KOHAT: The crumbling British-era Mir Kheli Dak Bungalow has been awaiting attention of the archaeology department for its rehabilitation.

Shakir Bangash, who is a frequent visitor to the place, said the bungalow, situated in the Shahpur union council a few kilometres from the Kohat city, could become a popular tourist attraction if rehabilitated.

He said the bungalow was built by the British in the 1830s as a summer resort, adding it could serve both as a hotel and restaurant for the visiting families.

Mr Bangash said even in hot summer temperatures remained between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius at the place situated atop a mountain, providing pleasant weather to the visitors.

However, he said there was no accommodation facility, especially for the families coming from distant places for nightlong stay.

Mr Bangash said the crumbling Dak Bungalow had become a den for drug addicts and other criminal elements. It is time the government rehabilitated it before it is completely vanished, he demanded.

Mr Bangash said reaching the beautiful place needed a two-hour mountain climb, adding he along with his friends used to go to the area at least three times a month to enjoy the serene environment.

He said the British had constructed the Dak Bungalow in 1834 where families of the officers stayed for a few days to enjoy the salubrious environment in summers.

Mr Bangash said 90 per cent of locals did not know about the Dak Bungalow because of the negligence of the archaeology department.

He lamented that the dilapidated condition of the bungalow had been brought into the notice of the authorities concerned, but to no avail.

He said if the government constructed roads and rest houses the place could become a lavish hilly resort and generate employment.

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2020