About Chichawatni

WALTER SCOTT has said:

"BREATHES THERE THE MAN WITH SOUL SO DEAD, WHO NEVER TO HIMSELF HAS SAID, THIS IS MY OWN, MY NATIVE LAND"

Pakistan is a country with different, beautiful and charming amazements. We can see every season, vegetable, fruit, every type of lifestyle as well as modern and antique things over here. It also has some beautiful cities with modern infrastructure as well as it contains villages with very simple yet descent look. The towns of Pakistan are also worth seeing. One of them is CHICHAWATNI.

Chichawatni is a city of area about 4 lac acres. It was built as a town after 1860 when railway line was laid from Lahore to Multan and at that time almost in the centre, this  town came into existence. At that time, it was a barren place but the main advantage this town got was that river Ravi was just near it. So, river Ravi and canal system revolted its fortune, it progressed in agriculture and thus this took forward this town to become a city and now since 1980, it has been renowned as a rank of TEHSIL CHICHAWATNI. It has many villages and city under it.

Most of the people of Chichawatni are villagers as most of them are concerned with agriculture but some of them prefer to live in city. Chichawatni is indeed a nice city to live as it has all the facilities and luxuries of life yet it is free from those problems which big cities are facing e.g. pollution, traffic problem etc. This city is very clean and progressive. The residential colonies of it are not less than any standard. Wide and clean roads, well sanitation system, parks and play grounds are present for ease and enjoyment of people.

In present, it has also started becoming rich in food. We can see too many restaurants and take-always here. The food you can get is more tasty and reasonable.

Zamindars (landowners) usually of upper caste Rajput, Jat, Arain, Dogar and Gujjar . Local administrators, otherwise known as "Zaildars" and "Safedposh" or "white-robed nobles", form the political elite of the town and may also be found as civil servants in most local government offices.

During the India-Pakistan Partition in 1947, many aristocratic Muslim families fled from Punjabi towns like Firozpur in India and settled in towns like Chichawatni. Local Gujjar aristocrats in Chichawatni, originally from Firozpur, are quite happy to show Tourists photos of the splendid Palaces and gardens vacated by them during the events of the India-Pakistan Partition.

Chichawatni also accommodates a large Christian community, usually drawn from the very poorest sections of society. The Christians are a respected, hard-working and gentle community in an otherwise overwhelmingly Muslim town. Attitudes towards Christians have been inflamed by the short-lived increase of fundamentalist rhetoric in certain Mosques but overall this negative rhetoric has been mellowed by the sheer volume of important Sufi Shrines, whose calming and uplifting spiritual influence still pervades the town and the many local villages it serves.the people of chichawatni are known to be very clever.

Etymology

The people of Chichawatni have various explanations for the name Chichawatni, some of those are:

1. Maharaja Chach of Alor was the father of Raja Dahir. Raja Dahir was to pass the river Ravi for some war game and found the shortest and easiest way for it near Chichawatni. So he named the nearby village on his father name as Chachawatni. Chachawatni means city of Chach. with the passage of time it became Chichawatni. This village stands still and named as Old Chichawatni or Purani Chichawatni. The River Ravi floods Chcihawatni village every year. So the British Govt Found a safer place in forest near this village. In 1918, They had cleaned a part of plantation and developed a modern City with planning

2. The name Chichawatni is derived from the name of a Hindi family who lived here before the government built a forest, Chicha was the name of the husband Watni of the wife.

Forest (Division)

In Pakistan, the collection of many forests is administratively united into forest divisions. One of the forest divisions is also named Chichawatni. Chichwati forest Division has its Headquarter near Chichawatni. It comprise of many forests. But the main forest of Chichwatni Forest Division spans alongside the Chichawatni having the area of 9000 acres (36 km²). It is the second largest plantation in Pakistan; while the largest plantation in Pakistan is Changa Manga.

Locally it is called Jungle of Chichawatni. There was natural Jungle before 1918. In 1918 British Govt. started the new planned city and started the forest plantation in 1823. The width of the forest is just 2 to 5 km while its length spans 35 km.

Distt. Govt Sahiwal is opening a forest Park in Chichawatni also having the facility of large pool.

Chichawatni Forest is also used by Agricultural University of Faisalabad for research purpose.

A Guest house situated in the forest is used to host Governmental Guests and also Foreigners.

Pubjab's Famous canal Lower Bari Doaab is used for cultivation. Canal Rest House for Lower Bari Do Aab is also situated in this forest.

This Forest also has tourist attractions having a large number of porks. Hunting Licence for porks is easily available. Even Forest Authorities provide awards on pork hunting.

An American fund for the welfare of bird has conducted research in some south Asian forests including Chichawatni Forest.

