History of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

The princely state of Bahawalpur was founded in 1802 by Nawab Mohammad Bahawal Khan II after the break up of Durrani Empire. The state acceded to Pakistan on 7 October 1947 when Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V decided to join Pakistan. Bahawalpur became a province of Pakistan in 1952 and was merged into the province of West Pakistan on 14 October 1955. When West Pakistan was divided into four provinces (Sindh, Balochistan, NWFP, and Punjab), Bahawalpur was merged into Punjab.
Bahawalpur is located south of the Sutlej River and lies in the Cholistan region near the Thar Desert. Bahawalpur is known for its famous palaces such as the Noor Mahal, Sadiq Ghar Palace, and Darbar Mahal, as well as the ancient fort of Derawar in the Cholistan Desert. The city is located near the historical and ancient town of Uch. Lal Suhanra National Park, a natural Safari Park, is also located in Bahawalpur.