A POLITICAL SCENARIO OF KAHROR PACCA: 1988 – 1999
Research Thesis for M.Phil History Session 2011-2013
Researcher: Supervisor Ahmad Ali Dr. AFtab Hussain Gillani Roll No. 08 Assistant Professor History Department
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur v
INDEX
Serial. No. Content Page No. Chapter: 1 Significance of Kahror Pacca 1-32 1 Etymology 2 2 Historical significance of Kahror Pacca 3 3 Egyptian period and history of Kahror Pacca 4 4 Sikandar-e-Azam and Kahror 4 5 Kahror in Bikarmajeet era 4 6 Hun family and Kahror 5 7 Regime of Raja Chuch and Kahror 6 8 Arrival of Mohammad bin Qasim in Lodhran (Kahror) 7 9 Reign of Salateen and situation of Kahror Pacca 9 10 Ibne Batuta and Kahror Pacca 10 11 Kahror Pacca in the Regime of Langah family 11 12 Sher Shas’s rule and Kahror 13 13 Mughal empire and Kahror Pacca 14 14 Natural Kingdom Bahawalpur and Kahror Pacca 17 15 Sikh Govt. and status of Kahror Pacca 18 16 British period and standing of Kahror Pacca 19 17 Geographical significance of Kahror Pacca 21 18 Cultural significance of Kahror Pacca 24 19 Economic significance of Kahror Pacca 24 20 Educational and Religious significance of Kahror Pacca 25 21 Mandar Gosaeenlal Das 29 22 Mandar Sanatan Dharam 29 23 Joge Maya temple 30 24 Ranchor temple 30 25 Political significance of Kahror Pacca 30 26 Notable political personalities 31 Chapter: 2 Political parties and families of Kahror Pacca 33-100 27 What is political party? 33 28 Political parties of Kahror Pacca 35 vi
Serial. No. Content Page No. 29 Majlis Ahrar-e-Islam 36 30 Pakistan Muslim League 38 31 Jamaat Islami 40 32 Pakistan People's Party 43 33 Tahreek-e-Istaqlal 46 34 Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan 47 35 Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam 48 36 Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazal-ur-Rahman group) 48 37 Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Darkhwasti group) 49 38 Pakistan Tahreek e Insaf 49 39 Insaf Students Federation 51 40 Political families and personalities of Kahror Pacca 52 41 Kanju family 53 42 Ameen Khan Kanju 54 43 Mohammad Siddique Khan Kanju 55 44 Khurshid Ahmad Khan Kanju 58 45 Mohammad Akram Khan Kanju 60 46 Noon Rajput family 62 47 Allah Dittah Noon 63 48 Rana Rabnawaz Noon 65 49 Rana Mumtam Ahmad Noon 66 50 Joiya family 68 51 Malik Shah Mohammad Khan Joiya 70 52 Malik Sajjad Hussain Khan Joiya 71 53 Malik Mohammad Aslam Khan Joiya 73 54 Mirza (Mughal Choghta) family 76 55 Mirza Mohammad Nasir Baig 77 56 Nawab (Qaim Khawani) family 81 57 Nawab Zafar Ullah Khan 82 58 Nawab Aman Ullah Khan 84 59 Sadat Qufali (Rizvi) family 86 vii
Serial No. Content Page No. 60 Brigadier Sayd Ali Shah Rizvi 87 61 Syed Nasir Ali Shah Rizvi 88 62 Some other political families 90 63 Langah family 90 64 Taj Mohammad Khan Langah 91 65 Sheikh Siddiqui family 94 66 Sheikh Mohammad Sadiq 95 67 Abbasi family 96 68 Mahmood-ul-Hasan Abbasi 98 Chapter: 3 Political scenario of Kahror Pacca from 1988 to 1999 101-133 69 Political background of Kahror Pacca before 1988 101 70 General election 1970 and Kahror Pacca 102 71 General election 1977 and Kahror Pacca 103 72 General election 1985 105 73 Pakistan general election 1988 106 74 Background 106 75 Election campaign and political activities in Kahror 107 76 Overall party position in election 1988 110 77 Party position in Kahror Pacca 111 78 Pakistan general election 1990 114 79 Background 114 80 Election campaign in Kahror Pacca 115 81 Overall party position 118 82 Party position in Kahror Pacca 118 83 Pakistan general election 1993 121 84 Background 121 85 Campaign and political activities in Kahror Pacca 122 86 Overall party results 123 87 Party position in Kahror Pacca 125 88 General election 1997 127 89 Background 127 90 Election campaign in Kahror Pacca 128 viii
Serial No. Content Page No. 91 Overall party position 130 92 Party position in Kahror Pacca 131 Chapter: 4 Role of elected representatives of Kahror Pacca 134-147 93 Background 134 94 Elected representatives of Kahror and its problems 136 95 Developmental progress in Kahror Pacca 137 96 Miserable condition of education department 139 97 Depressed condition of health department 144 98 Poor economic condition of Kahror Pacca 145 99 Conclusive remarks on politics of Kahror Pacca 148-150 100 Appendix and Bibliography 151-153 101 Appendix I 151 102 Appendix II 152 103 Appendix III 153 104 Interviews 154-155 105 Print Media (Journals) 155 106 Newspapers 156 107 Electronic Media 156 108 Social Media 157 109 Bibliography 158-162 ix
PREAMBLE
Kahror Pacca is an ancient and historical city. Sometimes history of any ancient city encloses in such strong layers of past and mysteries that the suspicion also becomes stranger to unravel the knot of these mysteries. To irrespective of these matters that which nations brought up in the lap of Kahror Pacca? How many afflicted and pleasant events occurred in the vein of pain and sorrow, peace and war, malice and obstinacy, jollity and gaiety? How many figures happened here in the form of devastates and triumphs skirmish and levy? It is very interesting issue to locate and reach to all these facts. Similarly, in the perspective of this fact that a high-quality civilization formulates from the lofty traditions, it is also a great expedition to study and act upon the customs of our ancestors. In short; literature, religion, culture, arts, politics and even every field of life is affected by traditions. A man cannot over come to any difficulty of life until ancient records of history are not present to him. It is less observed that any person of society has succeeded in the divergence of life to defend himself from the traditions. On the one hand, from the glorious horizon of East to the valleys of West and from frozen storms to cold residences on the other hand, the radiant jewels of traditions are shining on the face of history. Every nation has its own traditions and wanted to boast of it.
After the art of historiography, incidents and circumstances can be arranged by various historical books and expeditions. But in historical perspective of Kahror Pacca it can be amazingly and incredibly relate that no proper effort was done on political sphere Kahror Pacca by any historian or erudite. Due to this slackness, the historical and political majesty of Kahror Pacca has become restricted to the old traditions.
But unfortunately we have not been successful at nation-building because we failed miserably at state-building. A desperate people cannot be made into a solid and unified community if the governments which apparently represent their interests are themselves riddled with contradictions and ill intentions. Consequently, in nearly half a century of our existence we could not create a Pakistani nation. Our rulers are as much responsible for the suppression and distortion of the political process as for the loss of that sense of belonging essential for the survival of a country. They divided the community. People no longer belong to Pakistan but to a Biradari or a tribe. Their loyalty is to some religious sect and they think only in terms of themselves and their x families. We see greater benefits by being Pathans, Sindhis, Balochis, Punjabis and Mohajirs, rather than being respectable Pakistanis. Kahror Pacca also has to face such community system as Kanju, Noon, Joiya, Nawab and Mirza (Mughal).
After passing a long period, Kahror Pacca (being a processor of historical and political significance) is facing many serious problems in the field of education, health, economic, development and some other levels.
All problems deal with the political situation of Kahror Pacca. The main theme of this research is to underline the problems and provide assistance to the people so that they could play a part to reform the political system of Kahror Pacca and help the politicians to over come all kinds of problems.
It is also the responsibility of political leadership and elected representatives of a country to try their best to provide all above facilities at the gross root level to their people so that all objectives of prosperous nation and country could be obtained.
The present research "Political Scenario of Kahror Pacca: 1988-1999" has been designed for the study of political circumstances of Kahror Pacca. Under discussion study will throw light on political history and role of politicians in rise and fall of Kahror Pacca.
It is a historical and descriptive research so I have tried to use available primary and secondary sources to asses the role of politicians in protecting the cultural and regional identity of Kahror Pacca.
The purpose of this research is to highlight those factors and problems that peoples of Kahror Pacca are bearing from a long period due the selfishness and cunning of the politicians. Because of these problems, mostly useful resources of the region are destroying and progress as well as prosperity of the region has become a golden dream.
In this research I have gathered data by using research tools like library based books, articles, internet, journals, magazines and newspapers, record of Election results from the office of ECP (Lodhran) and record of Developmental Projects from D.O. works. Besides this, it is consisted of personal observations, prearranged as well as spontaneous interviews and face to face meetings. In personal observations values, xi traditions and character as well as behavior of politicians have been focused because it is not possible to ask the people about political families' matters and disputes. But in face to face meetings, it has been tried to get information from politicians about their family traditions and political role in the politics of Kahror Pacca. Prearranged interviews have been conducted with senior leaders, journalists, political agents and some other important and social personalities of the region so that specific information could be obtained for said topic.
