MANSEHRA: The Hazara University’s archaeology department has discovered artefacts, including coins and utensils, during the excavation of Fort Feroza in Gullibagh, the capital of Pakhli Sarkar region ruled by last Turk ruler Sultan Mahmood Khurd.

The department had begun the activity last month with the financial help of the Higher Education Commission and the administrative support of the provincial directorate of archaeology and museums.

Head of the department Dr Shakar said the Gullibagh city was occupied, destroyed and reemerged.

He said the ancient site was of great interest to archaeologists and art historians as it belonged to the late medieval Muslim period of the Indian subcontinent as mentioned by court historian from Mughal era Abul Fazl, and remained under the control of Turk rulers of Pakhli (1495-1773AD).

Activity funded by HEC, assisted by archaeology directorate

Dr Shakar said the site had a court building, where the last Turk king used to hold trials and sit, darwazonwali ziarat, an accident well, and baradari, which was in a highly dilapidated condition.

He said the current excavation activity was initiated on one of the highest points inside the fort to establish a proper profile of occupation level of the site.

Dr Shakar said the site offered a great opportunity for archaeology teachers, researchers and students for their work.

HELD: The police on Monday arrested three men for organising a dog fight in the mountainous Lassan Thakral area here.

Four accused are at large.

District police officer Sajjad Khan told reporters here that the law didn’t allow the holding of animal fights, so the police would bring all those involved in the Lassan Thakral dog fight to justice.

Meanwhile, the police began a crack down on unlicensed arms and ammunition, and arrested Ahsanullah after seizing 20 pistols, four guns and 3,650 cartridges.

They also arrested Mohammad Riaz, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Alimgir after the recovery of eight liquor bottles and 3kg charas during a raid on their den.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2022