Cattle Market

In Chichwatni there is the biggest cattle market of Pakistan. Cattle Market in Pakistan is called Mandi Muwaishiyan. This Market start in last 10 days of the month. (from 21st to the end of month). This Market has peak of its business in three first days. During those day you can buy milk from the Cattle market 3 times less than of real market price and even some times milk is free here. People from Gawadar to Khyber gather here to buy and sell cattle.

Madarassa Khalidia

Madrasssa Khalidia of Chichwatni is First Maddrassa of Pakistan, which was first built over occupied space in Jamia Masjid Block 12 of Chichawatni. Now it is Moved near Chak 40/12-L.

International Kabbadi

Kabbadi is a type of Pakistani Wrestling. Chichawatni is hometown of many Kabbadians. Many Kabbadi Matches between India and Pakistan and also National Championships have held at Chichawatni.

Chichawatni Stadium

In Pakistan there are only a few Flood Lights Stadiums. Just some Cricket Stadiums have flood lights. But Chichawatni has a Kabbadi Stadium having flood lights.

Notable people

Chichawatni is the home town of Shazia Hidayat, one of the few women who represented Pakistan in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens

Christian Welfare Society (Regd.)

The Christian Welfare Society Pakistan (Regd.) came into being at Chichawatni in 1969. Prof. B.M. Sabir the founding president was chosen life time president for the society. Prof. BM Sabir is also a prominent missionary of the Churches of Christ in Pakistan. He is regarded as one of the most conservative Christian scholars and the senior teacher of bible and theology. Born as Barkat Masih Sabir on January 1, 1936 in Harappa, Sahiwal (formerly known as Montgomery) Pakistan to a converted (from Sikhism) father/Presbyterian elder and devote Presbyterian Christian mother. He studied his secondary education at a mission High school and finished bachelors from Punjab University of Lahore and earned a Fazal in Persian as well from the University. In 1962, he completed Religious Education from the West Minister Theology Seminary in Gujranwala, Pakistan. Among his instructors were late Dr. K. L. Nasir. He was appointed a full-time pastor in the U.P. Church Faisalabad, Pakistan that is also known as Lyallpur. In1964 he moved to his native village 190/9 A-L and served the village as the pastor of A.R.P church of Pakistan. He was elected as the moderator of Sahiwal presbytery (one of most prominent, oldest and largest presbytery in Christian churches in Pakistan) in 1966 and served till1969. He held an office as General Superintendent of A.R.P. Church of Pakistan affiliated with ICC till April, 1973. Some differences emerged in the leadership of Sahiwal presbytery and led to separation of the church and B. M. Sabir and forty members of the presbytery mostly pastors and elders left the A. R P affiliation and formed another church body. In July, 1986, he was invited to attend Dr. Billy Graham’s crusade in Amsterdam, Netherlands. During his stay in Netherlands, he met and study with missionaries from Nepal and the United States and became convinced to teach and preach the good news of Jesus according to scripture. Since 1986 Prof. B. M. Sabir is leading more than 60 preachers of Churches of Christ and also providing them moral and spiritual aid to further the borders of our Lord’s Kingdom. In 2003 due to his utmost endeavors the Sahiwal Bible College was established in Sahiwal Pakistan to educate locals for three years to become teachers and preacher of the church. Because of B. M. Sabir’s hard work in 2005 a maternity home was opened to help young women to seek free care in the process of childbirth. B. M. Sabir is married and has ten children; he resides in Sahiwal, Pakistan.

Esther John

Chichawatni is also the home town of Esther John, one of the most famous Christian nurses. She is counted in ten Modern Christian Martyrs. Her sculpture is present at Westminister abbey in London.Read More About her Another notable personality of chichawatni is Dr. Muhammad Naveed son of Late Mian Nazeer Rehmani,he is serving people of Chichawatni by giving free of cost treatment .

Railway Station

Many of the railway stations in Pakistan were built prior to 1918, many of these have not been maintained over the years. In 1918 the current town of Chichawatni did not exist. At the time there was village as called Chichwatni (now called Purani Chichawatni or old Chichawatni). This settlement was 5 km in the north of the Main Railway line of Pakistan. In 1918 a railway station on the north side of Railway line was built for Purani Chichawatni, adjacent to the Railway line in the north there is the Chichwatni Forest. Because of this new Chichwatni was planned on the south side of the Railway line. In 1927 a new station was built but on the same side of north, however the population of new Chichawatni spread only along the south side, because to the north there is a huge Jungle(forest). While the station of 1927 was still on the wrong side for the new city. People have to travel a lot to reach the station of 1927. So the government planned to establish a new railway station on the right side of the city. Pakistani Railway had neglected the area, until July 2007 when a new railway station was established.

