Chishtian
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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 Saraiki 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 Kharals,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.
[edit] 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
- Sultan Memorial Public High School Chishtian
- Sir Syed College
- Chishtian Science College
- Divisional Public School
