Bahawalpur: The Cholistan Development Authority (CDA) celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Golden Jubilee ceremony held at the CDA Office, where Commissioner Bahawalpur Division Irfan Ali Kathia called for institutional reforms, greater public-private partnerships, and renewed efforts to unlock the region’s development potential.
The ceremony was attended by MPA Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood Jajja, PML-N leader Chaudhry Saad Masood, Managing Director Cholistan Development Authority Shahid Hassan Kalyani, senior officials, employees, and members of civil society.
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia said that while every institution has room for improvement, the Cholistan Development Authority has yet to fully realize the vast potential of its 6.6 million acres of land. He stressed that redefining institutional priorities is essential to achieving meaningful progress. He emphasized the need to introduce public-private partnership projects to generate sustainable revenue and identified tourism as one of Cholistan’s strongest untapped economic opportunities.
The commissioner also underlined the need to recruit additional patwaris to improve land administration and assured the authority of full support from the Commissioner’s Office.
The Commissioner further urged the authority to adopt modern administrative reforms, focus on resolving the problems faced by Cholistan residents, and give due attention to employees’ service-related matters to enhance institutional performance.
Speaking on the occasion, MPA Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood Jajja observed that although land had been allotted in Cholistan over the past five decades, the longstanding issue of water availability remained unresolved. He stressed the importance of collective efforts to strengthen the authority so that the people of Cholistan could fully benefit from development initiatives.
PML-N leader Chaudhry Saad Masood said the development of Cholistan remained a priority of the Punjab government. He called for coordinated efforts among all relevant institutions to modernize the authority and reaffirmed continued support for sustainable development, public welfare, and institutional capacity building. Delivering the welcome address, Managing Director Shahid Hassan Kalyani highlighted the authority’s five decades of service, major development initiatives, and future goals for the region.
The event also featured cultural exhibitions showcasing Cholistan’s rich heritage and traditional craftsmanship. Guests visited stalls displaying Salari shawls, woolen Flasi rugs made from goat and camel wool, Ralli quilts, handicrafts crafted from date palm leaves, and traditional Chunri textiles. The visitors appreciated the craftsmanship and described these cultural products as an important symbol of the region’s identity. The ceremony concluded with performances of traditional Cholistani folk and Marwari music by local artists, which received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
