A 16th-century Mughal-era monument in Rehara village, near Islamabad, has been demolished to make way for a private housing society, marking another significant loss of Pakistan’s cultural heritage.
The destruction comes just days after a British-era World War I memorial was reportedly razed, raising serious concerns about the preservation of historic sites in the capital region.
The structure, built during the reign of Emperor Akbar, was constructed with limestone and sandstone and was considered the oldest surviving ruin in the area. Archaeologists and heritage experts have stressed that the building held immense historical and architectural value, offering insight into Mughal construction techniques and regional history.
The Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) had repeatedly reached out to the Capital Development Authority since 2020, requesting records and protection measures for the site. However, officials say that these requests went unanswered, leaving the monument vulnerable to private development projects.
DOAM has formally reported the incident to the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger legal safeguards and enforcement to prevent similar losses in the future.
Heritage experts have warned that the demolition reflects a growing trend of neglect and encroachment on historical sites, which risks erasing centuries of cultural memory.
Activists are now calling for immediate legislation and monitoring mechanisms to protect remaining Mughal-era and colonial-era structures, ensuring that Pakistan’s rich architectural history is preserved for future generations.
The incident highlights the tension between urban development and heritage conservation, underscoring the need for stricter policies and public awareness.