This research thesis is consisted of following four chapters.
1st Chapter is consisted of "Significance of Kahror Pacca”. In this chapter historical, geographical, educational, religious, economic as well as political significance of Kahror Pacca were fully discussed. 2nd Chapter deals with the "Political Parties and Families of Kahror Pacca". This chapter is based on details of all political parties and families of Kahror Pacca who left deep effect on its entire scenario.
3rd Chapter was given the title of “Political scenario of Kahror Pacca from 1988- 1999”. It is totally related with political activities, election campaign, and results of 1988, 1990, 1993 and 1997 general elections of Pakistan as well as Kahror Pacca.
It also deals with the role of elected representatives and politicians in the prosperity of Kahror Pacca. It also throws light on the miserable conditions and deficiencies of Kahror Pacca.
4th Chapter “Roel of elected representatives of Kahror Pacca” discusses about the problems of Kahror Pacca and role of its elected politicians (both MNAs and MPAs) in the fields education, health, economic and development.
“Conclusion” It deals with the conclusive remarks on critical situation of Kahror Pacca. This conclusion has been derived from all above mentioned fields. 1
CHAPTER NO: 1
SIGNIFICANCE OF KAHROR PACCA
Bari Muddat Se Dunya Par Nazar Hai
Bari Muddat Se Hoon Main Hakka Bakka
Jahan Hon Kocha-O-Bazar Kachchae
Usi Ka Nam Hai Kahror Pacca.
(Khaleeq Multani)
It is admitted fact that man has been facing serious problems of life with his arrival on this earth and these problems are increasing day by day. Now our life is full of many problems. In short, we have to face these problems in every sphere of life in the shape of wars, trade, economic, education, jobs and politics. Some problems are so less important and ordinary nature that if they would be resolved or unresolved, they do not affect the performance of man and society. While some problems are the possessor of significant nature and their solution is very necessary because if they will remain unresolved then the society will be much affected. Same is the case with Kahror Pacca and its habitants in the field of politics.
"Kahror Pacca is an ancient and historical city. Sometimes history of any ancient city encloses in such strong layers of past and mysteries that the suspicion also becomes stranger to unravel the knot of these mysteries."1
To irrespective of these matters that which nations brought up in the lap of Kahror Pacca? How many afflicted and pleasant events occurred in the vein of pain and sorrow, peace and war, malice and obstinacy, jollity and gaiety? How many figures happened here in the form of devastates and triumphs skirmish and levy? It is very interesting issue to locate and reach to all these facts. Similarly, in the perspective of this fact that a high quality civilization formulates from the lofty traditions, it is also a great expedition to
1 Ahmad Saleem Mazhar Chughtai, Muraqqa-e-Kahror (Kahror Pacca, 1987),06 2 study and act upon the customs of our ancestors. In short; literature, religion, culture, arts, politics and even every field of life is affected by traditions. A man cannot overcome to any difficulty of life until ancient records of history are not present to him. It is less observed that any person of society has succeeded in the divergence of life to defend himself from the traditions.
"On the one hand, from the glorious horizon of East to the valleys of West and from frozen storms to cold residences while on the other hand, the radiant jewels of traditions are shining on the face of history. Every nation has its own history and wanted to boast of it."2
After the art of historiography, incidents and circumstances can be arranged by various historical books and expeditions. But in historical perspective of Kahror Pacca it can be amazingly and incredibly relate that no proper effort was done on religious and political sphere by any historian or erudite. Due to this slackness, the historical and political majesty of Kahror Pacca has become restricted to the old traditions.
Kahror Pacca is not only a city but also enumerates in one of the biggest cities of Multan (the separate state of ancient times). It is true that any one did not try appropriate and impartial to write and describe the political facts and figures of Kahror Pacca. That is why political scenario of Kahror Pacca has been presently remained pale in the gaze of inhabitants of Kahror Pacca. It is said that the nation who will fortify its regional history, whence it will be able to provide the substances of its eternity.
Before talk about the political features of Kahror Pacca, it is necessary for readers to know historical significance of Kahror Pacca in the shape of geographical, religious and political position. But first of all it is needed to know the cause of giving it particular name.
1. ETYMOLOGY:
The question is that how did name of Kahror Pacca created? Answer is that word “Kahror Pacca” is not a single word but it is amalgam of two words. There are many
2 Shaheen Kahrori, Tareekh Kahror Pacca (Multan, 1987), 07 3 historical unfolding about nomenclature of Kahror Pacca. Two major narrations of them are given as under.
“In fact the name of this town was “Kaher ovar”. „Ovar‟ is a word of Sanskrit which means „Fort‟. As a proof many historians gave the examples of Lahore and Kasure for explanation. According to them Raja Ram Chandra had two sons Loh and Kasu. They founded Lahore and Kasure respectively. The initial name of these cities was Loh Ovar and Kasu Ovar which later on converted into Lahore and Kasure. Same is the case with Kaher Ovar which later on known as Kahror.3
Historians describe that there were three cities in Subcontinent with same name Kahror. These were Karor (India), Karor Lal Esan (Layyah) and Kahror (Multan).
“Kahror and Pacca were two Mouzas. But in 1917, when British Government stretched Railway Line from Lodhran to Pakpatan it was passed between Kahror and Pacca and thus they gave a new name to this area "Kahror Pacca. The other expedience is to distinguish it from the region of resembled name "Karor Lal Eason".4
2. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF KAHROR PACCA:
Historical significance of Kahror Pacca is as old as the history of Multan.
“This town (Kahror) is situated in Pargana (Tehsil) Mailsi and has big houses as well as long markets. This city is too high that looks far away. King of Delhi gave it to Koher Bhatti who built a fort here and settled in it. In those days it is known as Kahror.”5
After passing a long time here, Koher Bhatti began to oppose King of Delhi and adopted the profession of highway robbery. King of Delhi sent an army under Ray Jalal- ud-Din and Ray Kamal-ud-Din who had belonged to Joiya family. They eradicated Koher
3 Ahmad Saleem Mazhar Chughtai, Muraqqa-e-Kahror (Kahror Pacca, 1987), 11 4 Shaheen Kahrori, Tareekh Kahror Pacca (Multan, 1987), 29 5 Ray Hukam Chand, Tawareekh-e-Multan (Lahore, 1884 ), 50 4 and demolished the fort. After this war they settled here and this city again was colonized.
“Town Kahror is located on the southern side of an old-dry river. Koher Bhatti had colonized it with the permission of Delhi Sultanat. When Koher began to conspire against Mughal ruler he was eradicated by two Joiya Chiefs. They conquered this city and at that time it is being ruled by this family.”6
2.1. EGYPTIAN PERIOD AND HISTORY OF KAHROR PACCA:
Egypt is counted one of the most ancient cities of the world but we find memoirs about Kahror in Egyptian period.
“Egyptian‟s second attack was taken place in the leadership of Egyptian pharaoh Siastres. His army occupied Multan, Bhera, Monkeera and Kot Kahror (Present Kahror) but they could not stable for a long time and return to their country after robbery.”7
2.2. SIKANDAR-E-AZAM AND KAHROR:
Historical narrations prove that Sikandar-e-Azam came to Kahror Pacca. In his period Kahror was known as Greek Name Panta Grama.
“In my opinion Kahror is the Panta Grama of Sikandar‟s regime. Probably it means the combined place where all rivers merge yet it could not decide till now whether Sutlej and Bias considered one river or two. Pitalma also considers four rivers of Punjab thinking them one river except Indus River.”8
2.3. KAHROR IN BIKARMAJEET ERA:
Although Sikandar-e-Azam lived in Subcontinent for 18 months and spent his most of time in fighting wars yet historical narrations prove the arrival of Sikandar-e-
6 Syed Aulad Ali Gilani, Muraqqa Multan (Multan, 1938 ), 247 7 Bilal Zubari, Tareekh-e-Jhang (Lahore, 2002), 49 8 Syed Noor Ali Zamin, Moarif-e-Siraki (Ahmad Pur, 1972), 129-130 5
Azam in Kahror the ancient city of Lodhran. Similarly 1500 years ago, King Kushan of Bikrian family was to leave his country.
"Turman became the ruler of middle hind and Malvah. Image of sun on his coins shows that he was the worshiper of sun."9
In the regime of his son Sikandar Gupta, kingdom weakened more and more. At last Turman a chief of white Huns abolished the rule of Gupta Family.
“In 544 A.D Bikarmajeet defeated Huns between Kahror and Looni. Ancient city Kahror of District Lodhran also included in his conquered areas.”10
All above evidences shows the arrival of Bikrmajeet in Kahror Pacca.
2.4. HUN FAMILY AND KAHROR:
Huns were the habitants of western china and belonged to Mangole caste. They had two groups i.e. Red Hun and White Hun. Coming from Central Asia, the White Huns were originally the horse-riding nomads of China. They invaded Gandhara during the fifth century. With declining prosperity, and the sun as well as fireworshipping Huns ruled the land. Buddhism gradually disappeared from northern Pakistan with the glory of Gandhara School of art.
