Iqbal Manzil in Sialkot is 152 years old and was the birthplace of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

The historical building is in a shambles and continues to be neglected by the government of Pakistan. The broken doors, cracked walls and ceilings of the house speak volumes for the neglectful attitude of the authorities concerned. Iqbal’s belongings are rusting away and the third story is still closed for visitors as it has not been renovated.

A number of social organizations and NGOs drew attention of the local government towards this issue, but district politicians did nothing for the uplift of the rundown building.

There has been a marked decline in the number of visitors to this forgotten national heritage over the years. - Text and Photos by Mohsin Abbas