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 Dawn the building’s above-ground arch (façade) and the remaining structure (the 8×4.5 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
A departmental team that later visited the site found that the remnants of the historical structure, which are clearly visible in photographs taken earlier, had been entirely wiped out.
According to documents seen by Dawn, DOAM had written to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), which is the developing partner of the housing scheme, to provide records that would enable the department to protect the historical sites.
DOAM claimed it had been writing to CDA’s revenue department since 2020, seeking a record of the war memorial and a few other historical sites, including the Mughal-era Rehara structure.
“The CDA has not once responded to the numerous letters DOAM has written in the last six years,” an official from the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture told Dawn.
Dawn reached out to CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiyani. After initially seeking time to prepare a response, the spokesperson did not answer further queries or provide a comment.
Interestingly, a number of DOAM officials when approached for their comments remained tight-lipped on the issue. A senior official, however, requesting anonymity, said that a report of the destruction of the monuments had been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office a couple of days ago.
It is worth noting that DOAM has also taken a U-turn on the felling of the World War I monument, saying that it was not protected under the Antiquities Act 1975 and, therefore, a no-objection certificate (NOC) was not required for tearing it down.
Earlier, DOAM had claimed that it did not permit CDA to demolish the monuments.
The department said that although the monument was located within Islamabad Capital Territory, efforts were being made to bring it under formal protection. However, due to the non-availability of required finances and other legal prerequisites, the memorial could not be notified as a protected site.
“Nevertheless, the monument possesses cultural and historical significance. In line with internationally recognised best practices for commemorative and historical structures, DOAM was consulted and provided advisory guidance to let first protect the monument under the Antiquities Act 1975, but it was not done.
The department emphasised that any handling of the memorial should be undertaken with due care, dignity, and conservation sensitivity to preserve and safeguard its historical value,” DOAM had said in its statement earlier, adding, “It is better to re-erect the monument at the same place with grace and dignity as it was erected for the same village of Rehara”.
Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2026
