Bahawalpur District
District Overview
Economic Structure: Agriculture and Allied Sectors
Trade and Logistics Infrastructure
Investment and Growth Potential Areas
Challenges and Issues
List of exporters/manufacturers/stakeholders with contact details
District Overview
General Information
| District Name | Bahawalpur |
|---|---|
|
Province |
Punjab |
|
Headquarters |
Bahawalpur City |
|
Established |
1955 |
|
Total Area |
24,830 square kilometers |
|
Total Population (2023) |
4,284,964 |
|
Male Population |
2,174,995 |
|
Female Population |
2,109,500 |
|
Urban Population |
1,619,321 |
|
Rural Population |
2,665,643 |
|
Population Density |
172 persons per square kilometer |
|
Literacy Rate |
53.35% |
|
Official Language(s) |
Siraiki, Urdu, Punjabi |
|
Major Ethnic Groups |
Predominantly Saraiki and Punjabi |
Administrative Divisions
|
Tehsils/ Talukas |
Bahawalpur City, Ahmedpur Sharqia, Hasilpur, Yazman, Khairpur Tamewali, Bahawalpur Saddar |
|
Union Councils |
107 |
|
Villages |
714 |
Geography and Climate
| Geography Coordinates | 29.4o N, 71.7o E |
|---|---|
|
Topography |
Mostly plain with 2/3 covered by the Cholistan desert |
|
Major Rivers/ Lakes: |
Sutlej River, Uchhali Lake, Dingarh Lake, Cholistan Wet Lake |
|
Climate |
Hot desert climate, average temperature ranges from 20o C in winter to 45o C in summer, with annual rainfall around 150-200 mm |
Culture and Heritage
| Historical Sites | Derawar Fort, Noor Mahal, Sadiq Garh Palace, Dera Nawab Sahib, Darbar Mahal, Gulzar Mahal, Bahawalpur Museum |
|---|---|
|
Cultural Festivals |
Urs of sufi saints, and Eid festivals |
|
Traditional Crafts |
Multani pottery, embroidery, and carpet weaving |
|
Cuisine |
Biryani, Sirri Paaye, Sajji, Cholistani Mutton Karhai, Bhunna Gosht, Samosas and traditional sweets |
Tourism
| Tourist Attractions | Bahawalpur Zoo, Lal Suhanra National Park and the Cholistan Desert |
|---|---|
|
Accommodations |
Various hotels and guesthouses available in Bahawalpur City |
|
Transport for Tourists |
Accessible via road and rail, with local transport options available |
|
Cuisine |
Biryani, Sirri Paaye, Sajji, Cholistani Mutton Karhai, Bhunna Gosht, Samosas and traditional sweets |
Economic Structure: Agriculture and Allied Sectors
Major Crops and Production
| Crop | Production |
|---|---|
|
Cotton |
1.2 million bales |
|
Wheat |
1.5 million tons |
|
Sugarcane |
800,000 tons |
|
Rice |
300,000 tons |
|
Fruits (Mangoes, Citrus) |
150,000 tons |
|
Livestock and Dairy Industry |
Significant, with a focus on cattle, sheep, and goats |
|
Fisheries and Horticulture |
Limited, but growing in importance |
|
Agricultural Land Use |
Predominantly for crops, with some areas for livestock |
Industry and Manufacturing
|
Key Industries and Industrial Clusters |
Textile, sugar, and agriculture-based industries |
|
MSME Sector Overview |
Active with small-scale industries in textiles and handicrafts |
|
Large-scale Industries and Key Players |
Several textile mills and sugar factories |
Trade and Commerce
| Major Markets and Trading Centers | Shahi Bazaar, Machli Bazaar, Farid Gate, The Mall |
|---|---|
|
Major Exports |
Cotton, Textiles, Mangoes, Citrus |
|
Major Commodities Traded |
Cotton, wheat, livestock, Textiles and Engg. goods |
Services Sector
| Banking and Financial Services | Presence of all major banks including HBL, ABL, NBP, Meezan, Soneri, BOP, Askari and microfinance institutions |
|---|---|
|
Tourism and Hospitality Industry |
Developing with increased tourist interest for Forts, Museums, Cholistan Desert Rally.
Presence of reputable hotels including Hotel One, Falettis Grand, and Executive lodges |
|
Education and Healthcare Infrastructure |
Primary and Secondary schools, Islamic University of Bahawalpur, Government Sadiq College Women University, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College.
