About Multan
In old times it was known as the city of Saints, Dust and Beggars. Multan is the main city of southern Punjab province. It has always enjoyed a great importance in history. Somehow its people have attracted the Sufi saints so much, that it became the abode of Sufiesm in South East Asia and is known to be the oldest living city in this region.
Location
Multan Division lies between north latitude 29'- 22' and 30'- 45 and east longitude 71'- 4' and 72'- 55'. It is located in a bend created by five confluent rivers. The Sutlej separates it from Bahawalpur District and the Chenab from Muzaffargarh district.
Area and Altitude
The area is 45 square kilometers approximately and is about 215 meters (740 feet) above sea level.
Population
1,288,170
Languages
Urdu, Punjabi and Saraiki. English is spoken and understood by educated people.
Topography
Vast plain ground dissected by rivers, canals and narrow water channels.
Climate
Cold in winter and very hot in summer. The normal rainfall is about 6" during the monsoon from July to September.
Wildlife
Fox, jackal and wild boar. Amongst birds are Grey and black partridges. Sand grouse visit the district in winter. Quail and pigeons are common.
Tourist Season
October to March
Festivals and Fairs
Religious festivals in Multan are a mixture of devotion and recreation. Since Multan is famous for its shrines, there are number of Urs (annual rituals) going on round the year. Well known are the Urs of Bahauddin Zakaria, Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Shah Shams Sabzwari, Shah Jamal, Sher Shah and Mela Ludden Pir.
Shopping Areas
Other shopping areas are Chowk Bazaar, Bohar gate, Haram gate, Delhi gate, Lohari gate and Pak gate bazaars in the old city and the Cantonment shopping area.
In the city Husein Agahi Bazaar is a good place for the handicrafts for which Multan is renowned. A large handicraft shop is located within the Fort opposite the Rukn ud Din shrine. Other shops surround Ghanta Ghar Chowk.
What to Eat
Multan is famous for its Multani Halwa and Mangoes. Besides this Lassi, Sharbat and Faluda are the local specialties. Amongst fruits, besides mangoes, watermelons, kino, oranges, pomengranate, guava and dates are grown in the district.
» Multani khussas (leather shoes)
What to Buy
There are some worth mentioning places of recreation in Multan such as:
» Embroidery work of all types
» Thread and 'Aar' work costumes for ladies
» Embroidered cloths, cholas or kurtas for men
» Painted and glazed earthen pottery
» Camel skin products
» Carpets
» Lacquered wooden products
How to Go There
By Air
Multan has an airport about 4 km. from the city. PIA and other airlines operate daily flights between Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad via Multan and vice versa.
By Rail
Multan is connected by rail with all parts of the country and lies on the main railway tracks between Karachi-Peshawar and Quetta-Lahore-Peshawar.
By Road
Multan is connected by daily A/C, non A/C buses, mini vans, wagons services with Islamabad, Murree, Lahore, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, and Rawalpindi.
Internal Transport
Buses, wagons, taxis, auto rickshaws and Tongas are available in the city.
Distances
» 101 km. from Bahawalpur - 90 minutes drive
» 348 Kilometers from Lahore - 7-8 hours drive
About Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur is located at an altitude of 400 feet and is spread over an area of 27,530 square kilometers. It has a population of 24,10,566 (District Bahawalpur - 1998 census). The area enjoys an average annual rainfall of 6.89 inches. The recommended tourist season is from October to March. Saraiki is their local language, however, Urdu, Punjabi and English is spoken and understood by most of the people.
History Bahawalpur was formerly an Indian princely state and is now a part of Pakistan. The region stretches for more than 300 miles along the Sutlej, Panjnad, and Indus River with practically all of its territory in the Thar Desert. Its rulers became independent of Afghans in early 19th century; made treaty with British in 1838 and later joined Pakistan in 1947.
Bahawalpur originally was a vassal of the great Sikh empire built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In 1936 Bahawalpur stopped paying tribute and openly declared independence. In the Anglo Sikh wars, Bahawalpur supported the British and this guaranteed its survival.
During the rule of the last Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V, Bahawalpur State merged with Pakistan in 1954. Bahawalpur was formerly the capital of the state and now it is the District and Divisional Headquarters of Bahawalpur Division.
Present Head Of The Sovereign Family
Nawab Salauddin Ahmad Khan, 14th Ameer of Bahawalpur since 14-4-1988
Bahawalpur
is a city, which lies just south of the Sutlej River. Nawab of the Daudputra family, Muhammad Bahawal Khan Abbasi I, founded the city in 1748, which was later incorporated as a municipality in 1874. The Abbasi family ruled over the State for more than 200 years (1748 to 1954).
Specialities of Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur is known for its cotton, silk, embroidery, carpets, and extraordinarily delicate pottery, which is produced here.
The Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) has established a Craft Development Center for Cholistan area, outside Farid Gate, Bahawalpur from where handicrafts manufactured in Cholistan can be purchased.
Flassi
It is a piece of 4-ft * 7-ft size, made of camel hair and cotton yarn. It is used for wall hanging, as a decoration piece and a carpet.
Gindi or Rilli
It is made of small pieces of many colors of cotton cloth and needle work. It can be used as wall hangings, bed covers, carpets and blankets.
Changaries
Like big plaques, these are made of palm leaves in different bright colors with beautiful patterns and geometric designs. These are used for keeping the 'chapattis' and also as a wall decoration.
Khalti
It is like a purse embroidered on top with multi colored threads.
Aar Work
It is an attractive type of embroidery done on dupatta, kurta and chaddar etc.
Bazaars of Bahawalpur
The main shopping centers of Bahawalpur are Shahi Bazaar, Machli Bazaar, Farid Gate and the Mall.
How To Go There
By Air
Bahawalpur is connected by air from Karachi and Islamabad.
By Rail/Road
There are daily bus and train services from Multan and Lahore.
Internal Transport
Horse drawn vehicles (tongas) and rickshaws ply in the city. Cars are also available for hire.
Distance
» 101 km. from Multan - 90 minutes drive