ABBOTTABAD: The cantonment board administration here on Tuesday demolished the historical building housing Major James Abbott’s office, which was constructed in 1880.

Earlier on June 15, senior female lawyer Shabnam Nawaz had filed a writ petition in the Peshawar High Court’s Abbottabad circuit bench against the Cantt board for demolishing the Abbottabad’s old building to pave the way for construction of a commercial plaza and market and its plan to remove or modify other such structures.

Shabnam Nawaz, who is currently leading a group of social activists including Mehmood Aslam, has filed a writ petition under the preservation and protection of antiquities.

The court has fixed June 29 for hearing while issuing notices to the government of Pakistan through secretary defence, cantonment executive officer Abbottabad, station commander, secretary tourism and archaeology department, KP director archaeology and museums and others.

In the petition, it was stated that as per plan the century-old building of Abbottabad Club would be redesigned and turned into a wedding hall. She argued that the club was the only place used by civilians as a recreation centre located under the shadows of pine, deodar and bam trees where most of the trees were brought from UK by the English men.

Shabnam Nawaz stated that the only lawn tennis court which was used for playing by the English army officers and civilians had been removed. She said tourists would visit the place and enjoy watching the picturesque city where famous Sarban hills and Shimla Hill were treat to watch. The clay court of Abbottabad Club was like an astroturf as after hours of rain it would be available within an hour for players.

Mehmood Aslam, who works for protection for historical buildings in KP, said that former president retired General Pervez Musharraf had constituted Army Heritage Foundation, which had stopped demolition of the army’s historical buildings and banned giving out the related properties on lease or their use for commercial purposes.

Shabnam Nawaz advocate added that name of Abbottabad Club, which was built in British era, was changed to Services Club. In 1918 it was made a civilian club and since 1924 it was being run and managed jointly by army and civilians till four years ago.

She has demanded of the relevant authorities to protect the heritage sites, also visited by civilians for recreation.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2021