PHOTO: EXPRESS
The Nawab family of Bahawalpur constructed the exquisite palace around 175 years ago, which cost Rs1.5 million and 1,500 labourers participated in its construction.
Sadiq Garh Palace is considered one of the famous historical buildings in the world. As many as 120 rooms were constructed in this palace according to different cultures of the world so that the guests would be given a residence like their own country. A magnificent hall was built for the Darbar, where the Nawabs used to talk to their subjects.
Two elevators were also built in the three-storey palace while basements under it were also constructed. Routes were made to go to various palaces from the basement.
Ghilaf-e-Kaaba was prepared in Bahawalpur for 150 years, while the ghilaf which was removed was hung over the court of Sadiq Garh Palace under which government affairs were discussed.
Moreover, the most valuable cars in the world used by the nawab, which were present at the Sadiq Garh Palace as historic masterpieces, were also auctioned or some relatives took them away.
A mosque built inside the palace is a beautiful model of Islamic style and still exists as a masterpiece. The downfall of historical buildings of Bahawalpur including Sadiq Garh Palace, Noor Mahal, Gulzar Mahal, Durbar Mahal and Qila Der, started immediately after the late prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s government seized all the property of the Nawab family. The step was taken after receiving an application based on a personal dispute with Syed Al-Rashid Abbasi, a son of Nawab of Bahawalpur Sir Sadiq Mohammad Khan Abbasi, who became a federal minister.
As a result, the historic buildings were sealed. After that, no one looked after them. Later, Pakistan Army took over Noor Mahal, Gulzar Mahal and Darbar Mahal due to which the three historical masterpieces are in their original state while Qila Der and Sadiq Garh Palace are at a risk of deterioration due to the carelessness of authorities.
Meanwhile, a series of burglaries of precious antiques, weapons and other valuables started from the palace which ruined its atmosphere.
Dozens of cases of theft are still present in the police station records. Apparently due to political opposition, governments have never repaired the roads leading to Sadiq Garh Palace, hence it is difficult to reach the it.
After 40 years, the property of Nawab of Bahawalpur was divided into 23 heirs on the order of the Supreme Court, but the condition of the palace and the road leading to it did not change.
Thousands of tourists come to see it every day, but they return dejected. If the government pays attention to its access and condition, it can become a major tourist point in the future.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 24th, 2020.
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