The beautiful culture of Rahim Yar Khan district
Rahim Yar Khan district, located at the confluence of three provinces, is the fourth largest district in terms of area and the sixth largest district in terms of population in Punjab province. Rahim Yar Khan is an important agricultural, commercial, and trading center in southern Punjab. It is bordered by Bahawalpur district to the east, Rajanpur district to the west, Indus River and Muzaffargarh district to the north, and Rajasthan district Dhil Mir and the city of Ghongi in Sindh province to the south. It is also known as the gateway to Punjab because it is located at the confluence of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, and all the main roads leading to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa pass through it.
The old name of Rahim Yar Khan was Noshehra. It was renamed Rahim Yar Khan after a close relative of the Nawab of Bahawalpur state.
The history of this region dates back to over 800 years ago when Muhammad bin Qasim and his forces passed through the area on their way to conquer Multan. The army is said to have thrown the pits of dates brought from Arabia wherever they camped. As a result, the dates grown in this region are known for their excellent taste.
One-quarter of the district is located in the desert, known as Cholistan or Rohi. The people of Cholistan are known for their distinctive dress. Men wear long kurtas and lungis, and turbans or skullcaps. Women wear a special type of ghaghara, nath (nose ring), and white bangles on their arms.
Rahim Yar Khan is a rich cultural melting pot, with influences from the Indus Valley Civilization, the Mughal Empire, and the British Raj. The district is home to a variety of religious and ethnic groups, including Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs.
Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Rahim Yar Khan include:
- Qila Mu Mubarak, a 17th-century fort built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
- Qila Tajgarh, a 17th-century fort built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb
- Chachran Sharif, the shrine of the Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Ghulam Farid
- Pattan Minar, a mysterious tower located in the middle of the Cholistan desert
- Qila Islamgarh, a 16th-century fort built by the Mughal emperor Akbar
- The district is also home to the famous Bhong Mosque, which is known for its unique architecture and intricate carvings. The mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.