THE state seems confused about how to protect Pakistan’s historical treasures. While it rightly advertises priceless gems such as Mohenjodaro and Gandhara as part of national heritage in order to promote a ‘soft’ image of Pakistan, it does little practically to save monuments that exist under the radar. Reports have emerged that a Mughal-era arch, possibly dating back to Emperor Akbar’s era, has been destroyed in Islamabad’s Rehara village. The monument was turned to rubble to make way for a housing scheme in which the Capital Development Authority is said to be a partner. Not too long ago, a World War I monument was destroyed in the same area. The CDA claims the obelisk in question was only dismantled and will be “relocated”. The Department of Archaeology says that it wrote to the CDA to provide records of historical monuments in the area but that the capital’s civic agency failed to respond to its queries.

In the name of ‘development’ we have already caused much ecological damage. Now, it seems, both the state and private real estate developers seem intent on letting heritage crumble if it stands in the way of more profits. If heritage structures were obstructing new housing schemes, they could have been incorporated in development plans in a way that historical buildings were not disturbed. Or, as the CDA has claimed, it could have relocated and rebuilt the Mughal arch just as it intends to do with the WWI monument. Many of these structures have stood for centuries, visible reminders of the rich history of this region. To turn them to dust in favour of raising concrete jungles and for-profit housing schemes reflects an aversion to and ignorance of our historical journey. Progressive states learn from and preserve their past; we prefer to demolish it. A proper probe is required to uncover the facts, and secure the remaining monuments.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2026