Education

Education is 2nd basic need of man. Books and information are 1st step towards progress. As VOLTAIRE has said,

"ALL THE KNOWN WORLD EXCEPTING ONLY SAVAGE NATION, IS GOVERNED BY BOOKS"

Chichawatni is famous for its educational career. Students of it have gained scholarships and made their city a pride.

Educational Institutes

DAWN HIGH SCHOOL: It is a private Urdu medium school. It provides best education. Different extracurricular and sports facilities are also there. It produced many talented students studying the best Universities of Pakistan.

UNIQUE PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL: It is an English medium school. It also conducts sports facilities.

EDUCATORS SCHOOL: It is an English medium school providing education up to highest standard. It also conducts many extracurricular activities and sports activities.

DPS SCHOOL: (DIVISIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOL) This school also promises the best education for the child as they have both education as well as training.

Some other private schools as LAURELS CAMPUS, PILOT CADET SCHOOL, PUNJAB PUBLIC SCIENCE SCHOOL, ALLLAMA IQBAL HIGH SCHOOL are also here to educate children to be a good citizen.

Government institutes have always been important in studies. M.C.HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS, GOVT. HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS, GOVT. GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL, and GOVT.CRESENT HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS are also here.

A school for special children is also present.

Colleges

Govt Degree College for Boys one the ancient institute of the division that produced many more talented personalities.

Serving many important sectors not only in the Pakistan and also in the other countries of the world.

THE EDUCATORS COLLEGE: It is a project of Beacon house. It is built in year 2004 in Chichawatni. Its head office is in MULTAN. It s not only in Chichawatni but its branches are in many other cities also and in other countries of ASIA. About 95,000 students are getting education from here.

SIR SYED COLLEGE. : It is built in 2007 in Chichawatni. It has many branches. Its head office is situated in OKARA. Its degree is also worldwide accepted.

Some other private colleges are UNIQUE COLLEGE, ALLAMA IQBAL COLLEGE and RAVI COLLLEGE present over here.

Government colleges for boys and girls are also important colleges for studies.

This City also pocess The Comerace College Chichawatni serving the nation in Accounts section britllinatly and also TEVTA at Bangla Okanwal Road which is very useful institute for the fresh and also part time students in the city..

Physical & Mental Health Facilities

       

Health is the main basic need of man. It is an ARABIAN PROVERB:

"HE WHO HAS HEALTH HAS HOPE, AND HE WHO HAS HOPE HAS EVERYTHING"

Chichawatni has all facilities for health. 1-Govt. CIVIL HOSPITAL, 2-REHMAT HOSPITAL, 3-FATIMA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL and CHILDREN HOSPITAL, 4-Ahmad Hospital, 5- Reman Surgicial Hosipital, 6-The Doctors Hospital

7- Milllat Eye Hospital, 8-Dr. Ferozi Hospital, 9-Rai Ali Nawaz Memorial Hopital & Dr. Hanif Doger’s Hosiptal are present here to ensure good health of people. Different clinics are also there which are contributing to make people healthy.

Public Facilities

There are different restaurants and take always. Most famous of them are GREEN LAND Resturant, WHITE HOUSE Resturant , PIZZA LAND, MSC SPECIAL, Tanduri Nights, Qasoori Hotel, Fresco Hotel, Khan da Hotel and many more.

It also has a sports club named RAVI CLUB.

It also has a hotel named ALFALAH Hotel

A post office with all the services e.g. TCS, DCS, MCS, DHMS, courier services is also present.

Banking Sectors

Different banks e.g. HABIB BANK, UNITED BANK, ALLIED BANK, ALFALAH BANK, NATIONAL BANK, MUSLIM COMMERCIAL BANK are serving the natives of the region its best for the better economic situation in the city.

It has different marriage halls which are arranged very beautifully.

A big bazaar named MAIN BAZAR is also there to make sure that u can get everything of your need with vast variety.

Moreover, railway, busses and vans are also there to visit other cities.

Recreation Chances

Life is a tale of adventures. Visits provide us chance to enjoy life, celebrate happy moments and break monotony of life. These visits and excursions open new avenues of knowledge, information and joy for us. As it is said,

"TRAVELLING FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION IS A PART OF EDUCATION,FOR THE ELDER A PART OF EXPERIENCE"

           

There are many things to see in Chichawatni where u can have a healthy visit as it has parks. RAHAT PARK is one of the good parks of here. It is spacious, clean and beautiful. Nice scent of flowers and peaceful environment makes u fresh and keeps you healthy. CHILDREN AND LADIES PARK is also a beautiful park to enjoy fresh air.

The forest of Chichawatni has also famed this city very much.

Moreover, it has a neighboring city named HARAPPA which is famous for its historical buildings.

RIVER RAVI can also be enjoyed near Chichawatni.

Thus Chichawatni is a place worth seeing, worth living and infect worth loving, set on the way of progress.