With a history dating back around 5,000 years, Rahim Yar Khan is an ancient city in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It was once part of the Mughal Empire’s Multan province and was previously known as “Naushehra” before being renamed after the first-born son of Nawab of Bahawalpur.
Things to do in Rahimyar Khan
In the heart of Rahim Yar Khan is the Town Hall, a striking, red-brick building with a soaring clock tower. It overlooks a landscaped park with tree-lined walking trails and plenty of benches for watching the world go by. On the other side of the Town Hall is City Park with its lakeside mosque and jogging trail.
On the southwestern outskirts of the city is Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Park where you can get up close to deer, monkeys and peacocks. There are several grassy areas with children’s play equipment, as well as food concessions selling drinks and snacks. Combine your visit with a stop at Ittehad City’s replica Eiffel Tower, which is beautifully illuminated at night.
A short drive south of Rahim Yar Khan is Pattan Minara, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist monastery and fortress complex. It is believed by some archaeologists to have been established by Alexander the Great as a military garrison to keep a watch on the local tribes. In the 19th century, excavations were ordered by Colonel Minchin, who had heard that treasure was buried in Pattan Minara’s tunnels.
Getting around Rahimyar Khan
Shaikh Zayed International Airport is a 10-minute drive from the centre of Rahim Yar Khan and has flights to destinations across Pakistan. Trains connect from major cities across the country to the Rahim Yar Khan railway station and buses travel throughout the city. Rickshaws are readily available for getting around.