Chishtian
Chishtian | |
|---|---|
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Province | Punjab |
| District | Bahawalnagar District |
| Time zone | UTC+5 (PST) |
| • Summer (DST) | +6 |
Chishtian (Urdu: چشتیاں) is a city located in Bahawalnagar District of Punjab Province, Pakistan also known as "Shehr-e-Muhabbat" (city of Love.Its location on the globe is 29.48 North and 072.50 East. Chishtian is situated at 150 metres above the sea level. It was a sub-division of Bahawalpur Division, which was part of Bahawalpur State. Chishtian is connected with the world by metalled roads, rail road, telephone (PTCL Code: 063), all the mobile services available in Pakistan and last but not least through Pakistan Post (Postal Code: 62350).
Languages spoken in the city include Jhangochi and Punjabi. There are several mills and factories located in Chishtian. The Satluj River passes besides the city. The city was founded by Sufi saint Taj Sarwar Chishti who was grandson of Sufi Saint Fariduddin Ganjshakar of Pakpattan. Hazrat Taj Sarwar made this place his abode about 7 centuries ago and spread Islam to the Hindu population of area. Later on, he embraced martyrdom and was buried there. The town is called Chishtian because of Chishti word in his name.
Later about 250 years ago the great saint of Chishtia silsla (one of the spiritual chains of Sufism Khawaja Noor Muhammad Maharvi, born in neighbouring place called Mahar Sharif emerged as great Sufi from the same land. Both saints' tombs are in the old city.Poorani ( Old ) Chishtian is called so as in the first quarter of 20th century a new planned Chishtian was built just two kilometres South-East of Poorani Chishtian. Many followers come every year on their tombs and create a spiritual scene.
The Grain Market of Chishtian is a business hub of the area. Chsihtian is surrounded by small industries and huge agricultural farms. A sugar mill also operates in vicinity of the city. The city is also popular because of his cotton crop. A paper mill, many cotton factories and ice factories and a few flour mills are working in Tehsil Chishtian.
The oldest, powerful feudal families of Chishtian are Chishtis, Sahibzadas, Bhaderas and Lakhwaras along with other Johiya Malkeras & Matyana families. These casts are original natives of Chishtian and are called Riyastis or Saraikis.
The settlement scheme, which was planned and implemented by the Nawab of Bahawalpur in the first quarter of 20th century had given an opportunity to Punjabis to come and settle here. So the Arian, Jutt, Rana and Sayyed families are in significant numbers in the City of Chishtian and in the villages settled along the canals of Tehsil Chishtian.
Education
Chishtian has some well-reputed education institutions in the district Bahawalnagar:
Government Post Graduate College for boys: Gpgc Chishtian
Government Post Graduate College for girls: Gpgcfg Chishtian
Several private colleges + schools has been established since last few years. A few good names are stated down
- Divisional Public School
- Sir Syed College
- Chishtian Science College
Famous Town of Chishtian:
Dahranwala is the main town of Chishtian which is 25 KM far from Chishtian. Dahranwala well known in agriculture and education. The closest villages of Dahranwal are Chack No. 174 Murad, 169 Murad. Chack No. 174 is educated village where 70% women are bachelor degree holder, 50% women are master degree holder and male education ratio is 50%. Govt. employment rate is more then other villages. Chack No. 206 Murad is 25 Kilo Meter far from Dahranwala which is also known for better education system and cholistan beauty.
Several private colleges + schools has been established in Dahranwala since last few years. A few good names are stated down:
- Govt. Degree College for Women
- Govt. Degree College Dahranwala
- Govt. Higher Secondary School Dahranwala
- Govt. Higher Secondary School 206 Murad
Prominent Figure:
The shining star of Chishtian is Dr. Muhammad Amir Ishaque, who always stood high in his educational achievements, did his M.B; B.S. with securing 8 gold medals, FCPS in Medicine, and now serving the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in one of its perstigious Medical Institutes in Taif. Waheed Akhtar 174/M (ACMA, M.A. Economics, B.Com)is the star of Dahranwala currently working in United Arab Emirates in multinational company and contribute his area for better education system.