ISLAMABAD: The historical Pharwala Fort located on the left bank of Soan River, about 40 kilometres from the federal capital on the Keral Hills, has turned into ruins due to the negligence of departments concerned.

The fort, about five kilometres north of Aliote village on Kahuta Road, was constructed in the 11th century by Sultan Kaigohar Gakhar. It has a total area of 4,079.15 kanals.

There were seven gates, of which only three - Soan, Lashkari and Hathi - exist today but they are also in a dilapidated shape.

Keeping its archeological and historical importance in view, the fort was declared as a protected monument under the Antiquities Act 1975 by the ministry of culture.

According to an official source, after the devolution under the 18th constitutional amendment the fort came under the jurisdiction of the Islamabad capital territory administration but so far no step has been taken for its preservation.

After the destruction of the fort by the Sikh rulers, it was left deserted. With the passage of time its structure gradually decayed due to natural and human destructive forces, turning it into ruins.

Later, local people occupied the fort and removed its bricks and sandstone blocks for the construction of their houses.

Most of the structure of the fort is in a dilapidated condition while some parts of its interior are occupied by houses constructed by the villagers. Some of the fort area is also being used for cultivation purposes.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2016