DERA GHAZI KHAN: The tomb of Ghazi Khan, a historic monument from the late 15th century, is in a dilapidated condition, suffering from the ravages of time and neglect of the archaeology department.

The monument looks like a haunted place with its large broken windows where thorny bushes have been placed to prevent intrusion by thieves, addicts and stray animals. The site’s poor upkeep is further highlighted by the incorrect historical information displayed on a plaque installed at the monument.

The tomb, an octagonal structure with a central dome, features intricate brickwork, terracotta designs and faded blue tile embellishments. It houses 11 graves, including that of Ghazi Khan Meerani Dodai .

The old town of Dera Ghazi Khan was founded in the mid-15th century by Haji Khan Meerani Dodai, a loyal contemporary of Sultan Hussain Langah of Seetpur, to safeguard the kingdom’s borders from invaders.

Ghazi Khan’s tomb was once encircled by a beautiful garden, located at Chorahta village, some 15 kilometers away in the west of the old city that was taken over by mighty Indus. Now the monument is a part of the Dera Ghazi Khan city founded by the British colonial rulers in 1910.

Once a cultural symbol and regional landmark, the tomb is now turning into ruins, with its heritage value eroding due to the neglect by the archaeology department.

Experts suggest urgent restoration and preservation of the monument to protect this architectural and historical treasure of south Punjab region.

Before the arrival of Haji Khan and his beloved son Ghazi Khan, the western bank of the river Indus was called Pattan Moqaam. However, after the Khans permanently settled along the riverbank, it was named Ghazi Ghat.

Ushtar Abbas Ghazi Khan, Abuzer Imran Haibat Khan and Ammar Yasir Doda Khan, claiming to be descendants of Ghazi Khan 1st, also appealed to the high-ups of the archaeology department to take measures for the preservation and restoration of the monument.

They also urged the authorities to display correct information about the Ghazi Khan dynasty and his descendant on the plaque displayed at the monument.

Published in Dawn, June 21th, 2025