Healthcare includes Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Primary Healthcare Facilities, District Headquarters Hospitals etc. |
Trade and Logistics Infrastructure
Trade and Logistics Infrastructure
| Tourist Attractions | Bahawalpur Zoo, Lal Suhanra National Park and the Cholistan Desert |
|---|---|
|
Transport |
Extensive road networks connecting to major cities |
|
Road Networks |
Accessible via road and rail, with local transport options available |
|
Railways |
Bahawalpur Railway Station provides connectivity to major cities |
|
Airports |
Bahawalpur Airport serves domestic flights |
|
Educational Institutions |
Approximately 200 schools and several colleges/universities |
|
Healthcare Facilities |
Several hospitals and clinics, including Bahawal Victoria Hospital |
|
Communication |
Presence of major telecommunications providers offering mobile and internet services |
Roads (in kilometer)
| Total | 3226 kms |
|---|---|
|
National highways |
83 kms |
|
Motorway |
0 km |
|
Provincial highways |
3053 kms |
|
Sugar Cess Roads |
90 kms |
|
Road density per sq.km |
0.13 km |
|
Road density per ‘000’ population |
0.735 km |
|
Power Supply and Renewable Energy Potential |
MEPCO supplies the power supply; renewable energy includes Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, Zonergy Bahawalpur Solar PV Park |
|
Digital Connectivity and Internet Penetration |
Bahawalpur benefits from extensive mobile network services, including 3G and 4G LTE, provided by major operators such as Jazz, Telenor, Ufone, and Zong. Coverage maps indicate robust signal strength across urban areas, ensuring reliable mobile internet access for residents and businesses.Â
Efforts are underway to improve broadband services nationwide, with investments aimed at expanding fiber-optic networks to underserved regions, potentially benefiting cities like Bahawalpur.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) is set to integrate a new undersea fiber-optic cable by 2026, enhancing the country’s international bandwidth and potentially improving internet speeds and reliability in Bahawalpur. |
Investment and Growth Potential Areas
Investment and Growth Potential Areas
| Key Investment Opportunities | Agriculture, textiles, real estate development such as DHA Bahawalpur, Construction Hub Mall, Global City, and renewable energy sectors |
|---|
Challenges and Issues
Challenges and Issues
| Social Issues | Inadequate Waste Management, Deficient Sewerage Systems. Caste System and Feudalism, Gender Disparities in Education, Urbanization and Slum Development, Emergence of Informal Settlements, Weak Social Services etc. |
|---|---|
|
Environmental Concerns |
Solid Waste Management, Improper disposal practices leading to severe health hazards, sewerage and sanitation issues, inadequate sewerage systems, air and water pollution, air quality concerns, water contamination and lack of safe drinking water. Environmental impact of renewable energy projects leading to environmental concerns due to potential impacts on local biodiversity, including species such as the Chinkara gazelle and the Houbara bustard.Â
|
|
Infrastructure Gaps |
Lack of public transit, poor traffic management with absence of traffic signals at major intersections results in unregulated traffic flow, increasing the risk of accidents and delays.Â
Insufficient Urban Parks, Local government institutions face financial limitations, lack of education, and inadequate community participation, hindering effective community development and infrastructure maintenance.Â
Southern Punjab, including Bahawalpur, has historically experienced uneven development, leading to infrastructure disparities compared to other regions. Â |
Development Projects
| Ongoing Projects | Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park located near Bahawalpur, is being developed in phases with a planned capacity of 1,000 MW. Currently, 400 MW are operational, contributing significantly to the region’s renewable energy resources. Bahawalpur Industrial Zone: Situated over 483 acres in Mouza Dera Masti, approximately 12 km from Bahawalpur city center, this industrial zone is under development. Essential infrastructure, including electricity and gas, is being established, with completion targeted by December 2024. Revamping of Rural Health Centers: Approximately 70% of rural health centers and basic health units in South Punjab, encompassing Bahawalpur, are undergoing renovations. Bahawalpur Safe City Project, Southern Punjab Poverty Alleviation Project (SPPAP) |
|---|---|
|
Planned Projects |
Bahawalpur (N-5) to Jhangrah Sharqi Interchange Road: The Punjab government has approved the construction of a road connecting Bahawalpur (N-5) to the Jhangrah Sharqi Interchange (KLM) in District Bahawalpur, with an allocated budget of approximately PKR 4.933 billion.
Bahawalpur Industrial Estate: A development project for the Bahawalpur Industrial Estate, managed by the Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Company (PIEDMC), has been approved with an allocation of PKR 250 million.
Comprehensive Urban Development Project: Local authorities have announced plans for a mega project focused on the development of Bahawalpur. This project includes the installation of LED lights in city streets and the construction and maintenance of various roads, aiming to enhance urban infrastructure and improve the quality of life for residents.Â
Expansion of Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park: The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, located near Bahawalpur, is planned to expand its capacity to a total of 1,000 MW. Currently, 400 MW are operational, with further developments intended to increase renewable energy production in the region.Â
|
List of exporters/manufacturers/stakeholders with contact details
List of exporters/manufacturers/stakeholders with contact details
| Sr.No | Exporter/Name | Address/Location | Telephone / Mob |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
Hafiz Jawad Hassan
Former Senior Vice President BCCI
Punjab Rice Mills, |
6-KM, Haroonabad Road, Bahawalnagar. |
063-2274643
0300-7585242 |
|
2. |
Hafiz Altaf Hussain Anjum
Pelican Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd. |
House # 22, Cheema Town, Gulberg Road, Bahawalpur. |
062-2881417
0300-6826117 |
|
3. |
Mr. Muhammad Shahid Ahmed,
Shahid Ahmed Impex(Pvt) Ltd.
|
House # 10, Allama Iabal Avenue, Civil Hospital Road, Bahawalpur. |
0300-9685537 |