BAHAWALPR: For the first time, the death anniversary of the late Nawab of Bahawalpur Sir Sadiq Muammad Khan Abbasi-V will be officially marked on May 24 in all parts of the territorial limits of the defunct state, now comprising three district of the division.

In this connection, the divisional administration will hold hold a guard of honour ceremony at the grave of the late Nawab in the royal graveyard at the historical Derawar Fort, some 70km from here.

Commissioner Dr Ehteham Anwar Mahar has announced that the 58th death anniversary of the late Nawab, falling on May 24, will be marked officially in all the three districts of the division -- Bahawalpur, Bahwwalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan -- with great fervour.

He has also announced a public holiday on 24th in the division. The commissioner said special functions will be held on the occasion in the three districts to pay tributes to the Nawab Sir Sadiq Abbasi V for his great contribution to the newly-created state of Pakistan by merging Bahawalpur state in it.

He said the death anniversary of such a benefactor of the country should not go unnoticed.

He added that at the guard of honour ceremony, to be held at the royal graveyard of the Abbasid family at Derawar Fort, speakers will also pay tribute to the late Nawab.

This is the first time since the death of the late Nawab in 1965 that his death anniversary would be observed on official level in all the parts of the territorial limits of the defunct Bahawalpur State.Sir Sadiq Abbasi v had died in England his body was flown to Karachi, from where it was brought, draped in national flag, on train to Dera Nawab Sahib railway station.

The then Crown Prince Brig Muhammad Abbas Abbasi (who was later installed as Bahawalpur Emir) accompanied the body and was presented a guard of honour at the Dera Nawab railway station, from here it was taken in a procession to the family’s graveyard at Derawar Fort for burial amid official protocol.

The commissioner has also announced conferring a title upon the late Nawab, and for the purpose proposals have been sought from some writers and intellectuals.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2023