ISLAMABAD: A memorial dedicated to soldiers from the Potohar region who fought in World War I has been demolished during construction work for a new housing project. The memorial was located at the site of the Margalla Enclave, a joint initiative between the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Defence Housing Authority (DHA), in Islamabad’s Zone IV.
An archaeology department official from the Department of Archaeology stated that the department had previously requested protection for the monument as it stood near another Mughal-era mosque. “We warned them but received no response,” said the official, lamenting how authorities were now asking how to preserve something after it has already been destroyed.
The memorial was originally built in 1914, predating Pakistan’s creation by decades and situated near Rehara village on Kuri Road. Archaeology department officials had suggested moving the memorial 100 meters from its original site to avoid compromising its historical significance but were denied permission. The Department of Archaeology also recommended including the memorial in Islamabad’s list of protected heritage sites, a request that was not met by the CDA.
A spokesperson for the Capital Development Authority (CDA) claimed they were unaware of any demolition and suggested relocating the monument had been rejected due to its role in honoring soldiers from regions like Rehara. The Ministry of National Heritage and Culture inspected the site on Tuesday, noting a nearby mosque that dates back to the Mughal period.
However, by the time officials arrived, the memorial had already been demolished with heavy machinery leveling the area around it. Local residents reported concerns about the tilt of the structure during recent construction activities. The memorial stood on a 30-foot mound and was considered a source of pride for the community.
Retired military officers, including Major General Ali Hamid, have long campaigned for the preservation of these memorials across Potohar region. They emphasized that such monuments not only documented who fought in World War I but also detailed how many participated and their fates post-war. Hamid stated that steps should be taken to preserve these sites after assurances from the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture regarding its protection.
In response to construction work, both the CDA and DHA had proposed moving the memorial to ensure its protection; however, this suggestion was rejected due to historical considerations. The residents’ anger intensified as they believed their cultural heritage was being compromised without prior consultation or preservation measures in place.