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Published 08 May, 2004 12:00am

BAHAWALPUR: Auction of Nawab's vehicles tomorrow

BAHAWALPUR, May 7: A fleet of about 23 vehicles of the late Nawab of Bahawalpur Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi is to be disposed of through a family auction on Sunday.

Except some cars and out-dated wagons, most of fleet's vehicles are reportedly no more than a scrap, which will be put for auction within the legal heirs. In addition, there are also several buggis, which might be distributed mutually among the legal heirs.

During a visit to Sadiqgarh Palace on Thursday, it was learnt that according to 1969 inventory of the government there were eight Rolls Royce cars, two Cadillac, one Jaguar and one Renault. Now, only six Rolls Royce cars along with the other costly cars are garaged for auction.

Some of the legal heirs allege that two Rolls Royce cars are missing and they will likely to point out their alleged disappearance at the time of auction. Besides, there are two Iraqi Ford wagons, which have the provision of beds for taking rest.

It is learnt that the late Nawab would use these wagons during his road journey for performing Haj in the late 40's. The late Nawab would use only one Rolls Royce car while the others were reserved for the Viceroy of India, British Queen, monarchs, rulers and maharajas of states visiting the Bahawalpur state.

The buggis were also used on ceremonial occasions by the late Nawab. It was further learnt that the Rolls Royce and other costly cars were purchased by the late Nawab around 1937.

The fleet has also some trucks of the late Nawab's army but these are now in a bad shape. The government officials concerned have refused to disclose the exact number of vehicles of the Nawab's fleet, saying that it will be clear on Sunday at the time of restricted auction.

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