Historical Relics In Capital's Surroundings At Verge Of Ruining

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st july,2016) : The famous archeological sites of Pharwala Fort, Sarai Kharbooza (Melon Inn) and Rawat Fort located in the surroundings of Federal capital are in dilapidated condition due to the negligence of the authorities concerned and need to be preserved on urgent basis. The historical `Pharwala Fort' located on the left bank of Soan River about 40 km from federal capital on the Keral Hills on 4079.15 kanals is ruining due to natural and human destructive forces, the official source revealed.

The fort is about five kilometers North of Aliote village on Kahuta Road was constructed in 11th century by Sultan Kaigohar Gakhar. It had total seven gates, of which only three namely Soan, Lashkari and Hathi exist but not in good shape.

Keeping in view its archeological and historical importance, the fort was declared as a protected monument under Antiquities Act 1975 by the Ministry of Culture. The fort comes under the jurisdiction of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) after the devolution under the 18th Constitutional Amendment and no step has been taken since then for its preservation by the ICT authorities, the source said.

Most of the structure of the fort is in much dilapidated condition while some parts of the interior of the fort is occupied by the modern houses of the villagers and rest of the area is used for cultivation purpose.

About Sarai Kharboza (Melon Inn), the source said that this site, carrying great historical significance, is also in dilapidated condition. Recently its outer wall was damaged by some private constructions after which the authorities took action to stop this activity. No one is taking the responsibility to preserve this site due to its unclear status after 18th amendment of the constitution, the source said. Besides these, the majestic Rawat Fort which is located about 18km east of Rawalpindi on G.T.

Road is also decaying due to non preservation. According to traditions, Rawat Fort was built by the Ghakkar tribe in 16th century. The region is also said to have been the battleground between the Ghakkar chief Sultan Sarang Khan and Sher Shah Suri in 1546 AD.

The officials of Department of Archeology and Museums (DOAM) when contacted said that the authority had forwarded proposals to the concerned ministry for preservation of decaying sites in capital. However no green signal has been received yet by the authorities to preserve these sites.