Gakhar Heritage Sites To Be Promoted As International Tourist Destinations: Khichi
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Aug, 2026)
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said the government is committed to protecting Pakistan’s historical and cultural heritage and promoting the historic Gakhar-era sites in the Potohar region as destinations for domestic and international tourists, researchers, and scholars.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of several historic heritage sites along the Swan River, he noted that the inclusion of important Gakhar heritage sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List was a significant first step towards highlighting the history, cultural heritage, and contributions of the Gakhar people globally.
The minister inaugurated and opened to tourists several historic sites, including:
- The approximately 450-year-old Mai Qamro Mosque
- The 350-year-old Tomb of Sultan Muqarrab Khan
- The nearly 1,000-year-old Pharwala Tomb
Khichi expressed surprise and delight at discovering the rich historical and cultural heritage in Islamabad and its surrounding areas. He noted that while there is a common belief that Islamabad's history began with its establishment as the federal capital in the 1960s, the Gakhars of Potohar had a deep connection to the region’s past, culture, and identity.
After learning about historic sites in Bagh Jogian and surrounding areas from the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM), including Mai Qamro Mosque, the Tomb of Sultan Muqarrab Khan, Pharwala Fort, and Rawat Fort, he directed DOAM to complete repair and conservation work at these sites as soon as possible.
According to the Ministry, DOAM had made significant efforts to secure the inclusion of these historic sites on UNESCO’s Tentative List. A PC-I costing around Rs54 million was approved and included in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), with work commencing in 2022.
The minister highlighted the measures taken to protect and promote these sites, including:
- Installation of CCTV cameras
- Hiring security guards
- Deploying gardeners for upkeep
Conservation, repair, preservation, landscaping, and other development works have also been undertaken.
He emphasized that significant progress has been made in restoring Mai Qamro Mosque and the Tomb of Sultan Muqarrab Khan, which were previously in a deteriorated state. Access to these sites was inadequate, and the areas were largely overgrown with bushes. The department successfully recovered around 48 kanals of occupied land, fenced it, and implemented landscaping.