A number of historical sites dot Rawalpindi, a city which has been inhabited for thousands of years. But hidden away in the maze of alleys in the old city, many of these sites remain undiscovered. Recently, a group of residents from Rawalpindi and Islamabad participated in a photo-walk to explore these hidden treasures. The participants gathered at the National College of Arts and boarded a colourfully decorated van, appropriately named ‘Disco Laari’ and travelled to the Sujan Singh Haveli in Bhabra Bazaar.

The panoramic view of the city from the top of the haveli fascinated the participants, which included both young and old, foreigners and locals. Walking around the old parts of the city, the participants came across a number of grand, historical buildings, testament to the city’s glorious past. The stops included the shrine of Sakhi Shah Chan Chiragh, a Muslim saint who preached the message of peace in the 18th century. Even today the shrine is an oasis of calm, in the clamour of the old city. The participants then made their way through the ever narrowing streets in Mohallah Shah Chan Chiragh, towards Purana Qilla Bazaar and finally reaching the Markazi Jamia Masjid on Jamia Masjid Road. Jamia Masjid is one of the most important landmarks of the city. Amjad Sial, a participant of the walk, who works in a private firm, said: “I am from Sindh and have been living in Islamabad for several years, but this is the first time I felt, I was really experiencing the city.” “The shrine of Shah Chan Chiragh reminded me of the Sufi shrines of Sindh,” he added.

The walk was organised by the National College of Arts, Rawalpindi and an Islamabad based non-profit organisation Clippings. According to organisers, the photo-walk was aimed at promoting the heritage and culture of Rawalpindi and also highlighting the issues faced by the residents of these areas.

Both participants and organisers of the walk urged authorities to protect Rawalpindi’s old historical sites and promote them as tourist attractions. “Exploring new places, makes me feel young again,” said a 61-year-old retired government officer, participating in the photo-walk.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2015

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