Aiza_Yasir_Reimgagining Linguistic Diversity of Pakistan

Hello, I am Aiza Ibrar. Today, we have Yasir Mahmood with us. We will be discussing the Saraiki language, asking about his thoughts on it, his culture, and where he belongs. Hello Yasir, how are you?

Speaker: Alhamdulillah, I am fine.

Host: Alright, let's start asking you questions. The first question we have is that which specific region in Pakistan do you belong to?

Speaker: I am associated with the southern city of Bahawalpur in Punjab, Pakistan. It's a city also known as ‘City of Nawabs’

Host: Could you tell us about your educational background?

Speaker: I completed my matriculation from APS Bahawalpur and pursued pre-engineering at Punjab College BWP. Currently, I am doing my Bachelor's from FC.

Host: Did you have any specific inspiration to join FC, or did it happen spontaneously?

Speaker: Initially, I didn't have the intention to join FC however, after completing pre-engineering I lost interest in it. But, a friend recommended FC, mentioning that many students from Bahawalpur were attending, and it was the last cycle for admissions. So, I decided to give it a try.

Host: Alright, got it. Yasir, could you share your observations regarding the cultural diversity at FCCU so far?

Speaker: The diversity at FC is quite vast. In terms of religion, there are Christians, Muslims, including various sects like Shias, and people from other religions. It's not limited to any one religion, and everyone's religious practices are respected here. There are churches and mosques on campus, catering to the religious needs of different communities. When it comes to cultural diversity, there is a significant presence of various ethnicities. There are Pakhtoons, Punjabis, Saraikis, Gilgitis, Chitralis, and many more. To bring everyone together, FC has established societies, which have a significant impact on promoting their cultures. There are societies for Pashtoons, Saraikis, Punjabis, Gilgitis, and others. These societies play a crucial role in promoting and preserving diverse cultures alongside academic activities.

Host: Alright, understood. Are there any favorite memories from your childhood that you recall?

[ 00:01:00 }

Speaker: One memorable childhood memory is my fascination with flying kites. I used to enjoy flying kites, and I was quite skilled at it. Additionally, I had a variety of pets during my childhood. I had birds, including parrots, and small goats. Later, I kept chickens, rabbits, and even a dog, which was my favourite.

Host: Oh, that's interesting! What breed was the dog?

Speaker: It was a Labrador

Host? What did you name him?

Speaker: I named him Caesar. I got the inspiration for the name from a movie, and I kept him on the rooftop of my house.

Host: "Wow, I find that quite interesting.". Now, we've heard that the Saraiki language is considered a very polite and sweet language; people speak very politely. Could you share some insights into this?

Speaker: The Saraiki language is indeed sweet, and the way people speak in Saraiki is well-liked. The manner of speaking, the accents used, are considered quite endearing. For example, terms of respect are commonly used in daily conversations. For instance, addressing an elder brother as "Adda" is a sign of respect, and calling an elder sister "Adi" is also a way to show respect.

In the way parents are addressed, it is common to say "Aba Saain" for the father and "Ama Saain" for the mother. Additionally, there are affectionate terms that parents use for their sons, such as calling them "Metho." For instance, they might say, "Metho gaaal sun ay kam ha" which translates to "Listen, my sweet, there is something to talk about." "Metho ayy kia kareendaa piya hewy" can be translated as "What are you doing, my dear?"" Another thing that I really like is when a father is talking to his son, and the father says to the son, "haan abba kia haal hein."

Host: Oh, they also say that to the son?

Speaker: Yes, it means that the term "abba" that they use is not limited to just their son. For example, when sitting with friends, they might use it casually, saying, "haan aba kia karenda betha huwy."

Host: Alright, understood. Are there any famous dishes or specific foods from the Bahawalpur region that you particularly like?

Speaker: Being Saraiki and residing in Bahawalpur, when it comes to vegetables, "Sohanjna" is quite popular. And, of course, "Sohan Halwa" is renowned from this side.

Host: Oh, Sohan Halwa is quite well-known of that side and multan as well…

Speaker: Yes, Sohan Halwa is quite famous in this region, including the Multan side. Apart from that, there are other famous places in Bahawalpur, like Androon Bahawalpur, where you can find excellent Sohan Halwa.

Host: Alright Yasir, now let's ask about the music in your culture, the kind of music that exists. Share some details about it, mention some singers, and if there are any notable names.

