Heritage of Pakistan

T he Sangni Fort, built at the junction of two small rivers near Suin Chemian village, north of Gujar Khan (Dist. Rawalpindi), is a remnant of the Mughal and Sikh period. According to historical references available, a small fort was constructed by a Mughal ruler and was called ‘Sangi’. Later, during the reign of Ranjeet Singh, this fort was reconstructed to strengthen the defences of the area and renamed, ‘Sangni’.  It also served as a jail during the rule of several Sikh rulers. The Sangni Fort also houses the remains of a great Muslim saint, Sahibzada Abdul Hakim. It was his desire to be buried at the fort where he used to meditate and pray. The locals visit his shrine built within the precincts of the fort, covering an area of 36 square yards.Despite its historical significance, the authorities concerned remain oblivion of the fort’s existence. They have failed to maintain this monument, which can serve as a tourist attraction and generate revenue for the government.The fo...

P harwala is a historic fort located about 40 km from Rawalpindi in Punjab, Pakistan. It is naturally defended by one side by a small Himalayan range and the other by the Swaan River.  It is a Gakhar fort built in the 15th century on the ruins of a 10th century Hindu ShahiFort. The Mughal Emperor Babur conquered the fort in 1519, however after the Mughals reconciled with the Gakhars the fort was returned to them. Later, in 1825, Sikhs expelled Gakhars from this fort. The fort is in a bad shape, being situated in the Kahuta area, is only open for Pakistani visitors.  A small community of Kaini Gakhar lives inside the fort these days. An old and huge Banyantree is also found inside the fort. There is no road and electricity for the fort .

This fort lies on the narrow top of a hillock in southern part of the Salt Range about 10 kilometers from Choa Sadien Shah. Maharaja Singh is said to have besieged this fort till the Janjua Sardar, Sultan Fateh Muhammad Khan surrendered to him.  The Janjua  Sultan of Watli, Sultan Fateh Muhammad Khan (descendant of Raja Jodh through Raja Sun Pal) opposed the Sikhs, holding them off for over 6 months in Kusuk Fort, Watli, for which Ranjit Singh gave the salt mines of Khewra and 40 villages to the Sultan as compensation.  His descendant, Sultan Raja Azmat Hayat served as a Member of the Provincial Assembly of Pakistan.  Upon his death on 15 February 2003 his son Sultan Raja Azam Hayat succeeded the estate of Kusak Fort.