Saddar Rawalpindi is the main commercial hub of Rawalpindi Cantonment, a military-administered area that was established by the British in the 19th century.
Graana.com has prepared a guide on the area below, including its history, location and attractions.
History of Saddar Rawalpindi
The word “Saddar” means “centre” or “headquarters” in Urdu, and it reflects the importance of this area as the administrative and commercial centre of Rawalpindi Cantonment. The cantonment was established by the British after they annexed Punjab in 1849, following the Second Anglo-Sikh War.
The British chose Rawalpindi as their northern command headquarters because of its strategic location and favourable climate. They built a network of roads, railways, barracks, hospitals, churches, schools and other facilities to accommodate their troops and officials.
The developers established Saddar Rawalpindi as the primary business district of the cantonment to serve the needs of both the British and locals. The district housed shops, markets, banks, hotels, and cinemas. The buildings in the area reflect the colonial architecture of that era.
For instance, Gakhar Plaza, which dates back to 1915, was designed as a shopping mall and cinema hall. Another significant building is the General Post Office (GPO), which was built in 1887 and still functions as the primary postal service center of the city.
The area also witnessed some important historical events in Pakistan’s history. In 1951, a group of leftist army officers plotted to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan in what is known as the Rawalpindi Conspiracy Case.
The plot was foiled by the intelligence agencies, and the conspirators were arrested and tried. In 1951, Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated by a lone gunman at Company Bagh (now Liaquat Bagh), a public park near Saddar Rawalpindi. The park is now a memorial site for the slain leader.
Location of Saddar Rawalpindi
It is located in the centre of the city, between Mall Road and the main railway lines that connect Rawalpindi with other parts of the country. It is about 15 km away from Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, and you can easily access it by road or metro bus.
Saddar Rawalpindi covers an area of about 5 square kilometres and has a population of around 200,000 people. It has several major roads running through it, such as Mall Road, Bank Road, Haider Road, Adamjee Road, Kashmir Road, Canning Road and Harding Road. These roads are named after prominent British officials or landmarks in the area.
Landmarks
Saddar Rawalpindi is home to many historic landmarks, each with its own unique story. Some of the most notable ones in the area include:
Rawalpindi Railway Station
The Rawalpindi Railway Station is one of the most iconic landmarks in Saddar. Built in the late 19th century, the station is a striking example of the British colonial architecture of the time. It is still in use today and serves as a major transportation hub.
Raja Bazaar
Raja Bazaar is the main shopping district in the area. It is popular for its bustling markets, where vendors sell everything from clothing and electronics to fresh produce and spices.
Liaquat Bagh
Liaquat Bagh is a public park located in the centre of Saddar Rawalpindi. The name of park is after Liaquat Ali Khan, and is a popular destination among families and friends.
Ayub National Park
Ayub National Park is a large public park located on the outskirts of Saddar Rawalpindi. The park spans over 2,300 acres, and is a popular destination for picnics, hiking, and outdoor activities. It features a lake, an amusement park, and a golf course as well.
Army Museum
The Army Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves military history. The museum features exhibits on Pakistan’s military history, including its involvement in various conflicts and wars. The museum also has a large collection of weapons, uniforms, and other military artefacts.
Jinnah Park
Jinnah Park is another popular park that has a number of attractions: it has a mega multiplex cinema, a McDonald’s outlet, an amusement park, a cricket stadium, and a jogging track. It is also home to the famous Pearl Continental Hotel.
Attractions of Saddar Rawalpindi
Here are some of the highlights of Saddar Rawalpindi that you should not miss:
Shopping
You can find everything from local handicrafts to branded garments to electronic gadgets in this neighbourhood. Some of the most famous shopping places here are Gakhar Plaza, Singapore Plaza, Raja Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Chota Bazaar and Imperial Market.
Dining Options
You can find many restaurants in Sadar, selling everything from traditional Pakistani cuisine to fast food. Following are some of the most popular dining spots in Saddar.
Mei Kong
This is one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in Rawalpindi – and for good reason. The food is delicious, the portions are generous, and the service is fast and friendly. You can find all kinds of soups, noodles, rice, chicken, beef, seafood, and vegetarian dishes on their menu. Some of their specialties include hot and sour soup, chicken Manchurian, and Szechuan beef. The restaurant is spacious and well-decorated, with a cosy ambience.
Savour Foods
If you are craving some authentic Pakistani pulao (rice cooked with meat and spices), then you must visit Savour Foods. This is one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in Rawalpindi, and it attracts hundreds of customers every day.
The pulao is served with chicken pieces, raita (yoghurt sauce), salad, and shami kebab (minced meat patties). You can also try their other dishes like chicken karahi (spicy chicken curry), chicken shawarma (grilled chicken wrap), and chicken biryani (rice cooked with chicken and spices).
Bala Tikka House
This is another great place to enjoy some delicious barbecue and Pakistani cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its tikka (large pieces of grilled chicken). The meat is tender, juicy, and flavourful.
You can also order other items like mutton karahi (spicy mutton curry), chicken handi (chicken cooked in a clay pot), daal (lentil soup), naan (flatbread), and paratha (layered bread). The restaurant has a simple and clean interior, with comfortable seating and friendly staff.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Saddar Rawalpindi is a vibrant commercial and cultural hub that offers something for everyone. It is a great place to experience the traditional culture, sample delicious food, and explore the city’s rich history and heritage. If you are planning a trip to Rawalpindi, be sure to visit this area and experience all that it has to offer.
FAQs
Q: What is Saddar Rawalpindi?
A: It is a commercial and residential area located in the city of Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Q: How do I get to Saddar Rawalpindi?
A: It is easily accessible by public transport, such as buses, taxis, rickshaws, and metro bus service.
Q: What are some of the best places to visit in Saddar Rawalpindi?
A: Some of the popular attractions here include Raja Bazar, Liaquat Bagh, Army Museum etc.
Q: What are some of the best places to eat in Saddar Rawalpindi?
A: It has a variety of restaurants and eateries that cater to different tastes and budgets. Some of the famous ones are: Savour Foods, Usmania Restaurant, and Chaaye Khana.
Q: What are some of the best places to shop in Saddar Rawalpindi?
A: Some of the notable markets here are Singapore Plaza, Moti Bazaar, Kashmiri Bazaar.
Q: What are some of the best places to stay in Saddar Rawalpindi?
A: There are many hotels in Rawalpindi that offer comfortable accommodation and a line-up of amenities. Some of the well-known ones are Pearl Continental Hotel, Shalimar Hotel, and Flashman’s Hotel.
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