Speaker: In Saraiki language, there are numerous songs that people enjoy. It's not only Saraiki-speaking individuals who appreciate them,

but people from other cultures also find them enjoyable and get influenced by them. In weddings, there's a trending song these days, "Meko Eho Ta Dasa" by Tanvir Tanzeen. This song has become quite popular, especially in Saraiki weddings. If we look at its lyrics, they are quite profound. Another song that you might have heard is "Chitta Chola." It is a must-play at Saraiki weddings, and people from other cultures also incorporate it into their celebrations, enjoying the music.

Host: Yes, we do enjoy them. Alright, if we talk about Saraiki poets, can you mention some names if there are any?

Speaker: When it comes to Saraiki poets, two names that come to my mind are Dr. Shakir Shujabadi and Khawaja Ghulam Farid. Dr. Shakir Shujabadi has contributed significantly to the Saraiki language, both in prose and poetry. He has written books that are quite famous. Khawaja Ghulam Farid, on the other hand, was a prominent Saraiki poet who worked extensively in Sufi poetry in the Saraiki language. His works, which include books, are widely recognized and celebrated.

Host: Fantastic! So, you brought up Dr. Shakir Shujabadi. Now, I'm intrigued! Was he a medical marvel, or does the "Dr." come from an honorary title in Saraiki? What's the story behind that? Enlighten us!

Speaker: Yes, he did receive an honorary degree in Saraiki. Although he wasn't a medical doctor, he was honoured with a degree in recognition of his significant contributions to the Saraiki language. Additionally, he has also been awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz for his outstanding achievements, which is a notable honour.

Host: Interesting! So, are there different dialects within the Saraiki language? Like, someone might be using a different word for the same thing?

Speaker: Exactly! While the entire sentence may not change, there are some words that vary across different Saraiki dialects. For example, in standard language, we say "main anda piya haan" (I am coming), but in some areas, they might say "main ammda piya haan," and others, especially those from certain regions, might use "main laga anda haan." So, while the whole sentence doesn't undergo a makeover, you'll catch variations in the words they choose.

Host: So, not much difference. Alright, Yasir, do you have any inspirational proverbs or sayings in your language, any particular expressions or idioms that come to mind?

Speaker: Absolutely! At the moment, two motivational sayings come to my mind. One is "Jitna gur peyso, utna meetha theese," which means the harder you work, the sweeter the reward. Another one is "Jindy ghr dany, unde kamly we siyanay," which translates to "The one with wealth and assets is not considered crazy."

Host: Alright, let's dive into your local festivals and traditions. What are some of the prominent festivals or events celebrated in Bahawalpur or the surrounding areas?

Speaker: There are numerous festivals celebrated here, but one that stands out is the "Channan Peer ka Mela." It's a grand festival that spans seven Thursdays, with the 5th Thursday being the most significant. On this day, a massive fair takes place, attracting people from all cities and provinces. People come to witness the cultural richness, and you can find all sorts of items related to their traditions. As I mentioned, the 5th Thursday is crucial, and it's even declared a local holiday, allowing people to fully participate in the festivities.

Host: So, it holds significant meaning for the people. Now, let's shift gears a bit. Tell us about the local crafts or handicrafts that are quite famous there, especially those that we listen are exported to other countries as well?

Speaker: Absolutely! In areas like Rohi, where resources are limited, the women are incredibly hardworking. You might have heard about the making of "chunri" (a type of scarf). The females there are involved in the entire process of making chunri. They create the whole piece, which is then sent to the markets in Bahawalpur and beyond.

Host: yes yes it is done quite intricately

Speaker: Additionally, if you visit the inner bazaars of Bahawalpur, you'll find various small-scale crafts, like embroidery work and other intricate designs, all created by the skilled hands of local artisans. So, there's a lot to explore and purchase if you're interested in local crafts.

Host: Alright, Yasir, if you had a couple of days to take a friend on a road trip to showcase your culture, where would you stop, and what would you want to highlight?

Speaker: First and foremost, when they arrive, there's so much to see. As I mentioned, it's the city of Nawabs, so we'd start with the grand festivals, the Derawar Fort, and the Abbasi Mosque. The Derawar Fort is quite special; it's a massive structure with its unique charm. Besides that, we have the Cholistan Desert, the Lal Sohanra National Park, and a canal on both sides where people can enjoy boating. In the national park, there are camping facilities, restrooms, and even rare species of deer. It's a complete package for promoting tourism and showcasing our cultural richness.

Host: You mentioned Derawar Fort; can you tell us more about its specialty or any interesting facts that the general public might not know?

