Bahawalnagar is a historical region. Historical findings and relics suggest that this region was ruled by many dynasties of earlier civilizations such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. Its old name was Rojhan Waali Basti. In 1904, the Nawab of Bahawalpur, Muhammad Bahawal Khan V (1883 - 1907), named this region Bahawalnagar. From 1723 to 1947, it was part of the Bahawalpur District. Even before the partition of the sub-continent, this region was heavily populated with Muslims. Due to the teachings of Sufis, Islam became the dominant religion. The people of this region opted to join Pakistan when asked by the British empire.
Bahawalnagar District (Urdu and Punjabi: ضلع بہاولنگر), is a district of Punjab province in Pakistan. Before the independence of Pakistan, Bahawalnagar was part of the Bahawalpur state governed by the Nawab of Bahawalpur. The city of Bahawalnagar is the capital of the district. Its population according to the 2017 census is 2,982,000 people.
Climate and Soil Conditions
District Bahawalnagar has a very hot and dry climate in summer. The maximum temperature touches 52 Centigrade. The climate in winter is very dry and cold. Wind and storms are quite common during the summer. The average annual rainfall in the district is 119 mm. The district may be divided into three parts according to the soil condition, i.e., the riverain area, the canal irrigated plain, and the desert area. The riverain area of the district lies close to the Sutlej river which flows in the North-West along its border with Okara, Pakpattan, Sahiwal, and Vehari districts. The land in this area is irrigated by non-perennial canals. During the summer monsoons, the area is generally inundated by river water. The canal-irrigated area is the plain area that has been brought under cultivation by the canals. The desert area of the district is called Cholistan. The surface of this desert consists of a succession of sand dunes, rising in places to a height of 150 meters.
Adjacent District
District Bahawalnagar is a vast district by area in the Punjab Province therefore, some famous districts of Punjab are adjacent to its boundary. The following are the names of the districts attached to the Bahawalnagar boundary wall.
District Bahawalnagar Situated between river Satluj and Pak Indian border, Bahawalnagar is primarily and dominantly agricultural District. It is connected with Districts Okara, Pakpattan, and Vehari on the North, Bahawalpur on the west, and the Indian territory of Bikaneer and Ferozpur adjoins on the southern and Eastern sides.
Bahawalnagar District is geographically divided into three famous zones given below:
Hithar
It is situated within the Satluj river belt, consisting of the following
- Macleod Ganj
- Mandi Sadiq Ganj
- Minchinabad
- Ghumandpur
- Sadar Bahawal Nagar
- Madrissa
- Takhat Mahal
- Shehr Farid
- Bakhshan Khan
Uttar
The area of Uttar is called as settled area, reclaimed with the completion of the Satluj Valley Irrigation Project. This area is inhabited by “ABADKARS” who migrated from East Punjab and Faisalabad District.
- Dunga Bunga
- City Haroonabad
- Sadar Haroonabad
- Faqirwali
- Sadar Chishtian
- City Chishtian
- Dahranwala
Cholistan
It consists of a deep mass of sand. It is mainly inhabited by nomads who depend upon rainfall and cattle breeding. Cholistan Development Authority has been working to improve the conditions of the people of this area.
- Khichiwala
- Fortabbas
- Marot