Rai Ali Nawaz Shaheed Remembered on His 37th Death Anniversary in Chichawatni

By Rana Abdul Latif, Correspondent – Daily Pakistan Lahore

The 37th death anniversary of Rai Ali Nawaz Shaheed was observed in Chichawatni with deep respect and devotion. A Quran recitation and special prayers were offered for the departed soul. Rai Ali Nawaz Shaheed was a former MPA, Provincial Minister, and Chairman of the Municipal Committee Chichawatni. He was the father of current MPA Rai Murtaza Iqbal Advocate and the brother of Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan, Chairman Standing Committee on Railways.

Political Career and Leadership

Rai Ali Nawaz Shaheed played a pivotal role in Punjab’s political landscape. He was elected Chairman of the Chichawatni Municipal Committee three consecutive times in 1979, 1983, and 1987.

In the 1985 non-party general elections, he was elected MPA, while Rai Ahmad Nawaz Khan became MNA. Rai Ali Nawaz was later appointed as the Provincial Minister for Consolidation (Ishtehmaal).

Contributions to Chichawatni’s Development

Rai Ali Nawaz Shaheed is remembered for his unmatched services in the development of Chichawatni Tehsil. His efforts transformed the region and improved the lives of its residents.

Key Achievements:

• Granted ownership rights to residents of informal settlements (e.g., Goshalah, Faisal Colony, Darvesh Pura, Marzi Pura, Shams Pura, Mehr Abad, Ahmad Nagar).
• Elevated Chichawatni to tehsil status.
• Approved the 3-Marla housing scheme.
• Sanctioned the Head Bridge project.
• Secured classrooms for Chichawatni Degree College.
• Established Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Chowk and renamed the main square to Shuhada-e-Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Chowk.
• Developed a comprehensive road network across the tehsil.
• Built the Chichawatni Press Club.
• Upgraded Crescent Girls and Boys Colleges to graduate level.
• Converted many primary schools to middle and middle schools to high schools.
• Installed the first city-wide sewerage system.
• Oversaw construction of the THQ Chichawatni Hospital and Ghaziabad Hospital.
• Established the Chichawatni Municipal Library.

Religious and Cultural Impact

• Declared a local holiday on the martyrdom day of Caliph Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (R.A).
• Welcomed renowned religious scholars and leaders of the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat movement.
• Renamed city markets with Islamic names.
• Installed central lighting in Chichawatni for the first time.

Sports and Community Engagement

As President of the Punjab Kabaddi Association, he organized the first National Kabaddi Championship in Chichawatni. The event was graced by President General Zia-ul-Haq as the chief guest.

Untimely Demise Rai Ali Nawaz Shaheed tragically passed away in a car accident on May 24, 1988, at just 34 years old, while traveling from Chichawatni to Lahore. His legacy continues to inspire and his development projects still benefit the people of Chichawatni Tehsil.