Speaker: The Derawar Fort was constructed in the 9th century by King Rai Jajja Bhatti of India. It's a misconception that Nawab Sadiq recently built it; in reality, it has a rich historical background. When Nawab Sadiq and his family came into power, they used the fort for their residence. The structure is quite intriguing with minarets on its walls, which were used for military purposes. In front of the fort, there were cannons for defensive measures. Inside the fort, there are offices, a water tank, beautiful rooms, and even a gallows area.

Every Thursday, Nawab Sadiq held court in the fort, addressing various issues. The gallows area was used for executions, and Nawab Sadiq himself conducted them. The basement of the fort has tunnels, including a separate railway tunnel, which was used for commuting within Bahawalpur. Another tunnel served as a safe zone in case of an attack, allowing a secure exit.

Host: Let's talk about the artifacts in Noor Mahal and Sadiq Garh Palace. Are all the artifacts preserved there?

Speaker: Yes, if you visit Noor Mahal, you'll find that all the artifacts are well-preserved. Noor Mahal is currently under the control of the Pakistan Army, and while you need special permission to visit other places like Gulzar Mahal and Darbar Mahal, visiting Noor Mahal is relatively easier. Notably, some significant items in Noor Mahal remain intact, such as Nawab Sadiq's piano, his royal attire, and swords. There are numerous pictures on the walls, but only one is authentic, featuring Nawab Sadiq (5), while the others are imaginative.

Everything used in constructing Noor Mahal and Sadiq Garh Palace, including furniture, marble, and costly stones, was imported from Italy and Britain. Not a single item was sourced locally. Additionally, the upper portion of Noor Mahal has grand rooms, but currently, there is no permission to access them as the items inside remain as they were, including beds and dressing tables.

Host: Alright, now tell us something about Nawab Sadiq that you think people might not know, some intriguing stories or aspects of his history.

Speaker: Nawab Sadiq has many famous stories, but one that stands out is about his Rolls Royce. Once, he visited a showroom in casual attire and expressed his desire to buy a Rolls Royce. The salesman, unaware of his identity, said that such cars were not affordable for common people. Undeterred, Nawab Sadiq returned to his hotel, changed into his royal attire, and sent the Bahawalpur army personnel to the showroom, revealing his true status. He then ordered six Rolls Royce cars for Bahawalpur, and when they arrived, he had brooms attached to them on all sides and cleaned the entire city.

When the news reached the owner, he personally visited Nawab Sadiq, apologized, and gifted him six Rolls Royce cars.

Nawab Sadiq has also made significant contributions to education, establishing institutions like Sadiq Egerton College and Sadiq Public School, which was a renowned boarding school. Additionally, he founded an Islamic madrasa and played a crucial role in building the Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital. The hospital's opening ceremony was supposed to be attended by Queen Victoria, but due to an emergency, her Viceroy was sent instead. A fascinating fact is that in Bahawalpur, there is a fountain at Fawara Chowk, and the fountain in Bahawalpur is one of only two in the world. The other one is in Britain. Both were gifts from Queen Victoria, and interestingly, they are made of silver.

Host: So, how is its maintenance handled?

Speaker: Yes, it has been operated again after a while. It occasionally faces issues but is currently running. Oh, and I'd like to share another interesting fact. Nawab Sadiq gifted one of his Rolls Royce cars to Quaid-e-Azam when he took the oath after the creation of Pakistan. You can find pictures in old newspapers or channels when Quaid-e-Azam visited Nawab Sadiq. They shared a deep friendship, and after the partition, Nawab Sadiq knew that people didn't have much money, and there were no reserves. So, during that time, government employees were given a six-month salary from Nawab Sadiq's treasury.

Host: Alright. What about the monogram of Bahawalpur? Do you have any information about it?

Speaker: The monogram represents the Bahawalpur State, and the birds depicted in it are pelicans, which happen to be the national bird of Bahawalpur. Nawab Sadiq admired pelicans because of their unique trait. If pelican chicks don't get food, the parent pelican would tap its own beak on the neck, regurgitate some meat, and feed the chicks. Eventually, when the time comes, if no food is available, the pelican sacrifices itself. Inspired by this, Nawab Sadiq chose the pelican as the national bird and included it in the state's monogram. Interestingly, Bahawalpur had its own currency with coins featuring Noor Mahal. The number plates in Bahawalpur used to have "BWP" written in red, and if you look at Quaid's pictures, you'll also see "BWP" there.

Host: Seems like we'll have to plan a visit to Bahawalpur! Thank you, Yasir. It was a pleasure talking to you, and I hope the information you shared will make our project quite special.

