BAHAWALPUR: The 57th death anniversary of Nawab Muhammad Sadiq Khan Abbasi V, the last emir of Bahawalpur, was solemnly observed across the Bahawalpur division on Wednesday.

A local holiday was observed for the first time in three districts of the division: Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan. All government offices and educational institutions under the administrative control of the Punjab government remained closed as a mark of respect. Quran Khawani was held in important mosques throughout the division.

A significant and historic event, taking place for the first time in 57 years since the passing of the Nawab was the presentation of a guard of honour at his grave located inside the `Shahi Qabrastan` near the iconic but agingDerawar Fort, approximately 70 kilometres from Bahawalpur in Cholistan.

Governor Baligh-r Rehman and PMl-N leaders laid floral wreaths on the late Nawab`s grave and offered prayers.

He expressed his admiration for the late Nawab`s contributions and acknowledged his presence on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

He praised the initiative in paying homage to the late Nawab by organising the first-ever guard of honour at his grave and laying floral wreaths at Shahi Qabristan. Prior to this, a Quran Khawani was held at the historic mosque built of marble at Derawar Fort, which is over a century old.

A commemorative function was organised at the Bahawalpur District Bar, where president Hamid Akhtar, secretary Abid Ali Qureshi, and others paid their respects to the late Nawab for his services to the cause of Pakistan.

Similar functions were held at the Bahawalpur Press Club, where formerparliamentarian Syed Tabish Alwari, Kissan Board chief Jam Hazoor Bal(h, and othersexpressed theirgratitude to the late Nawab. Numerous social organizations also organised such events.

The Bahawalpur Museum hosted an exhibition showcasing the late Nawab`s historical pictures, former state coins, stamps, Shahi caps, defunct state monograms, and other valuable artefacts, attracting a large crowd. The director of the museum, Muhammad Zubair Rabbani, and his staff members delivered speeches on the occasion.

RE-ARRESTED: The police rearrested 58 Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf activists, who were released from jail after the Bahawalpur Bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered their release on Tuesday.

According to PTI lawyers, the rearrested PTI activists included 19 from Bahawalpur and 39 from Lodhran. PTI lawyers said the police would producethe re-arrested workers in court to seek their remand.

ANTI-FLOOD DRILL: Rescue 1122 conducted pre-monsoon anti-flood emergency exercises in a local canal on Wednesday.

A large number of rescuers, led by District Emergency Officer Baqir Husain, demonstrated drowning scenarlos and their rescue techniques, including the transportation of victims to hospitals.

The rescue office also set up stalls displaying life-saving materials and various types of boats, such as modern water boats, inflatable boats, life jackets, and rings. Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Anwar Jappa, the chief guest, received a briefing about these resources.

The exercise involved the participation of various district departments, including health, civil defense, irrigation, municipal corporation, and livestock, among others.