THIS is apropos of Ayesha Siddiqqa's article, “South Punjab 'movement'” (June 12). The Bahawalpur princely state was one of the largest states of British India and was ruled by Sir Sadiq Mohammad Khan Abbassi V, who decided to join Pakistan at the time of independence in 1947.

Its ruler had signed the document of accession to the newly-created Pakistan on the condition that there would be no interference in their internal affairs. But the state was merged into the province of West Pakistan on Oct 14, 1955.

Pakistan had stipulated that the princely state would revert to its original status if the One Unit was dissolved. The government backed out from its promise when the One Unit was dissolved.

A forceful movement, led by Shehzada Manoor-ur-Rashid Abbassi, Makhdoom Noor Mohammad Hashmi and Chaudhry Farzand Ali, for the restoration of Bahawalpur as a province was suppressed by an iron hand.

Being a resident of Ahmedpur East, Mohammad Ali Durrani, minister of information, claimed the restoration of status for Bahawalpur as an independent unit of Pakistan.

First, the writer's argument in rejecting the demand of Mr Durrani on the ground that he did not raise the question at the time when he was in power is not logical.

Secondly, Ms Sidiqqa underestimated the prestige of the Makhdooms of Rahimyar Khan by giving an illogical statement that they did not marry off their daughters and sisters to keep the wealth at home and did nothing for the socio-economic development of the area.

Makhdoom Zada Hassan Mehmood, cheif minister of the Bahawalpur state, did a lot for its development in spite of having meagre resources. His efforts in the field of education cannot be denied.

An American author in his book, 'Consolidation of a Nation', appreciates the efforts of the young chief minister for the socio-economic development of the state.

Thirdly, Ms Siddiqa pointed out that the state's representatives failed to convince the establishment about investment in socio-economic progress of this ignored area. The answer lies in the writer's statement

“The representatives did try their best to bring funds for the development of this area but their voices were never heard.”

Then the question arises Who will bring progress for this area?

Fourthly, she stated that people had the least respect for a nawab family. But the fact is that the Nawab still ruled over the hearts of people. In the 2008 election people did not vote for candidates supported by Tariq Bashir Cheema (nazim) against candidates supported by the Amir of Bahawalpur.

Even the ex-chief minister of Punjab, Pervaiz Ilahi, was defeated in the personal constituency of Tariq Bashir Cheema.

Since independence of Pakistan, Punjab has been blamed by all the other provinces for getting the lion's share of resources. So it is in the best interest of Pakistan to divide this province. Both the administrative control of the divided province will be improved and the constitutional demands of the ex-state of Bahawalpur will be fulfilled.

So the popular demand for restoration of the status of this state is quite genuine.

MARIA MALIK

Ahmedpur East