Hello, I am Aiza Ibrar. Today, we have Yasir Mahmood with us. We will be discussing the Saraiki language, asking about his thoughts on it, his culture, and where he belongs. Hello Yasir, how are you?

Speaker: Alhamdulillah, I am fine.

Host: Alright, let's start asking you questions. The first question we have is that which specific region in Pakistan do you belong to?

Speaker: I am associated with the southern city of Bahawalpur in Punjab, Pakistan. It's a city also known as ‘City of Nawabs’

Host: Could you tell us about your educational background?

Speaker: I completed my matriculation from APS Bahawalpur and pursued pre-engineering at Punjab College BWP. Currently, I am doing my Bachelor's from FC.

Host: Did you have any specific inspiration to join FC, or did it happen spontaneously?

Speaker: Initially, I didn't have the intention to join FC however, after completing pre-engineering I lost interest in it. But, a friend recommended FC, mentioning that many students from Bahawalpur were attending, and it was the last cycle for admissions. So, I decided to give it a try.

Host: Alright, got it. Yasir, could you share your observations regarding the cultural diversity at FCCU so far?

Speaker: The diversity at FC is quite vast. In terms of religion, there are Christians, Muslims, including various sects like Shias, and people from other religions. It's not limited to any one religion, and everyone's religious practices are respected here. There are churches and mosques on campus, catering to the religious needs of different communities. When it comes to cultural diversity, there is a significant presence of various ethnicities. There are Pakhtoons, Punjabis, Saraikis, Gilgitis, Chitralis, and many more. To bring everyone together, FC has established societies, which have a significant impact on promoting their cultures. There are societies for Pashtoons, Saraikis, Punjabis, Gilgitis, and others. These societies play a crucial role in promoting and preserving diverse cultures alongside academic activities.

Host: Alright, understood. Are there any favorite memories from your childhood that you recall?

[ }

Speaker: One memorable childhood memory is my fascination with flying kites. I used to enjoy flying kites, and I was quite skilled at it. Additionally, I had a variety of pets during my childhood. I had birds, including parrots, and small goats. Later, I kept chickens, rabbits, and even a dog, which was my favourite.

Host: Oh, that's interesting! What breed was the dog?

Speaker: It was a Labrador

Host? What did you name him?

Speaker: I named him Caesar. I got the inspiration for the name from a movie, and I kept him on the rooftop of my house.

Host: "Wow, I find that quite interesting.". Now, we've heard that the Saraiki language is considered a very polite and sweet language; people speak very politely. Could you share some insights into this?

Speaker: The Saraiki language is indeed sweet, and the way people speak in Saraiki is well-liked. The manner of speaking, the accents used, are considered quite endearing. For example, terms of respect are commonly used in daily conversations. For instance, addressing an elder brother as "Adda" is a sign of respect, and calling an elder sister "Adi" is also a way to show respect.

In the way parents are addressed, it is common to say "Aba Saain" for the father and "Ama Saain" for the mother. Additionally, there are affectionate terms that parents use for their sons, such as calling them "Metho." For instance, they might say, "Metho gaaal sun ay kam ha" which translates to "Listen, my sweet, there is something to talk about." "Metho ayy kia kareendaa piya hewy" can be translated as "What are you doing, my dear?"" Another thing that I really like is when a father is talking to his son, and the father says to the son, "haan abba kia haal hein."

Host: Oh, they also say that to the son?

Speaker: Yes, it means that the term "abba" that they use is not limited to just their son. For example, when sitting with friends, they might use it casually, saying, "haan aba kia karenda betha huwy."

Host: Alright, understood. Are there any famous dishes or specific foods from the Bahawalpur region that you particularly like?

Speaker: Being Saraiki and residing in Bahawalpur, when it comes to vegetables, "Sohanjna" is quite popular. And, of course, "Sohan Halwa" is renowned from this side.

Host: Oh, Sohan Halwa is quite well-known of that side and multan as well…

Speaker: Yes, Sohan Halwa is quite famous in this region, including the Multan side. Apart from that, there are other famous places in Bahawalpur, like Androon Bahawalpur, where you can find excellent Sohan Halwa.

Host: Alright Yasir, now let's ask about the music in your culture, the kind of music that exists. Share some details about it, mention some singers, and if there are any notable names.

