Mughal-era ruins razed to make way for private housing

ISLAMABAD:

Following the demolition of a World War I memorial in the capital, the remains of another Mughal-era building have also fallen victim to urban development. The remains of the 16th century historical building were situated roughly 200 meters from the British-era obelisk, at an archaeological site in Rehara village.

A few days ago, the World War I memorial that stood here was razed by developers to make way for a private housing society. According to the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM), the structure was possibly built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, and was the oldest historical ruin in this region.

A DOAM official told the building's above-ground arch (façade) and the remaining structure (the 8x4.5 meters main chamber and its 1.5 meters thick walls), constructed with limestone and sandstone blocks, which required careful excavation, had been demolished. Demolition comes days after British-era World War I monument was felled by developers in the same area.