016. Pharwala Fort - Islamabad

Ever heard of Pharwala? Maybe not. Though it's not far from Islamabad, it's often overlooked. So next time you’re planning an excursion, consider visiting it. Pharwala Fort is situated just 18 kilometers from the old airport signal on Islamabad Highway. After traveling about 2.5 kilometers toward Rawat, turn left onto Mehfooz Shaheed Road and continue eastward for 16 kilometers. You’ll arrive at Bagh Jogian, the nearest village to Pharwala Fort. From there, you'll need to walk about half a kilometer to reach the fort, which lies on the eastern bank of the Soan River.

The fort spans approximately 36 acres and is situated on elevated ground at 33° 37' 14" N, 73° 18' 02" E. As expected, the structure is in a dilapidated state — virtually a ruin. A few gates still stand and could potentially be restored to their original condition, though most of the fort's walls have crumbled.

Pharwala Fort has a long and rich history. It was once the capital of Hathi Khan Ghakhar’s dynasty. In 1519, Babur attacked the fort; although Hathi Khan was defeated, he later became an ally of the Mughals. The fort went into rapid decline after 1819 AD, when it was captured by the Sikhs.

Probably a tomb, on the way to Pharwala Fort. (5.4.2009.)

A distant view of a gate of the fort. (5.4.2009.)

View of another gate. (5.4.2009.)

Pharwala Fort across the river Soan. (5.4.2009.) 

River Soan. (5.4.2009.)

A portion of the wall of the fort. (5.4.2009.)

It's me in front of the fort. (5.4.2009.)

You will have to pass through the Soan, as Nasir sahib is doing. (5.4.2009.)

An imposing gate, the best maintained among all the fort’s entrances. (5.4.2009.)

North eastern wall. (5.4.2009.)

 A very old graveyard in the fort. (5.4.2009.)

 View from the north eastern corner, the highest point in the fort. (5.4.2009.)

Another gate of the fort. (5.4.2009.)

A gate on the south-eastern corner of the fort. (5.4.2009.)

Another view of the above-mentioned gate. (5.4.2009.)

Southern wall of the fort. (5.4.2009.)

 An old grave in the fort. (5.4.2009.)

Inside the fort. (5.4.2009.)

View of a gate from inside. (5.4.2009.)

A view from the south west. (5.4.2009.)

A closer view of the same gate. (5.4.2009.)

The Gakhars of this region were brave, resilient, and warlike people. They played a significant role in the history of this area — and indeed the whole of North Punjab, sometimes even exerting influence as far as Lahore. From the days of Mahmud of Ghazni to the rise of Sikh power, the Gakhars consistently shaped the course of events in this region. This vast and strongly built fort served as their capital. It is a huge fort, with strong stone-built walls stretching over 1.5 kilometers and enclosing an area of nearly 33 acres.

Another important landmark associated with the Gakhars is the Rawat Fort, located near Rawalpindi. You can find more details about it at the following link:

057. Rawat Fort

A few families live inside the fort in modest homes. There is also an old graveyard within the fort. Most of the land is covered with vegetation, giving it a wild and overgrown appearance. The northeastern corner is situated at a considerable height.

The fort is in urgent need of repair, as it is rapidly crumbling. If properly restored, publicized, and equipped with basic facilities, it could easily be transformed into a recreational site and picnic spot. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, with the Soan River flowing along its western side.

Schools and colleges could organize trips here, both as picnics and educational tours. I wonder how long we shall continue to neglect our history and heritage.

Tariq Amir

May 22, 2014.

Doha - Qatar 

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