Derelict Poonch House in desperate need of uplift

The condition of the Poonch House on Rawalpindi’s Adamjee Road, once a majestic palatial rest house belonging to rulers of Kashmir, has continued to deteriorate as it serves as an office for the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan.

A handful of officials congregate in one of the halls of the mansion that once covered an area of almost 40 kanals. Now, its limited to only a few kanals as most of the adjoining area has been taken over by encroachers. Most of the rooms inside the mansion locked and covered in dust.

The structure was built in 1897 by the ruler of Pooch, Raja Moti Singh. When Poonch became a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Poonch House became the property of the ruler of Kashmir Maharaja Gulab Singh and served as a rest house for the Dogra dynasty.

Sinch independence, it has been under the Kashmir ministry. In the past, it served as a rest house for kings and princes, an office and home for prime ministers of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and even housed military courts during the reign of General Ziaul Haq.

Back in the day, the building provided an innovative blend of European and Indian architecture. The main complex consisted of courtyards, balconies, and separate living quarters for employees.

The main hall housed a court and hosted grand parties. The walls were embellished with intricate artwork and beautifully carved wooden balconies sat three to four feet from the lawns. A large-sized wooden grill in the balcony of the lower chamber separated the women’s quarters.

The entire building was painted in pristine white although that colour has faded over the years. The side lawns and backyards of the mansion are heavily encroached by wild bushes and grass. The maharaja’s chamber was at one point serving as a sleeping room for employees.

According to a senior officer of the archaeology department, the mansion is a heritage site. Under the heritage laws of UNESCO, it is a crime to use any archaeological site as government office or rest house.

Meanwhile, the mansion is also serving as a location for photoshoots, with employees renting out the premises. It was not clear whether the proceeds from the photoshoots were used for the upkeep of the mansion or were pocketed by those working there.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2023.