White Huns ruled in Subcontinent from 470 to 550 A.D. The chief of this kingdom was Torman, who had become the proprietor of Malvah, Sind and Punjab in 500 A.D.
“After the death of Torman, his son Mehr Gul became ruler of Malvah. He was a cruel man. At last Raja Bala Ditta of Magdah
9 Karam Ilahi Badr, Tareekh-e-Multan (Lahore, 1978), 69 10 Munshi Abdur Rahman, Aina-e-Multan (Multan, 1972), 53 6
with the help of Raja yasho Dharman fought a war with Mehr Gul at the place of Kahror Pacca near Multan and defeated him.”11
Another writer also writes same kind of account about ancient Kahror.
“After the death of Torman, his son Mehr Gul became the ruler. He was much cruel and malicious. Due to his cruelty and brutality subjects began to cry. Raja Bikarmajeet was waiting for this occasion. At last a furious war was fought near River Sutlej between Kahror (Pacca) and Looni, in which Mehr Gul was beaten and he ran to Kashmir.”12
If we studied the historical books of Subcontinent then we shall have come to know the historical significance of Kahror Pacca.
“Mehr Gul was a habitant of India but also a shuder of Mansoorah. Subjects were bearing his brutality until Europe aided Bikarmajeet to release the people from his meanness. Bikarmajeet attacked at him and he was killed during the war between Kahror and Looni.”13
But Syed Aulad Ali Gilani does not seem to believe. He says that whether Kahror which was mentioned in Kitab-ul-Hind is Kahror of District Lodhran or other one.
“Bahawalpur was founded near the ancient fort of city which was ruled by Bhatti rulers. These Bhatti were those rulers who were the founder of another ancient city Kahror Pacca.”14
2.5. REGIME OF RAJA CHUCH AND KAHROR:
Another important thing about Kahror Pacca is that Raja Chuch also came in Kahor Pacca (Lodhran). He conquered Tilwara fort, then attacked Multan and occupied it.
11 Maulvi Najam-ul-Ghani Rampuri, Waqaie Rajasthan (Lacknao, 1927), 1: 69-70 12 Noor Ahmad Fridi, Tareekh-e-Multan (Multan, 1973 ), 1: 73 13 Abu Rehan Albaroni, Kitab-ul-Hind, Trans. Syed Asghar Ali (Lahore, 1994), 317 14 Brig. Nazeer Ali Shah Askari, Tareekh BahawalPur (Bahawalpur, 1971), 12 7
“After dwelling in fort Multan, Raja Chuch appointed a Thakar his vice in Multan. He himself bowed before idols in temple of Mitron and decided to go ahead after charity. During this journey Rajas of Brahampur, Kahror (Kahror Pacca) and Ashar surrendered and admitted his obedience.”15
After conquered Multan and offering in temple Mitron, He decided to go ahead.
“Chuch entered in fort Multan and a Thakar was appointed his vice. He went in the temple of Mitron and bowed before idols. After contributions and reform the arrangement he went ahead. He conquered Brahampur, Ashar and Takia and reached to the border of Kashmir.”16
Note: Allama did not mention the arrival of Chuch in Kahror and Tilwara whilst these two forts were very famous in those days yet he mentioned Tikadesh area near Multan in the margin line of his book.
When Raja Chuch died in 670 A.D, then Sind was divided into tow parts and his son Raja Dahir became ruler of Sind. Thus Brahman family ruled in Sind including Lodhran till 81 years.
2.6. ARRIVAL OF MOHAMMAD BIN QASIM IN LODHRAN (KAHROR PACCA):
It is admitted fact that the land of Kahror Pacca (Lodhran) kissed the feet of Mohammad Bin Qasim.
“After the entrance of Mohammad Bin Qasim in Sind, people began to embrace Islam and he also trusted them completely. That is why majority of his army was consisted of newly Muslims. Mohammad Bin Qasim trusted on Hindu chiefs Kaka, Moka, Sesagar and Kaksa
15 Nabi Bux Baloch, Chach Nama, trans. Mohammad Hafeez-ur-Rahman (Hydarabad, 1923), 47 16 Allama Atique Fikri, Naqsh-e-Multan (Multan, 1982),1:245 8
as he had Muslim chiefs. He never compelled them to embrace Islam.”17
After the invasion of fort Tilwara, Mohammad Bin Qasim with Raja Kaksa attacked at Iskalinda fort. This war was continued for seven days at last ruler Sahra of Iskalinda fled away and reached fort Sikah. Thus all forts were taken into custody of the Muslims.
“Mohammad Bin Qasim appointed Utba Bin Salma Tamemi the ruler of Iskalinda while Ahmad Bin Huzama Utba Madni of Kahror Pacca.”18
Some historians opine that Mohammad Bin Qasin did not overcome Kahror (Kahror Pacca) but some facts prove that it was really Kahror Pacca (Lodhran). For example a historian writes to cite the famous book of Chuch Nama page no. 534 written by Dr, Nabi Bux Baloch, a famous scholar of Sind University.
“When Mohammad Bin Qasim attacked at Sindh, at that time Multan was a part of Sindh Province. Kahror Pacca was also subordinate territory of Multan. After the conquest of Multan and Kahror, Mohammad Bin Qasim appointed Daood bin Nasar as the ruler of Multan whilst Ahmad bin Khazema bin Utba Madni as the ruler of Kahror. On which Kahror Mohammad Bin Qasim had appointed Ahmad Bin Huzama Utba Madni is known as Kahror Pacca and situated twenty four miles away from Lodhran Station.”19
Although Ahmad Saleem Mazhar writes in his book that Mohammad Bin Qasim came till Dhanote yet Shaheen Kahrori further gives following arguments about the arrival of Mohammad Bin Qasim in Kahror Pacca.
“When Mohammad Bin Qasim subjugated Bhatia and Babina forts then in my opinion he surely came to Kahror because Dhanote from the side of Kahror is only five or six miles from Bhatia (Tilwara). So
17 Akbar Shah Khan Najeebabadi, Aina Haqeeqat Numa (Karachi, 1966), 125 18 Mohammad Taqi Shameem, Tareekh Lodhran (Lodhran, 1993), 129 19 Shaheen Kahrori, Tareekh Kahror Pacca (Multan, 1987), 82 9
it will not wrong to say that Mohammad Bin Qasim conquered Kahror Pacca and an Arab Ahmad was the first Muslim ruler of Kahror Pacca whom Mohammad Bin Qasim consigned Government of this region.”20
2.7. REIGN OF SALATEEN AND SITUATION OF KAHROR PACCA:
During the supremacy of Salateen e Delhi, some facts and narrations clarify that Razia Sultana daughter of Sultan Shams-ud-Din Altumash came to Kahror and stayed here. Razia Sultana was the first Muslim woman who put on royal crown in 1236 A.D and adopted the title of Sultan Jalal-ud-Din. She was an embodiment of insight, prudent and stylishness. At the beginning she ruled over the kingdom being in a veil but later on she gave up veil and womanish dress.
“In 1239, Razia Sultana assaulted at Multan to eliminate the revolt of Governor Multan and dominated on it. She donated Governmental Land (Jagir) to Sadat, Gardaiz and Qureshi families. During this period she stayed in Kahror Pacca and constructed a mosque near octroi duty (Chungi) at old Bahawalpur road to the southern side of Kahror Pacca. Now monument of this mosque has vanished with the passage of time.”21
Another historian engraves following words about Razia‘s stay in Kahror Pacca.
“Razia passed through Kahor during halt in Multan. A mosque is dedicated with Razia Sultana at Bahawalpur road near southern chungi of Kahror Pacca. It is said that Razia had built this mosque. For sometime it was used as Eidgah but gradually its testimonials erased. At present, during the excavating such inscriptions have attained which prove that Razia Sultana had originated this mosque.”22
20 Shaheen Kahrori, Tareekh Kahror Pacca (Multan, 1987), 84 21 Hafiz Mohammad Yousaf Chughtai, Tareekh Kahror Sharif (Kahror Pacca, 1970 ), 12-13 22 Ahmad Saleem Mazhar Chughtai, Aina-e-Kahror (Multan, 1970), 17 10
2.8.IBNE BATUTA AND KAHROR PACCA:
Some chronological confirmations draw attention to the influx of Ibne Batuta in Kahror Pacca.
“Ibne Batuta traveled in territories of Multan and has written the circumstances of Sind, Multan and Uch. According to historical recitations he came to Kahror (Pacca) and now tombstones of his stay are present in southern side of Kahror city.”23
Ibne Batuta was dweller Morocco. He toured many Arab countries, Iraq, Iran and Asia. In 1333 he intended to travel to Subcontinent and reached Sind. In the reign of Sultan Mohammad Tughlaq he came to Multan from Uch. A regional historian writes about Ibne Batuta in following words.