Speaker: In Saraiki language, there are numerous songs that people enjoy. It's not only Saraiki-speaking individuals who appreciate them,

but people from other cultures also find them enjoyable and get influenced by them. In weddings, there's a trending song these days, "Meko Eho Ta Dasa" by Tanvir Tanzeen. This song has become quite popular, especially in Saraiki weddings. If we look at its lyrics, they are quite profound. Another song that you might have heard is "Chitta Chola." It is a must-play at Saraiki weddings, and people from other cultures also incorporate it into their celebrations, enjoying the music.

Host: Yes, we do enjoy them. Alright, if we talk about Saraiki poets, can you mention some names if there are any?

Speaker: When it comes to Saraiki poets, two names that come to my mind are Dr. Shakir Shujabadi and Khawaja Ghulam Farid. Dr. Shakir Shujabadi has contributed significantly to the Saraiki language, both in prose and poetry. He has written books that are quite famous. Khawaja Ghulam Farid, on the other hand, was a prominent Saraiki poet who worked extensively in Sufi poetry in the Saraiki language. His works, which include books, are widely recognized and celebrated.

Host: Fantastic! So, you brought up Dr. Shakir Shujabadi. Now, I'm intrigued! Was he a medical marvel, or does the "Dr." come from an honorary title in Saraiki? What's the story behind that? Enlighten us!

Speaker: Yes, he did receive an honorary degree in Saraiki. Although he wasn't a medical doctor, he was honoured with a degree in recognition of his significant contributions to the Saraiki language. Additionally, he has also been awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz for his outstanding achievements, which is a notable honour.

Host: Interesting! So, are there different dialects within the Saraiki language? Like, someone might be using a different word for the same thing?

Speaker: Exactly! While the entire sentence may not change, there are some words that vary across different Saraiki dialects. For example, in standard language, we say "main anda piya haan" (I am coming), but in some areas, they might say "main ammda piya haan," and others, especially those from certain regions, might use "main laga anda haan." So, while the whole sentence doesn't undergo a makeover, you'll catch variations in the words they choose.

Host: So, not much difference. Alright, Yasir, do you have any inspirational proverbs or sayings in your language, any particular expressions or idioms that come to mind?

Speaker: Absolutely! At the moment, two motivational sayings come to my mind. One is "Jitna gur peyso, utna meetha theese," which means the harder you work, the sweeter the reward. Another one is "Jindy ghr dany, unde kamly we siyanay," which translates to "The one with wealth and assets is not considered crazy."

Host: Alright, let's dive into your local festivals and traditions. What are some of the prominent festivals or events celebrated in Bahawalpur or the surrounding areas?

Speaker: There are numerous festivals celebrated here, but one that stands out is the "Channan Peer ka Mela." It's a grand festival that spans seven Thursdays, with the 5th Thursday being the most significant. On this day, a massive fair takes place, attracting people from all cities and provinces. People come to witness the cultural richness, and you can find all sorts of items related to their traditions. As I mentioned, the 5th Thursday is crucial, and it's even declared a local holiday, allowing people to fully participate in the festivities.

Host: So, it holds significant meaning for the people. Now, let's shift gears a bit. Tell us about the local crafts or handicrafts that are quite famous there, especially those that we listen are exported to other countries as well?

Speaker: Absolutely! In areas like Rohi, where resources are limited, the women are incredibly hardworking. You might have heard about the making of "chunri" (a type of scarf). The females there are involved in the entire process of making chunri. They create the whole piece, which is then sent to the markets in Bahawalpur and beyond.

Host: yes yes it is done quite intricately

Speaker: Additionally, if you visit the inner bazaars of Bahawalpur, you'll find various small-scale crafts, like embroidery work and other intricate designs, all created by the skilled hands of local artisans. So, there's a lot to explore and purchase if you're interested in local crafts.

Host: Alright, Yasir, if you had a couple of days to take a friend on a road trip to showcase your culture, where would you stop, and what would you want to highlight?

Speaker: First and foremost, when they arrive, there's so much to see. As I mentioned, it's the city of Nawabs, so we'd start with the grand festivals, the Derawar Fort, and the Abbasi Mosque. The Derawar Fort is quite special; it's a massive structure with its unique charm. Besides that, we have the Cholistan Desert, the Lal Sohanra National Park, and a canal on both sides where people can enjoy boating. In the national park, there are camping facilities, restrooms, and even rare species of deer. It's a complete package for promoting tourism and showcasing our cultural richness.

Host: You mentioned Derawar Fort; can you tell us more about its specialty or any interesting facts that the general public might not know?

