Nawabshah is a renowned city in Pakistan, located north of Karachi in the middle of Sindh province. The city is a combination of traditional culture, a hospitable population, and excellent norms and values. It is an important center of trade, agriculture, and education in central Sindh. Nawabshah has also been growing tremendously in recent years and has turned out to be a crowded and noisy city. It is a valuable part of the Sindh province’s economy and life, as individuals from other provinces come here to work, attend college, and engage in business. Nawabshah is the third largest city of the province of Sindh.
Background
In the mid-19th century, the city of Nawabshah was being eyed by British officers for domination. They constructed a railway track here in 1861 to transport commodities and soldiers quickly. The railway revolutionized all this. It attracted merchants and laborers, making a dormant village a lively town. Records reveal the way cotton and grain streamed out, lifting trade. Now, that legacy continues to pulse the region. The city is established in the name of Sardar Khan Chandio. He was a very influential personality in the area’s history and contributed significantly towards the growth and administration of the area. The district had its name altered to Shaheed Benazirabad in 2008. Nawabshah has evolved over the years to become a modern city since it is able to maintain the beauty and the traditional culture, and has become not only historic but also progressive.
Climatic Condition
Heat waves and hot climate remain throughout the summer season. The summer can be tough, and the temperature can go up to 45 degrees. But still, people manage to live, farm, and even get good returns on their investment. The source of this is the blessing of fertile soil, which is a bonus for growing fruits and vegetables. Besides, the city’s position is such that it acts as a bridge between the upper and lower areas of Sindh. Nawabshah is often referred to as the “Mango City” of Pakistan. It is famous for its production of some of the most delicious and sweetest mangoes.
Language and Culture of Nawabshah City
The Sindhi language is the most widely spoken one, but Urdu and other languages are also used. The true spirit of Sindh is reflected in Nawabshah’s culture. Their heritage is reflected in Sindhi music, Ajrak, Sindhi cap, or topi. They also celebrate and unite against local happenings like Eid and Sindh Culture Day. The city holds a national Mango Festival every year to celebrate the harvest of mangoes. Nawabshah also has a lively kite-flying festival during the Basant season, which is attended by kite-flyers from all over the country. Celebrations of saints’ anniversaries, like Urs, or birthdays, are also very popular in the city.
Economic Significance
The Nawabshah economy is mainly based on agricultural exports. It grows cotton, sugarcane, wheat, banana, and above all, dates. It is also comprised of food processing, textile, and agricultural industries. The Nawabshah industrial estate is conducive to business growth. As it lies at the center of Sindh, the produce of the northern Sindh and the southern Sindh are traded at Nawabshah. The Nawabshah Airport also serves to link the city to the rest of the country’s regions. Nawabshah is a decently good economic center in the province that is made up of agriculture, markets, and transport.
The Academic Hub of Sindh
Nawabshah is a reliable study center in Sindh. People’s University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women is an institution that provides medical education to female students. The Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology is accredited for offering quality education in engineering. There are many learning centers in the shape of schools, colleges, and technical institutions that offer local academic opportunities. These institutions are helpful in improving the literacy and skills of the students. Therefore, Nawabshah is becoming the hub of academic knowledge, making the future of bright students prominent.
Tourist Attractions
The city of Sakrand has agricultural farms. The Qazi Ahmed and Daur towns have scenic views of rural Sindh. There are also shrines of Sufi saints present, which are approached by individuals in an effort to gain peace. Green fields and date farms along Nawabshah provide natural calm and relaxation. The tourists get attracted and admire the simple way of Sindhi people, their traditional values, and the natural scenery of the area.
Sindh’s most influential city, Khudabad, which is known for its archaeological significance, is also located a few kilometers away from Nawabshah. Moreover, the largest lake of Pakistan, the Manchar Lake, is in the backyard of Nawabshah, which further adds to its natural beauty. Moreover, various beautiful mosques, i.e., Qadria Masjid and Shahbaz Masjid, are also situated in the city, which reflects the religious underpinnings.
Developmental Challenges
No doubt, Nawabshah has seen an economic upsurge in the last few years and has changed in the context of new housing schemes and bazaars. But there are issues of water shortage, load-shedding, and floods in cities. The city must be planned, and clean water should be available. The local government is attempting to bring services forward, but there must be more effort. One-party rule is also a growth hindrance. The PPP has been ruling Nawabshah for a long time. It does face some genuine criticism there as well. The city does not have good sanitation at all, people complain. Water supply is still an issue for all. Opportunities to get jobs are still quite limited. Poor governance issues are raised more often than not. Corruption is rampant. Projects take years to complete without getting done. Young voters are demanding actual change to happen now. They want the local government to pull its weight. Despite that, the PPP retains strong support. That is due to its deep emotional connections with people.
Conclusion
Nawabshah, the heart and soul of Sindh, is an epitome of agricultural skills, academic achievements, and cultural virtues. The city consists of some of the famous tourist spots of Sindh, which also contribute to its worth. All these aside, it has its own serious problems with water shortages, load shedding, harsh climatic conditions, and heavy floods. Government officials are doing their best to maintain the city’s grand infrastructure and landmarks. It is a city where heritage collides with progress to offer room for identity, and possibilities coexist alongside the culture.
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The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Paradigm Shift.
He is pursuing a BS in International Relations programme from International Islamic University, Islamabad and has a keen interest in research works, policy analysis, defence and strategic studies and conflict resolution.