“Historical presumptions tell us that famous tourist Ibne Batuta who had come to India in the regime of Sultan Mohammad Tughlaq also resided in Kahror Pacca. Today memorials of his abode are found at eastern side of Kahror Pacca.”24
Safar Nama Ibne Batuta is the most famous and ancient book on journey and tourism of India. Although Ibne Batuta did not describe clearly about his stay in Kahror yet some concerns tell us his inhabitance in Kahror Pacca.
“When I intended to settle in Multan then Qazi demanded witnesses and received my signature on an accord. Some of my companions refused to sign and then I was ready to set up on journey. After departure from Multan we first of all entered in which city was Abuhar. It is the first city of Hind. It was much small but very beautiful. There is abundance of buildings, canals and trees in Abuhar.”25
23 Ahmad Saleem Mazhar Chughtai, Muraqqa-e-Kahror (Kahror Pacca, 1987), 51 24 Hafiz Mohammad Yousaf Chughtai, Tareekh Kahror Sharif (Kahror Pacca, 1970 ), 13 25 Ibne Batuta, Safarnama Ibne Batuta, trans. Raees Ahmad Jafri & Maulvi Mohammad Hussain (Lahore, 1983), 28 11
Considerable thing is that Ibne Batuta has not written about his stay in Kahror Pacca but Raees Jafri writes in margin line at page 30 that town Abuhar is situated in Tehsil Fazilka District Farozepur on the way of Pakpatan and Sarsah. Shaheen Kahrori the writer of Tareekh Kahror Pacca has described his personal research in searching Abohar.
“Ibne Batuta‟s Abuhar is situated between Kahror and Mailsi. It is ancient and over populated town which is known as Drohar Wahin. If we travelled from Multan to Vehari then we shall have to cross Mouza Drohar Wahin. It is possible that its initial name would be Abohar which was changed into Drohar and then Drohar Wahin with prolongation of time.”26
Although it is Shaheen‘s own individual estimation yet we have not any solid proof about Batuta‘s stay in Kahror Pacca. The reason is that Ibne Batuta went to Delhi passing through Depalpur, Pakpatan and Abuhar not through Kahror, Mailsi and Drohar Wahin. So this logic is not acceptable that Abuhar is Drohar Wahin.
Ahmad Saleem Mazhar and Mohammad Yousaf Chughtai have mentioned some monuments of Ibne Batuta. These are four conical shape minarets from which two vanished while remaining have not such inscriptions which could prove these facts.
2.9. KAHROR PACCA IN THE REGIME OF LANGAH FAMILY:
Langahs of Multan were setting up a consistent system of forts in their captured for the defence of Kingdom.
"These forts were built in the entire state in which a strong army was appointed. This army was responsible for defence and law & order situation. For this purpose, army was given estate of these areas. Multan, Shorkot, Fatehpur near Kahror, Thatha Ghallon (Lodhran), Uchchh, Derawar, Jajjah, Meo (Mubarak) Sewrai, Bhutta Wahin,
26 Shaheen Kahrori, Tareekh Kahror Pacca (Multan, 1987), 91 12
Ubarah, Kot Karor, Dhankot and Sangarh etc were noted forts of Langahs".27
It is admitted fact that Multan has become a habitation of Langah family.
“Hussain Khan Langah son of Kutb-ud-Din, succeeded. He attacked at Multan and took control of Shorkot and Chiniot, Kot Kahror and Dhankot of which he colonized with Dodai Baloch, who appeared for the first time in India and was being pressed by the Moghals in Kachi and Sindh”28
Sultan Hussain Khan Langah became the ruler of Multan.
"He was very talented, pious and ethical king. He used to respect of Ulemas and Sufis. In 1443, when Sheikh Yousaf Qureshi became the ruler of Multan at that time Ray Sahra Langah was a feudal of Town Sivi and its territories. He sent a messenger to tell Yousaf that Langah family has been connected with your chain of beliefs at the time of your ancestors. He also married his daughter with Yousaf ".29
So it is the need of time to blend Langah family in your army so that I could stable your sect. In future it proved that he made many victories.
“After defeating Barbak Shah Lodhi, Hussain Langah‟s fame stretched till remote areas. So chief of Rohail family Malik Sohrab presented before Hussain Langah. Sultan welcomed him and granted a Jagir from Kot Kahror to Dhankot.”30
Another historian describes his point of view about Langha family in such a way that:
“Dodai Baloch who was the father of Ismail Khan and Fateh Khan presented himself before Sultan Hussain Langah from Makran to ensure his faithfulness. Sultan Hussain Langah received him warmly
27 Adv. Umar Kamal Khan, Multan Langah Dore Mein (Multan, 1995), 110 28 Jorge Cuninghum, Gazetteer of the Multan District 1923-24 (Lahore, 1990), 40 29 Mohammad Qasim Frishta, Tareekh-e-Frishta (Lahore, 1965), 2: 915-916 30 Karam Ilahi Badr, Tareekh-e-Multan (Lahore, 1978), 165 13
and handed over the area from fort Kahror (Kahror Pacca) to Dhankot as Jagir. Gradually, the neighborhood from Seetpur to Dhankot was given to foreign Baloch and thus Baloch tribes populated in this region.”31
When Hussain Khan Langah went to Dhankot, Bahlool Lodhi ordered his son Barbak Shah to conquer Multan. At the same time Hussain's brother also revolted him.
"Hussain Langah's brother who was the ruler of Kahror revolted against Hussain Langah and became ruler after adopting title of Shahab-ud-Din Langah. Hussain Langah reached Kahror and arrested his brother".32
2.10. SHER SHAS’S RULE AND KAHROR:
Sher Shah Soori was a great ruler of Subcontinent. He defeated Humayon and became ruler. He is known as immense administrator in the history of subcontinent. Although any evidence could not prove that he came to Kahor yet it is said that some monuments are connected with him.
“Fateh Khan Jut rebelled in Pakpatan and Habat Khan Niazi attacked at him. He took shelter in a fort between Kahror (Pacca) and Fateh Pur. Fateh Khan with the help of Mando Khan Baloch and Bakhsho Khan Langah fight a war and got victory. Habat Khan Niazi reached Multan and peopled newly Multan. Fateh Jang Khan appointed as ruler of Multan on the instruction of Sher Shah Soori. He also populated a town Shergarh (Tehsil Mailsi) in memorial of Sher Shah Soori.”33
2.11. MUGHAL EMPIRE AND KHAROR PACCA:
Perhaps the greatest contribution of the Sultanate was its temporary success in insulating South Asia from the Mongol invasion from Central Asia in the thirteenth
31 Maulvi Zakaullah, Tareekh-e-Hindustan (Lahore, 1998), 4:68-69. 32 Zubair Shafi Ghori, Uchchh Sharif: Tareekh-Siqafat-Aasar Qadamat-o-Azmat (Lahore, 1999), 42 33 Abbasi Khan Sharwani, Tareekh Sher Shahi, trans. Mazhar Ali Khan (Karachi, 1963), 118-119 14 century; nonetheless the sultans eventually lost Afghanistan and western Pakistan to the Mongols (see the Ilkhanate Dynasty). The Sultanate declined after the invasion of Emperor Timur who founded the Timurid Dynasty and was eventually conquered in 1526 by the Mughal king Babar.
“In 1483, Zaheer-ud-Din Babar born in Fargnana at Umar Sheikh Miraz who was ruler of Farghana. In 1526, Babar attacked at Hindustan; defeated Ibrahim Lodhi at Paniput and occupied on the Hindustan. Babar founded an original, strong and everlasting kingdom at Delhi.”34
It is said that Kahror Pacca is also being under the supremacy of Mughal Empire and that time Bhatti Rajput family was populated in Kahror Pacca for many creeds and they were ruling at Kahror Pacca for a long time. They refused to levy of Kahror to the central Government.
“Rai Jalal-ud-Din and Ray Kamal-ud-Din, two brothers and Fatteh Khan were sent by the Delhi Emperor against Kohar, a Bhatti Chief, then ruling in Kahror, and that after defeating Kohar they held his land in farm from the Delhi sovereign.”35
Babar set off two chiefs of Deccan Ray Jala-ud-Din and Ray Kamal-ud-Din to Kahror Pacca for demolishing Bhatti's revolt. Both chiefs fought a war against Bhatti family and got victory. They settled here permanently and again colonized the city.
“The middle part of River Bias and Sutlej was given the name of Jalandhar by Akbar the Great. At that time Lodhran and Kahror Pacca were consisted of Jalandhar and the area from Bias to Sutlej is fifty Kos (100 miles). There were 88 parganas (Tehsils) and following three districts (Sarkar) in Multan Province (District Multan, District Bhakkar and District Depalpur). Multan had nine
34 Ghulam Mustafa Bismal, Azeem Mughalia Aehd Maa Dastavizat (Lahore, 2000), 66 35 Jorge Cuninghum, Gazetteer of the Multan District 1923-24 (Lahore, 1990), 97 15
Parganas (Adam Wahin, Jalalabad, Dunyapur, Rajapur, Kahror (Pacca), Shergarh, Fatehpur, Khai and Ghalloghara.”36
Measurement of Pargana Adam Wahin was 5386 acres and it was the residence of Haser family. During this period Adam Wahin was contained on some area of Lodhran.
