The Noor Mahal (Punjabi, Urdu: نور محل) is a Pakistan Army-owned palace in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan. It was built in 1872 like an Italian chateau on neoclassical lines, at a time when modernism had set in. It belonged to the Nawabs of Bahawalpur during the British Raj and up until 1955, when the state was formally merged into West Pakistan.[1] There are various stories regarding its construction. According to the sources Nawab Sir Sadiq Abbasi built the Palace for himself.[2]
Noor Mehal is one of the hidden gems of Bahawalpur, due to the lack of publicity. The palace is open to public. It is currently in the possession of the Pakistan Army and is used as a state guest house for holding state durbars and meetings with foreign delegations. The Nawab was used to occasionally conduct cabinet sessions in Noor Mahal when he was in power.[3]