LAHORE: Punjab government is considering a proposal envisaging various schemes, including rehabilitation of forts in Cholistan desert and a safari train service from Lal Sohanra to Uch Sharif, to promote tourism in Bahawalpur division, Dawn has learnt.

“Bahawalpur has a lot of tourist attractions. But, unfortunately, the area was ignored previously for tourism promotion. Therefore, the Punjab government plans to carry out various activities in the light of a proposal, to promote tourism in Bahawalpur,” an official told Dawn.

According to a presentation recently given to some senior officials, Bahawalpur division comprise three Districts -- Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalnagar, having various tourist attractions, including Jamia Masjid Al-Sadiq (1935), Lal Suhanra National Park, (1972), Central Library (1924), Dring Stadium, Museum (1924) and Bahawalpur Zoo, (1942).

The region has also been an abode of prominent Sufi saints, including Syed Jalaluddin Surkh Posh Bukhari, Makhdoom Jahanian Jahangasht, Uch Sharif, Bibi Jiwandi, Hazrat Khawaja Mohkamud Din, Khankah Sharif dating back to 1716AD, Khawaja Noor Muhammad, Chishtian (1746-1793), Channan Pir (17th century) and Khawaja Ghulam Fareed, Chachran Sharif (1845-1901).

Similarly, the famous places of tourists’ interest include Noor Mahal (1872), Darbar Mahal (1904), Sadiq Garh Palace (1882), Gulzar Mahal (1904), Farrukh Mahal (1904) and Nishat Mahal (1904).

The lost forts, which the proposal seeks to rehabilitate or conserve, include Derawar (9th century), Marot (1250 AD), Mau Mubarak (1525 AD), Nawan Kot (1608 AD), Islam Garh (1608 AD), Moj Garh (1775 AD), Bijnot (1757 AD), Khair Garh (1775 AD), Liara (1780 AD), Khan Garh (1783 AD), Jam Garh (1788 AD) and Mir Garh (1799 AD).

As per the proposal, a rail track had been laid to access various parts of the division, but due to non-availability of train service, it couldn’t be made operational and required repairs. “This will be a great convenience for the public to travel between Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar [by train],” it adds.

It states that for launch of a Safari train from Uch Sharif to Lal Sohanra a survey of the area must be conducted. The proposal mentions that a double-decker sightseeing bus service is currently available for tourists, that starts from the Tourism Development Corporation of Pakistan (TDCP) office, Bahawalpur, and reaches the Bahawalpur Zoo via Mori Gate, Fareed Gate, SD High School, Commissioner House, DC Chowk, Bahawal Club, CMH Chowk, Museum, Central Library, Bahwal Victoria Hospital, Quaid-e-Azam Medical Collage, Fawara Chowk, Noor Mahal, Ahmedpuri Gate and Derawar Gate.

The proposal seeks rehabilitation and renovation of the forts in Cholistan desert, deputation of tour guiding system, availability of a 4/5 star hotel, a help desk at Bahawalpur for national and international queries, security of tourists at Derawar Fort and other places, survey for a 10km lake at the river Sutluj and illumination of railway bridge, revival of train service from Baghdad Station to Bahawalnagar, an underpass at the BVH for patients, shifting of the city bus stand outside the city to remove congestion and provision of an elephant for the zoo.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2025