“Our family migrated from Indian Punjab to Gujranwala before settling in Rawalpindi. The house we have in old Rawalpindi is actually a large house divided into three parts, and all three parts are the same.

We were told that there were three Hindu brothers who used to live in the three houses. We’re three brothers as well, and each of us owns this house now. The house is unique, with a lot of woodwork, thick bricked walls and high roofs. Unfortunately most such buildings are disappearing now, people are moving to other areas and selling old buildings or demolishing them to build new ones. Our family moved to other areas as well, but we managed to keep the house in its original shape.

These are the city’s landmarks and they must be preserved. We’re trying on our own by keeping the house safe and secure. Visitors often come here to look at the street and this house. We know how they feel when they visit old areas like these.”

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2016