpur had such history. Will have to visit.

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Ehsan

Nov 19, 2015 06:27am

The basics of preserving ones land includes to keep your sorrouding clean, which no one at least apparently seems interested in.

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Shahid Akbar, USA

Nov 19, 2015 08:25am

Thank you for your efforts.

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thinkaboutit

Nov 19, 2015 08:57am

Why are these amazing historical sites not publicised more and taken better care of? forget international tourism many people from pakistan will visit this city for tourism if there is more awareness. The people in Turkey have restored and maintained their histoical sites very well, it seems we are bent to do the opposite

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Pak Soul

Nov 19, 2015 08:58am

Have to include Bahawalpur in my trip to Pakistan. So beautiful

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aga khan

Nov 19, 2015 08:59am

Just beautiful. Tourist department must advertise such beauties aggressively.

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Indian

Nov 19, 2015 09:35am

Your 'in pictures' sections are always awesome

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Ammar

Nov 19, 2015 09:51am

well done Mr Photographer

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Zubair Rafi

Nov 19, 2015 05:20pm

Beautiful place to Visit. Long live Pakistan

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Buzdar Baloch

Nov 19, 2015 06:10pm

I always resented taking over of these buildings by army in Bahawalpur (even though i was in army then). But comparing the condition, I guess the best maintained are the ones in military possession.

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AIZ

Nov 19, 2015 06:49pm

Miss Bahalwalpur .... left that place ages ago.....

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khuram

Nov 19, 2015 11:38pm

Our pride, Quiad e Azam Solar Power Park is missing in pictures.

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Samina

Nov 20, 2015 03:23am

Stunning! With so many historical monuments and architectural marvels, the city government if committed can easily make a substantial revenue by promoting tourism and preserving the sites. Thanks Dawn for sharing.

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qaiser

Nov 20, 2015 06:56am

One of these palaces have been designed by Agha Ahmed Hussain the architect of Mohatta Palace Karachi. Should be declared as heritage.

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Neha

Nov 20, 2015 08:56am

@Zala No Zala. We have no respect for history irrespective of the city. With our new notion of development we'll destroy everything old. The Orange Line in Lahore is an example of it.

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Saad S

Nov 20, 2015 10:54am

never knew about so many palaces in Bahawalpur. worth visiting.

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Waseem

Nov 20, 2015 12:00pm

@dawn Who Aemericans? :D It's in Pakistan dude.

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faisal

Nov 20, 2015 06:52pm

There are some other beautiful and historic places in bahawalpur: 14.Sadiq Egerten College over 125 years old my sweet college. 15. Sadiq public school alike Aitchison school Lahore. 16. Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital

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Pardesi

Nov 21, 2015 04:48am

Beautiful Mughal/Indian architecture..

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FAK

Nov 21, 2015 08:25am

Such stunning pieces of architecture. I have visited most of these and it was so refreshing to find them together. Great work.

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Akram

Nov 21, 2015 04:53pm

I have been to the Darewar Fort but many of the others I managed to miss.