Speaker: The Derawar Fort was constructed in the 9th century by King Rai Jajja Bhatti of India. It's a misconception that Nawab Sadiq recently built it; in reality, it has a rich historical background. When Nawab Sadiq and his family came into power, they used the fort for their residence. The structure is quite intriguing with minarets on its walls, which were used for military purposes. In front of the fort, there were cannons for defensive measures. Inside the fort, there are offices, a water tank, beautiful rooms, and even a gallows area.

Every Thursday, Nawab Sadiq held court in the fort, addressing various issues. The gallows area was used for executions, and Nawab Sadiq himself conducted them. The basement of the fort has tunnels, including a separate railway tunnel, which was used for commuting within Bahawalpur. Another tunnel served as a safe zone in case of an attack, allowing a secure exit.

Host: Let's talk about the artifacts in Noor Mahal and Sadiq Garh Palace. Are all the artifacts preserved there?

Speaker: Yes, if you visit Noor Mahal, you'll find that all the artifacts are well-preserved. Noor Mahal is currently under the control of the Pakistan Army, and while you need special permission to visit other places like Gulzar Mahal and Darbar Mahal, visiting Noor Mahal is relatively easier. Notably, some significant items in Noor Mahal remain intact, such as Nawab Sadiq's piano, his royal attire, and swords. There are numerous pictures on the walls, but only one is authentic, featuring Nawab Sadiq (5), while the others are imaginative.

Everything used in constructing Noor Mahal and Sadiq Garh Palace, including furniture, marble, and costly stones, was imported from Italy and Britain. Not a single item was sourced locally. Additionally, the upper portion of Noor Mahal has grand rooms, but currently, there is no permission to access them as the items inside remain as they were, including beds and dressing tables.

Host: Alright, now tell us something about Nawab Sadiq that you think people might not know, some intriguing stories or aspects of his history.

Speaker: Nawab Sadiq has many famous stories, but one that stands out is about his Rolls Royce. Once, he visited a showroom in casual attire and expressed his desire to buy a Rolls Royce. The salesman, unaware of his identity, said that such cars were not affordable for common people. Undeterred, Nawab Sadiq returned to his hotel, changed into his royal attire, and sent the Bahawalpur army personnel to the showroom, revealing his true status. He then ordered six Rolls Royce cars for Bahawalpur, and when they arrived, he had brooms attached to them on all sides and cleaned the entire city.

When the news reached the owner, he personally visited Nawab Sadiq, apologized, and gifted him six Rolls Royce cars.

Nawab Sadiq has also made significant contributions to education, establishing institutions like Sadiq Egerton College and Sadiq Public School, which was a renowned boarding school. Additionally, he founded an Islamic madrasa and played a crucial role in building the Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital. The hospital's opening ceremony was supposed to be attended by Queen Victoria, but due to an emergency, her Viceroy was sent instead. A fascinating fact is that in Bahawalpur, there is a fountain at Fawara Chowk, and the fountain in Bahawalpur is one of only two in the world. The other one is in Britain. Both were gifts from Queen Victoria, and interestingly, they are made of silver.

Host: So, how is its maintenance handled?

Speaker: Yes, it has been operated again after a while. It occasionally faces issues but is currently running. Oh, and I'd like to share another interesting fact. Nawab Sadiq gifted one of his Rolls Royce cars to Quaid-e-Azam when he took the oath after the creation of Pakistan. You can find pictures in old newspapers or channels when Quaid-e-Azam visited Nawab Sadiq. They shared a deep friendship, and after the partition, Nawab Sadiq knew that people didn't have much money, and there were no reserves. So, during that time, government employees were given a six-month salary from Nawab Sadiq's treasury.

Host: Alright. What about the monogram of Bahawalpur? Do you have any information about it?

Speaker: The monogram represents the Bahawalpur State, and the birds depicted in it are pelicans, which happen to be the national bird of Bahawalpur. Nawab Sadiq admired pelicans because of their unique trait. If pelican chicks don't get food, the parent pelican would tap its own beak on the neck, regurgitate some meat, and feed the chicks. Eventually, when the time comes, if no food is available, the pelican sacrifices itself. Inspired by this, Nawab Sadiq chose the pelican as the national bird and included it in the state's monogram. Interestingly, Bahawalpur had its own currency with coins featuring Noor Mahal. The number plates in Bahawalpur used to have "BWP" written in red, and if you look at Quaid's pictures, you'll also see "BWP" there.

Host: Seems like we'll have to plan a visit to Bahawalpur! Thank you, Yasir. It was a pleasure talking to you, and I hope the information you shared will make our project quite special.