Mughal-Era Ruins in Islamabad Razed for Housing Scheme; DOAM Reports Loss to PM Office. -

In a major setback for the preservation of Pakistan’s cultural history, the remains of a 16th-century Mughal-era structure in Rehara village, Islamabad, were demolished on February 13, 2026, to clear land for a private housing project. This destruction occurred only days after a British-era World War I memorial in the same area was also razed.

Key Details of the Heritage Loss

Historical Significance: The demolished structure was believed to date back to the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar and was considered the oldest historical ruin in the Islamabad region.
Physical Description: The monument featured an above-ground arch (façade) and a main chamber measuring approximately 8 by 4.5 meters with walls 1.5 meters thick, constructed entirely of limestone and sandstone blocks.
Administrative Negligence: The Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) stated it has been writing to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) since 2020 to obtain land records for the site’s protection, but the CDA reportedly failed to respond for six years.
Official Action: DOAM has reported the loss to the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasizing that the visible remains—captured in previous photographs—have been entirely wiped out by developers.
Trend of Destruction: Cultural experts have expressed grave concern as historical landmarks are increasingly sacrificed for commercial housing schemes, such as the Margalla Enclave project.