“Measurement of Pargana Dunyapur was 27889 acres. 1876862 revenue (Mahsil) and 11988 acres land was for charitable purpose (Sewar gal). For the protection of this pargana local army was consisted of fifty trained riders and four hundred foot-soldiers. While measurement of Pargana Kahror Pacca was 47695 acres, 305856 revenue (Mahsil) and 40931 acres land was for charitable purpose (Sewar gal). For the protection of this pargana local army was consisted of one hundred trained riders and two thousand foot- soldiers.”37
In the regime of Mohammad Shah Rangeela, Nawab Zahid Khan Sadozai was the Governor of Multan. Ahmad Shah Durani wrote a letter to Nawab to admit defeat but he did not take care of him. Ahmad Shah attacked at Lahore. Shah Nawaz Khan arrayed but beaten and ran towards Delhi. Later on, Prime minister Qamar-ud-Din took him into custody.
“In recompense of Qamar-ud-Din‟s services Mohammad Shah Rangeela appointed his son Moeen-ul-Mulk (Meer Munno) the Governor of Punjab. Meer Munno employed Koramal lieutenant of Multan in place of Nawab Zahid Khan Sadozai.”38
Although Nawab Zahid Khan thought that it was his great insult to dismiss and appoint Koramal in place of him yet he was helpless and vulnerable so he gave up intention to take revenge.
“Koramal was the son of Khatri Walomal who was a servant of Sultan Hayat Khan Sadozai. Koramal himself was also employer of
36 Allame Abulfazal, Ain-e-Akbari, Trans. Mohammad Fida Ali (Lahore, 2007), 1:2, 1038 37 Ibid. 38 Mohammad Taqi Shameem, Tareekh Lodhran (Lodhran, 1993), 190-191 16
Mohammad Baqir Khadka at fifteen rupees per month. He omitted Hinduism and accepted Sikhism. He gave up the service of Mohammad Baqir and accepted the job of Nawab Abdul Samad lieutenant of Multan. At last he went to Lahore to carry out an order of Nawab Moeen-ul-Mulk. After gradual progress, he became the lieutenant of Multan and adopted the title of Maharaja Bahadur.”39
It is also admitted fact that Koramal had a close relation with Daod Potra ruler of Bahawalpur State. Due to this profound proximity he had demonstrated great generosity and kindness with them.
“Koramal permanently handed over Adam Wahin, Bahawalgarh, Lodhran, Chorwah and Kahror Pacca to Bahawal Khan (the ruler of Bahawal Pur State) @ four thousand rupees per year.”40
In Mughal regime, all areas of Punjab were known as Province Multan and Province Lahore. Punjab is consisted of five tracts of land lying between two rivers. One of them is Bisat. Present Lodhran in which Kahror Pacca is included is a fertile area of Bisat.
“Ancient State of Sind was divided into four adjoining areas (Provinces). One of them was consisted of Iskalinda and Mybar and known as Tilwara and Chuchpura.”41
It is also necessary to illuminate that Tilwara is exist in present district Lodhran. It means that Kahror Pacca is also being a part of Iskalinda and Mybar.
2.12. NATURAL KINGDOM BAHAWALPUR AND KAHROR:
Ibn Shah Bin Qahir Khan Bin Fateh ullah Khan Bin Baha Ullah Bin Amir Channi was the son of Amir Sultan Ahmad II. He was contemporary of Jalal-ud-Din Akbar.
39 Advocate Umar Kamal Khan, Nawab Muzaffar Khan Shaheed aur Uska Ahd (Multan, 1978), 34-35 40 Shaheen Kahrori, Tareekh Kahror Pacca (Multan, 1987), 100 41 Brig. Nazeer Ali Shah Askari, Tareekh-e-Bahawalpur (Bahawalpur, 1971), 11 17
“He had two sons, Mohammad Daood and Mohammad Mahdi. Kalhora the son of Mohammad Mahdi became the ruler of Sind while children of M. Daood known as Daood Potra.”42
In 1727, Nawab Sadiq Mohammad Khan Bahadur I migrated from Shikarpur (Sind) to Khanpur (Bahawalpur) due to the attack of Kalhora. In 1746, Nawab Sadiq I was killed in a war and his son Amir Mohammad Bahawal Khan I owned the land of Chodhri and Allahabad. In 1748 at the distance of three miles from River Sutlej, Nawab Bahawal Khan settled a city on his name ―Bahawalpur‖. Later on this city got a status of capital of Bahawalpur State. During his three years regime Bahawal Khan inhabited many cities and assisted to throw out Janseer (Jan Nisar) Khan the ruler of Dera Ghazi Khan. In a return, Lieutenant Koramal granted him territory of Adam Wahin. He made rivulet there, namely Bahawal Wah.
“After the death of Nawab Bahawal Khan Abbasi, his brother Nawab Amir Mubarak Khan II put on a royal crown of Bahawalpur State. Throughout his age number of victories and constructions increased a lot and thus he triumphed over Muzaffargarh, Dera Ghazi Khan, Lodhran, Mailsi and Montgomery (Present Sahiwal). After detaining Dunyapur and Kahror Pacca, he boosted his State up to the border of Pakpatan.”43
When Ranjeetsingh did not receive the installment of demurrage from Bahawalpur, he signed up his French General Commander Ventura to annihilate Bahawalpur State. General Ventura assaulted on various places and dwelled in all northern territories of Sutlej River which were adjacent with Bahawalpur.
Here, it is necessary to clear that Kahror Pacca is also located in northern part of Sutlej.
“Due to the triumphs of Ventura, 44 villages of Montgomery (Sahiwal), 331 Parganas of District Multan, 19 Mouzas of District
42 Mohammad Ali Dervaish, Tareekh Riyast Bahawalpur (Bahawalpur, 1990), 1:88 43 Abul Mumtaz Irshad Ahmad Abbasi, Tareekh Abbasian Bahawalpur (Bahawalpur, 1987), 61 18
Muzaffargarh and 36 places of Dera Ghazi Khan went into the control of Ranjeetsingh.”44
So, I can claim that Kahror Pacca was also included in the victories of General Ventura and this is the same era when Kahror Pacca split from Bahawalpur State and became a part of Multan District. After 1748, Lodhran which was under dominated area of former Bahawalpur State was not much prosperous and fertile. Sadiqwah, Bahawalwah and Noqabilwah rivulets were constructed for irrigation of Eastern part of district Lodhran. These rivulets are the monuments of Nawabs of Bahawalpur.
2.13. SIKH GOVERNMENT AND STATUS OF KAHROR PACCA:
From 1771 to 1779 was the age of Sikh‘s tyranny and repression. Sardar Jhanda Singh and Ganda Singh were the chiefs of Sikhs and Lehna Singh was their General Commander. They encircled Shuja Abad for three months but no use. Shuja Khan with the help of Bahawalpur army attacked at Sikh's army and overcame Multan city. But he has to retreat (recede) because he could not control over the fort.
“Sikh gave Depalpur, Kahror and Fatehpur to Sardar Madad Ali Khan who was the ruler of Daood Potra family. But when Sikhs attacked at Shuja Abad, Nawab Muzaffar Khan has to recede till Bahawalpur”45
After the conquest of Multan in 1819, Ranjeet Singh stayed here for three months. During this period, he celebrated Bashkhi day and visited surroundings of Multan.
"It is said that when Ranjeet Singh passed through Kahror Pacca, he saw some weaver wove the fibers. He stayed here for some time to see them. The weaver called him Ranjeet Singh Kana. He replied whom said this:
Ranjeet Singh Kana
Use Lagado Jurmana
Panch Rupae Khaddi
44 Mohammad Aziz-ur-Rahman Aziz, Subah Sadiq (Bahawalpur, 1988), 100 45 Syed Aulad Ali Gilani, Muraqqa-e-Multan (Multan, 1938), 122 19
Arahi Rupae Tana
In 1839, after the death of Ranjeetsingh reign of Sikh creed ended. In 1849, due to civil war British took possession on Punjab and thus they became the ruler.
2.14. BRITISH PERIOD AND STANDING OF KAHROR PACCA:
In ancient times Hindustan due to its lush and riches was known as ―Golden Sparrow‖.
"In the beginning of 18th century trade dignity of Valendazi declined and English began to stronger and stronger. First of all British employed in the court of Mughal emperor Jalal-ud-Din Mohammad Akbar and then in Jahangir‟s era they set up embassy under an agreement."46
In 1615, first ambassador Sir Thomas Rou presented before Jahangir and got permission for trade. Gradually they tried to stable themselves on the basis of trade relations and then began to take part in the politics of Subcontinent. As a result anarchy was prevailed everywhere and then many sovereign states came into being. After the death of Bahadur Shah Zafar and his sons, British took possession on the throne of Delhi.
