BAHAWALPUR, July 25: A proposal to set up a craft centre, food street and restaurant at Derawar fort in Cholistan is under-consideration of the government. Dawn learnt here on Monday that the government functionaries had decided to conduct a detailed survey to prepare a feasibility report to this effect.

The proposal is being prompted to project Cholistan and its environment throughout the world. Earlier, in March 2005, the Punjab Tourism Development Corporation had organized a jeep rally to introduce this vast desert in the world so that tourists could be attracted to this place.

According to some sources, Cholistan have become prominent following the holding of the first-ever desert jeep rally and the officials have now felt that if facilities are provided at the Derawar fort, there could be chances of earning a considerable foreign exchange.

The proposal also includes parking, telephone and internet facilities, besides engaging guides, who could speak various languages to facilitate tourists from different countries.

LOCAL POLLS: The Bahawalpur Ittehad, comprising some pro-government heavyweights and former district nazim Tariq Cheema, have claimed that its three nominees have been elected unopposed nazims of three union councils in Ahmedpur East tehsil after scrutiny of papers.

They are: Sardar Malik Jahanzeb Warren (Naunari UC), Sardar Malik Jehangir Warren (Kotla Musa Khan UC), and Sardar Malik Qadir Bakhsh Warren (Dhoorekote UC).

RAPE CASE: On the orders of the DPO, the Yazman police have registered a gang-rape case against five people — Ijaz alias Jajji, Maqsood, Riaz, Zahid alias Kali and Shehzad.

The case has been registered on the application of Abdul Sattar, father of the girl.

The complainant alleged that his daughter had been abducted at gunpoint on April 27 and was raped. He said later the accused sent her to Darul Amaan from where she was recovered on July 11.