Saraikistan, proposed new province of Pakistan
Saraikistan is a proposed administrative region in South Punjab, Pakistan, that would include the divisions of Bahawalpur, Multan, and Dera Gazi Khan. It is home to the Saraiki-speaking population, who seek their own local administration with offices in cities like Multan and Bahawalpur.
The movement for a separate administrative region started in the 1970s when Saraiki speakers began asking for their language to be officially recognized. Since 2012, regional assemblies and national authorities have repeatedly discussed and supported the idea.
The people here speak Saraiki as their main language and maintain distinct traditions, music, and crafts. This language and local culture set them apart from other parts of Punjab and form a core part of how residents see themselves.
Visitors can explore the main administrative centers in Multan and Bahawalpur, where local offices operate. The best time to visit is during cooler months when the heat is less intense.
In 2020, a separate Civil Secretariat was established for South Punjab, marking the first concrete administrative structure for the region. This step shows that plans for recognizing Saraikistan are making practical progress.
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