“British Government sent well acquainted personalities Lord Harding and Delhaize to expedition of Punjab. In 1848, they defeated Sikhs army at the place of Ali Wal and Subraoon. Lord Delhaize reached to Lahore from Ferozpur and reconciled a treaty with Rani Jhando (widow of Dewan Lal Singh). Under this treaty of peace she handed over Jalandher (land between Sutlej and Bias in which Lodhran and Kahror Pacca was also existed) with the penalty of five million rupees.”47
British Government sent Lord Delhaize to Punjab instead of Lord Harding. In this era Bahawalpur and Lodhran were in the custody of British and Abbasi Daood Potras were ruling here with the support of British Government.
46 Mohammad Taqi Shameem, Tareekh Lodhran (Lodhran, 1993), 204 47 Mohammad Taqi Shameem, Tareekh Lodhran (Lodhran, 1993), 205 20
As a result of all above authentic and verified arguments and narrations it can be concluded that Kahror Pacca is an ancient and historical city of District Lodhran.
"It is situated on the western bank of River Bias. It is subdivision / Tehsil of Distirct Lodhran and situated at almost same distance from Lodhran, Dunyapur and Mailsi i.e 18 miles or 30 Kilometer."48
It is said that in 15th century A.D, River Bias was gliding into two branches. One of them after passing with Kahror Pacca was connected with River Sutlej near Basti Peer Wala and Duratta.
In British Government Multan was consisted of five Parganas Multan, Shuga Abad, Lodhran, Mailsi and Serai Siddhu. Later on two more Tehsils Vehari and Khanewal added in Multan.
“In August 1873, settlement (Bandobast) of Tehsil Lodhran was started in the supervision of Captain Ling Sahib Bahadur who was deputy commissioner of Multan and it completed in April 1875.”49
After this settlement Tehsil Lodhran was enclosed on 19 Mouzas i.e. Umarpur, Mochi Mohana, Baili, Lahori, Fatehpur, Jallah, Chak Shah Nal, Jalal Abad, Rukanpur, Khanpur, Khanwah Ghalwan, Gogran, Motha, Kot Lal Shah, Kram Ali Wala, Lutafpur, Vighamal, Thatha Ghalwan and Lodhran but in 1924, territory of Kahror Pacca and Dunyapur that was included in Tehsil Mailsi joined with Lodhran.
With historical references, it is proved that Kahror Pacca is present from ancient times. This town committee was established as an initial form in 1870. It was made town committee under the Punjab Small Town Act 1921 under notification No. 12360 dated 22-04-1924. Later on Kahror Pacca Town Committee was upgraded into Municipal Committee in 1935. On preliminary stage, Governmentt officers were employed as its administrators.
After existence of Pakistan under Ayub Khan‘s B.D. system, Kahror was divided into four Union Committees.
48 Mahmood-ul-Hasan Abbasi, Interview by Ahmad Ali. Ilaqa Kahror Ki Siasi Tareekh Aur Mahromian (January 21, 2013) 49 Mohammad Taqi Shameem, Op.Cit., p. 206 21
3. GEOGRAPHICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF KAHROR PACCA:
Raja Lodhra was the son of Sikh Raja Raam Dyo Minhas and his family claimed to be descendants of Sooraj Hansi Rajput. Lodhra's family lived in Bahawalpur which later in the starting of 1743, populated in the valley of Sutluj and Bias Rivers. This is why this area was known as Lodhar Wah
"In 1849, Multan joined together with East India Company which made Lodhran a Tehsil on 5th of May 1883. Malik Ghulam Hussain Lodhra 'zaildar' suggested the name "Lodhran" for this area."50
At that time, there were only 19 villages in Lodhran and it was a tehsil of district Multan. This area was situated in Kot Peer Saadat and the tehsil office had been working there for three years. Later, a Tehsil office was built within the city Lodhran. Munshi Abdul Wahid was the first superintendent of Lodhran.
In August 1873, Sadar Police Station was founded; in 1885, the Railway Station was founded. On April 01, 1909, the British Government opened a railway line from Lodhran to Karachi.
In 1924, the areas of Kahror Pacca and Dunyapur were separated from tehsil Mailsi and included in tehsil Lodhran. To educate the young generation and to spread the knowledge, there are uncountable institutions, schools and colleges in Lodhran. Many Government, Semi-Government and Non-Government girls and boys‘ primary and high schools, Inter Commercial Institute, Vocational Institute and colleges are working to educate the people. Many hospitals are also here.
“Lodhran is spread over an area of 1,790 square kilometres and is subdivided into three tehsils Lodhran, Kahror Pacca and Dunya pur, which contain a total of 73 union council (Dunya Pur 22, Kahror Pacca 23, Lodhran 28).”51
50 Salman Ejaz, "Khabarnak", History of Lodhran, Prod: Aftab Ibqal (Geo TV Video: 2012) 51 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodhran#cite_ref-2 22
It is 32nd district of Punjab which is situated between the rivers Sutlej and Bias. These rivers make its borders. River Bias has now became a part of past but Sutlej River still flows.
"Lodhran city was first developed by English rulers in 18th century in the north side of Sutlaj River. The foundation of Lodhran was laid in 1830 when in 1849, the British Rule extended to Punjab. District Multan including the area of Lodhran also came under the sway of the British Rule. It is a famous railway junction, situated on the main route in the south Punjab."52
According to Punjab Gazetteer Multan 1901-02, there were five tehsils (Parganas) in Multan District.
1. Multan 2. Shuja Abad 3. Lodhran 4. Mailsi 5. Sarai Siddhu
Then a settlement operation was started in 1873, which concluded in April 1875. At that time tehsil Lodhran comprised the villages Omer Pur, Mochi Mohana, Beli, Lahori, Fateh Pur, Khan Pur, Khan Wah Ghalwan, Gogran, Motha, Kot Lal Shah, Karam Ali Wala, Lutaf Pur, Wighamal, Thath Ghalwan and Lodhran.
"In 1881, a series of changes were made with the object of enlarging the Shujabad and decreasing the Mailsi charge. Under these arrangements 60 villages in the neighbourhood of Kahror Pakka were transferred from Mailsi to Lodhran tehsil and further alterations were made in 1897, by which 46 villages were transferred from Lodhran to Shuja Abad while 104 villages to the East of Kahror Pakka were taken over from Mailsi in compensation."53
52 http://www.apnalodhran.com/history.aspx 53 Mohammad Taqi Shameem, Tareekh Lodhran (Lodhran, 1993), 35-36 23
Kahror Pakka and Dunya Pur were a part of tehsil Mailsi and were annexed with Lodhran in 1924. Lodhran was a desolate place but a cultivatable, level tract of land. In 1920, the British Government made a plan to populate the region. Therefore, different landed estates were divided into the people of other areas.
“The Fauji grant and Tube well scheme increased the population of the region as well. Hence, the population of this region swiftly increased”.54
Kahror Pakka is a town and Tehsil headquarters in Lodhran District of Punjab, Islamic Republic of Pakistan. "Its co-ordinates are 29.6167, Longitude 71.9167 and altitude 37.4. The climate of the city is hot and dry in summer and cold in winter. The maximum and minimum temperature ranges between 42 °C and 28 °C in summer. During winter, the temperature fluctuates between 21 °C and 5 °C."55 The climate is very hot and dry in summer and cool in winter. The hottest months are May, to September. The maximum and minimum temperatures range between 46 and 28 degree Celsius respectively. The coldest months are December to February. During this period the temperature fluctuates between 21 and 5 Celsius. The average annual rainfall is 71 millimeters. Kahror Pakka to Lodhran road (32 km) which is a major artery in Lodhran District, passes through the city. Multan and Bahawalpur are the nearest airports with International flights. The city also has a direct link with Bahawalpur (55 km), Mailsi (35 km), Vehari (75 km), Multan (75 km) and Dunyapur (25 km).
Kahror Pacca has a total metaled road. The city is linked with Multan, Bahawalpur, Vehari and Khanewal districts through metaled roads.
“Cities, Towns and nearby Villages are Pakka, Faizwala, Killa Pir, Palluwala, Kotla Dilbar, Saunriwala, Sardi, Sohanjanaywala,
54 http://www.apnalodhran.com/history.aspx 55 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodhran_District#Infrastructure 24
Dhoraywala, Kabirwala, Ambertianwala, Chattay paday, Tibiwadan, Chattaywala and Shahpurphul”.56
The main towns of Kahror Pacca are Alipur Kanju, Bahawal Garh, Bela Wahga, Basti Pakka, Amirpur Station, Qadirpur Chimna, Chelawahin, Dhanot, Dakhano Gharo, Choki Masti Khan, Borhanpur and Amirpur Sadat. The total area of forest is 1,843 acres (7.46 km2).
The city is situated on a smooth plain. The sub-soil water in Dunyapur sub- division is brackish, while that in Kahror Pakka sub-division is sweet.
4. CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF KAHROR PACCA:
"The main tribes are Kanju, Joiya, Noon, Nawab, Rajput, Qaimkhani, Meo, Sheikh, Arain, Gillani, Bhatti, Baloch, Chanar, Wanjara, Mirza, Wadh, Punwar, Khokhar, Abbasi and Qureshi."57
Commonly spoken languages are Sraiki and Urdu. Some migrated population is Haryanvi speeking. A very few families speak Punjabi. Saraiki is the major language of Kahror Pacca, 70% people speak Saraiki. Punjabi and Haryanvi are also spoken by settlers and migrants of India.
5. ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF KAHROR PACCA:
Kahror Pacca town is in existence prior to Lodhran and thus is the oldest town of Lodhran. It is famous for its cottage industry of printed bed sheets and embroidered shoes.The main crops are cotton and wheat, others include rice, sunflower, and sugar cane. The main fruit that are cultivated are citrus, mango and guava, while the main vegetables are onion, tomato, potato and cauliflower. But due to lake of agricultural water all crops are affected.
Presently due to the agriculture of Kahror Pacca, Lodhran is moving towards prosperity. Lodhran has become the first city of Pakistan exporting high quality cotton seed and their processing products to China.
According to Aftab:
56 http://www.nrb.gov.pk/lg_election/union.asp?district=17&dn=Lodhran 57 http://www.punjab.gov.pk/lodhran 25
"In 1990, Benazir Bhutto started a long march. When she reached Lodhran, she named this march 'Cotton March' due to its importance in cotton crops. It is fact that Kahror Pacca is famous for its cotton industry. This land is very fertile for crops."58
6. EDUCATIONAL AND RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE OF KAHROR PACCA:
"Sultan Shahab-ud-Din Mohammad Ghori founded the Islamic rule in Subcontinent. Although he did not get a chance much to live in Subcontinent yet in his short period he gave much attention on educational and religious development alongwith victories. Despite wars, he did not forget to promulgate religious teachings and education in Subcontinent".59 Kahror Pacca has not only geographical significance but also the possessor of religious as well as educational importance. "There are 5 High Schools in District Multan, of which 4 are at Multan and the 5th at Kahror in the Lodhran Tehsil. The last named is maintained by the small Towns Committees with aid from Government, while of the Multan Schools one is financed entirely by Government and the others are aided schools maintained by the Arya Samaj, Anjuman Islamia and Santan Dharam Sabha, respectively."60 Kahror Pacca High School established in 1885 and at that time there were two main High Schools in Multan region. One of them was in Kahror Pacca. "Before partition, there were fewer opportunities for education in Tehsil mailsi because it had not a single High School. Children of rich families were to admit in Govt. High School Kahror Pacca because it was a single High School in this region after Multan."61 The importance of Kahror Pacca in education department is that former Chief Minister Mumtaz Doltana had passed his Matric from Govt. High School Kahror Pacca.
58 Salman Ejaz, "Khabarnak", History of Lodhran, Prod: Aftab Ibqal (Geo TV Video: 2012) 59 N.N. Law, Aehd-e-Islami Mein Taleemi Taraqqi. Trans. Ikhlas Hussain Zuberi (Karachi, 1965), 39 60 Jorge Cuninghum, Gazetteer of the Multan District 1923-24 (Lahore, 1990), 262 61 Mohammad Mumtaz Khan Dahar, Tareekh Mailsi (Mailsi, 2001), 47 26
Religious educational schools (Madrassas) dominate the culture and acquire a major share of public support, spirtually only, but not politically. The population is divided into religious sects such as: . Sunnis, Hanafi (Deobandi)
. Sunnis, Hanafi (Bralvi)
. Shias, Asna Ushri
. Ahle Hadees (Wahabis)
If we observed consequence of religious education then following Madarsas seem on the scenario of Kahror Pacca.
1. Jamia Islamia Bab-ul-Uloom.
2. Jamia Islamia Arabia Ghosia.
3. Madarsa Arabia Hifzul Quran.
4. Jamia Islamia Ishatul Quran.
5. Jamia Hanfia Taleem-ul-Quran Wal Hadees.
6. Jamia Mohammadia
7. Madrasa Rahmania
Although all above religious institutes are very prominent yet first two are the most significant. They are much old and have their own status in religious history. They have produced a large number of ulemas, saints, scholars, preachers, orators, mohaddis and qari which are serving the nation in every city of the country.
"Tasawuf is a broad subject. According to some people, it is derived from Quran, Hadith and action of the companions of Mohammad (PBUH). Due to these things it has its own significance. But some people deny accepting this truth. They say that Tasawuf is the result of Non Islamic concepts, beliefs and ideas. It is like Hashis. It 27
teaches to go away from the facts of life and paves the way of Non Islamic beliefs".62
It is admitted fact that Tasawuf which belongs to the teachings of Sufis has been derived from basics of Islam.
“Kahror Pacca is also known as the land of Sufi saints. Like Multan, Kahror Pacca is famous due to shrines especially three graves of nine yards. Following shrines and mausoleum of various saints of Kahror Pacca is as under.”63
1. Shrine of Hazrat Khawaja Hafiz Mohammad Akram.
2. Hazrat Syed Hussain Shah Bukhari.
3. Hazrat Peer Mahr Shah.
4. Hazrat Syed Mahboob Shah Majzoob.
5. Hazrat Peer Fateh Ali Shah.
6. Shrine of Hazrat Zindah Peer.
7. Hazrat Peer Maroof Shah Bukhari.
8. Hazrat Peer Murad Shah.
9. Hazrat Makhdoom Mohammad Hasan.
10. Hazrat Peer Abdullah Shaheed.
11. Shrine of Hazrat Qutab-ul-Salkeen Makhdoom Ali Sarwar.
12. Hazrat Peer Hindeera
13. Hazrat Peer Burhan-ud-Din.
14. Hazrat Peer Jiwan Sultan.
15. Hazrat Syed Jalal-ud-Din Shah.
16. Hazrat Sultan Aba Bakar.
62 Yousaf Saleem Chishti, Tareekh-e-Tasawuf (Lahore, 1976), 100 63 Shaheen Kahrori, Tareekh Kahror Pacca (Multan, 1987), 181 28
17. Hazrat Khawaja Hafiz Noor Ahmad Mohaddis.
18. Jin Sufi Hafiz Karam Deen Balkhi
19. Hazrat Shah Abdur Razaq.
20. Hazrat Sheikh Ahmad Kabeer.
21. Hazrat Qatal Peer Shaheed.
22. Hazrat Peer Ludhan Lal.
23. Hazrat Syed Hussain Shah Bukhari.
24. Hazrat Makhdoom Hasan.
25. Hazrat Jatan Lal Shah Kabeer.
26. Hazrat Peer Sukha.
27. Hazrat Lakkar Peer.
All above mentioned Sufi saints reformed the people with their everlasting teachings. They also played a pivotal role in spreading Islam and its teachings. As a result a large number of people embraced Islam with their influences. On the shrines of some Sufis such as Hazrat Peer Jiwan, Hazrat Peer Sukha and Hazrat Lakkar peer held Melas every year.
Besides this, there are some other places of interest belonging to the Hinduism particularly. Before partition number of Hindus was greater than Muslims. According to census of 1941, total population of Kahror Pacca was twelve thousands in which Hindus were seven thousands while the number of Muslims was five thousand.
"According to the census of 1875, population of Kahror Pacca was 4661 in which 2524 were men and 2138 were women. But the majority of population was consisted of Hindus."64
Due to this large ratio of Hindus, monuments of Hindu culture is existed in Kahror Pacca. Some important temples of Kahror Pacca are given as under:
64 Ray Hukam Chand, Tawareekh-e-Multan (Lahore, 1884 ), 52-53 29
6.1. MANDAR GOSAEEN LAL DAS.
It is very old temple of Kahror Pacca which date of construction is not available. The land adjacent to it was reserved for Hindu worshippers.
"This temple was situated near old fruit market opposite to Madarsa Ghosia. Here, Hindu used to cultivate hemp (Bhang) which was presented to beggars, worshippers and guests free of cast. The signs of this temple were still present."65
6.2.MANDAR SANATAN DHARAM.
"It was the biggest temple of Kahror Pacca with a beautiful building where the Hindu men and women used to take a bath (Ashnan). A huge building was built in 1930 and it is still in existence on the circular road."66
This temple was not only a huge place of worship of Hindus but also a popular centre of teaching of Hinduism.
"In 1940, president All India Hindu Mahasabha Sanatan Dharmi Bhai Parmanand had also made a speech in this temple. Hindu invited the Muslims to participate in this procession but later on Muslim's participation had been banned."67
Besides this, there was a big centre for Holi at the end of present Jinnah Bazar. This place is still present in Kahror Pacca and known as Holi Wala Thallah.
6.3. JOGE MAYA TEMPLE.
This ancient Temple is the possessor of historical significance about Hindu culture.
