Rs1.25b set aside for facilities at Rohtas Fort

The Punjab government has allocated Rs1.25 billion for the provision of quality tourism facilities and rehabilitation of roads around Rohtas Fort.

Under the provincial government’s plan for the protection and restoration of historical heritages, the second largest fort in Pakistan, which has historical significance, will be equipped with modern tourism facilities.

The 12-door fort is spread over 12 acres in Jhelum district and its past is enriched with historical tales.

The special entrance to the fort from GT Road is attributed to Khawas Khan Marwat, the brave general and eloquent son of Sher Shah Suri while the door near the canteen and well is reminiscent of the glass gate decorated with the bright blue bricks of its time.

Read CM’s adviser for provision of facilities at Rohtas Fort

Every single stone on the forts’ wall bears witness to the battle of Sher Shah Suri and the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. The “Talaq” (divorce) door, according to the legends, is named after the Syrian prince’s divorce.

These are just a few of the historical facts hidden in the fort as the journey from Khawas Khani to Sohail Gate introduces the tourists to many more chronicles.

However, over time and because of the inattention of governments, this heritage of historical significance has begun to lose its charm and lure.

Adviser to Punjab Chief Minister Asif Mehmood said that Rs1.25 billion has been allocated to improve condition of this historic fort and to benefit the economy of the region.

He said that the services of eminent craftsmen of the country would be sought for this project. This includes maintenance of Sher Shah Suri museum, gallery, solar panels, tourist information centre and access roads to the fort.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2021.