"This is also old temple of historical significance of Kahror Pacca. It is located near Peeli Kothi. In the months of Cheet and Asuj Melas held where Hindu performed their religious rites. There is an Octroi
65 Ahmad Saleem Mazhar Chughtai, Muraqqa-e-Kahror (Kahror Pacca, 1987), 113 66 Mohammad Taqi Shameem, Tareekh Lodhran (Lodhran, 1993), 349 67 Ahmad Saleem Mazhar Chughtai, Op.Cit., p.114 30
post near the temple which is known and famous with the name of Chungi Jogemaya."68
6.4. RANCHOR TEMPLE:
In Kahror Pacca, another temple was present on circular road which was known as Ranchor Temple. It is said that:
"Hindus used to divorce their disobedient wives here according to such methods which were told by learned Brahman. In Siraiki language, Ran means wife and Chor means give up or divorce."69
7. POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF KAHROR PACCA:
If we study the political history of Kahror Pacca then we shall have come to know that it is as much important as its geographical and religious history. Politics of Kahror Pacca is not only confined to Kahror but also prevailed on district Lodhran as well as provincial and national sphere. For example Syed Nasir Ali Rizvi, Khan Mohammad Siddique Khan Kanju, Mirza Mohammad Nasir Baig, Nawab Aman Ullah Khan, Malik Sajjad Hussain Khan Joiya and Malik Mohammad Aslam Khan Joiya etc. elected representatives and federal as well as provincial ministers.
District Lodhran has two electoral constituencies for Nation Assembly since formation of Pakistan. First constituency is consisted of Lodhran Tehsil while second is contained on Kahror and Dunyapur. In both constituencies mostly politicians of Kahror Pacca elected as MNAs and MPAs. Form 70s to till now politicians of Kahror Pacca are being a central orbit of politics of Lodhran, Dunyapur and Kahror Pacca. Syed Nasir Ali Shah Rizvi, Khan Mohammad Siddique Khan Kanju, Nawab Zafar Ullah Khan, Mohammad Khurshid Khan Kanju, Mirza Mohammad Nasir Baig and Nawab Aman Ullah participated in elections from Lodhran constituency and elected members of National and Provincial Assemblies for many time. It is not wrong to say that the politics of district Lodhran is nothing else without Kahror Pacca because there is not a single major politician in district Lodhran except Kahror Pacca.
68 Mohammad Taqi Shameem, Tareekh Lodhran (Lodhran, 1993), 348 69 Ahmad Saleem Mazhar Chughtai, Muraqqa-e-Kahror (Kahror Pacca, 1987), 115 31
"Akhtar Khan Kanju who was the first chairman of District Council Lodhran belonged to Kahror Pacca. Syed Nasir Ali Shah Rizvi, Mohammad Khurshid Khan Kanju, Khan Mohammad Siddique Khan Kanju, Mirza Mohammad Nasir Baig and Malik Sajjad Hussain Khan Joiya who became federal minister of buildings, Member of federal Majlis-e-Shura of Pakistan (Zia regime), federal parliamentary secretary for food and agriculture and federal minister for foreign affairs, federal minister for sports and special advisor of Chief Minister of Punjab respectively."70
7.1. NOTABLE POLITICAL PERSONALITIES: Nawab Zafar Ullah Khan. Khurshid Ahmad Khan Kanju. Malik Shah Mohammad Khan joiya Khan Siddique Khan Kanju (late) Ex. Foreign Minister & Founder of Ddistt. Lodhran Mohammad Akram Khan Kanju Abdur Rehman Kanju, ex District Nazim Lodhran. Syed Nasir Ali Rizvi Ex. Federal Minister Akhtar Khan Kanju, MNA NA-155. Malik Sajjad Joiya, ex Mushir Chief Minister Punjab. Nawab Amanullah Khan ex MNA. Lieutenant Colonel Rana Muhammad Akbar Khan (Retd) Mirza Nasir Beg, ex State Minister Pakistan. Malik Qasim Joiya, ex Tehsil Nazim Kahror Pakka. Malik Ajmal Joiya, ex MPA. Rana Mumtaz Ahmad Noon Rana Ejaz Ahmad Noon, current MPA. Nawab Ataullah Khan. (LATE) Nawab Sanaullah Khan. (LATE) Nawab SamiUllah Khan.
70 Mahmood-ul-Hasan Abbasi, Interview by Ahmad Ali. Ilaqa Kahror Ki Siasi Tareekh Aur Mahromian (January 21, 2013) 32
Mahmood Ul Hassan Abbasi. Khurram Abbasi.
Politically the city has been kept backward by the political elite so as to maintain their feudal dominance. We shall discuss thoroughly about politics of Kahror Pacca in next chapters because all coming chapters totally deal with political history of Kahror Pacca. 148
CONCLUSIVE REMARKS ON POLITICS OF KAHROR PACCA
Now, that we have just celebrated sixty five years of Pakistan‘s existence, the ideal and practical realities of its creation are not to be forgotten. A just and progressive society is only possible to be built on principles of fairness and an assurance for all the people of being provided an equal opportunity to strive and prosper. It is fact that British had decided to upgrade the status of Kahror Pacca before partition but due to the carelessness and hurdles of our politicians it was postponed. At last in 1991, Lodhran was given the status of District instead of Kahror Pacca.
Population, area and revenue are three important things which are responsibel to promote any area. If we put a glimpse on the history of Kahror Pacca then we shall have come to know that it is ahead from other two cities Lodhran and Dunyapur. In the past, Govt. decided to pass a national highway to join Karachi and Lahore from Kahror Pacca but our landlords and so called politicians refused to do so. They thought that if Kahror Pacca came at the corner of national highway then their influence on the people will be finished. As a result this highway was passed through Lodhran and Dunyapur thus these two cities became prosperous while Kahror Pacca remained dark and backward.
Similarly, Kahror Pacca is situated near bank of Sutlej River but there is no bridge on it. Across the river two major cities like Bahawalpur and Khairpur are situated only at the distance of 14 or 15 Km. Every Govt. declared to build bridges on these two sides but our politicians were not serious for this. That is why, Kahror Pacca became blocked area. As I described that Kahror Pacca is very rich in his agricultural products but due to a blocked area it is being backward in this field.
As I have described that Kahror Pacca is the combination of different political families. Some of them are land lords. They have no interest in welfare of the people and progress of the region. They always worked only for their personal interest. They did not take any care of the public interest. These landlords have not tried to set up any industry because they think that their tenants will get job in industrial sector and thus their influence was abolished. Similarly they resist in educational sector so that by getting higher education, new generation of their tenants will free from their influence. That is 149 why, instead of being historical, Kahror Pacca has deprived in the field of health, education, politics and economy while it has adopted a prominent status in the field of politics.
No doubt, it is the politicans of Kahror Pacca which has thrown back the interest of Kahror Pacca and compelled the people to pass miserable life. Similarly, the budget for Kahror Pacca was cut in those areas where the majority was against of the ruling personalities that is why condition of Kahror Pacca is becoming a controversial issue. The city was not now visited by many but for many years, people who wanted to know the reasons of this negligence were not allowed to gather for meetings.
They are finding it difficult to meet the basic needs of education, health and other social welfare benefits. The people of Kahror Pacca are continuing to provide the necessary input to lead simple life and keep the wheels of economy moving. Now that some people of low and middle class has acquired higher education and is professionally qualified to fill the better paid jobs or have established their businesses.
There have been rulers in different countries where people were happy, contended and felt safe when they travelled to farther parts of their countries. Our political leaders and elite shall and must build Kahror Pacca in a better model of a welfare state.
If any one asks about the reasons for this negligence to our politicians then they blame to our military. They reply that our army did not provide us opportunites to work for the welfare of our subjects. After the existence of Pakistan mostly time passed in Martial Law that is why we could not pay heed on our locality and constituency.
The question is that if our politicians are not capable enough then I don't understand why all & every time the blame comes onto the military or generals?
The reason is that our politicians don't pay taxes in their whole life, while an army officer or a general in his 30 to 35 years of service pays non stop taxes, plus all the business concerns being run for the welfare of retired armed forces personnel give the corporate tax they own to the govt properly. In other words, army itself generates some part of its own budget by giving back taxes to the govt. 150
Our industrialists, politicians & land lords eat huge money by damaging Pakistan's economy. Everyone feels a superman when they go after the military but no one looks to the corruption & tax evasion done by the elite of our country as well as the average business owners. But unfortunately our politicians have suffered in corruption. Absolute power has corrupted our rulers absolutely. They have had their way since the demise of the Quaid-i-Azam.
I can categorically state that it was politicians not public, who caused for this outbreak. May be it is partly wrong. The ‗glass ceiling‘ was never deliberately visible but the calamity of Kahror Pacca is that in all above mentioned families mostly is not only occupying the politics of Kahror Pacca but also causing the destruction of it. Just little effort was done to make prosperous of Kahror Pacca by these families. Because of political differences among these families' special heed were not paid on the critical situation of Kahror Pacca. That is why despite passing a long period; Kahror Pacca is waiting for special attention of these politicians. Despite of political, geographical and historical significance it was ignored at all. If these political families were to be sincere, no doubt Kahror Pacca would also be considered a developed city like other big cities of Pakistan.