Pharwala Castle

Pharwala Fort, also known as Pharwala Castle, is a historic 15th-century structure located in the Rawalpindi District of Punjab, Pakistan, approximately 40 kilometers from Rawalpindi city near Kahuta Tehsil. Originally constructed in the 11th century by Sultan Kaigohar Gakhar, an associate of Mahmud of Ghazni, the fort served as the capital of the Pothohar Chieftaincy. Its strategic location provided natural defense, bordered by the Himalayan range on one side and the Soan River on the other. The sprawling complex covers an area of 450 acres and was designed to function as a formidable defense headquarters capable of housing 500 soldiers, 100 horses, and 50 elephants.

The architecture features massive sandstone blocks, and the fort originally boasted six gates, five of which still stand today. These include the Hathi Gate, Begum Gate, Fort Gate, Lashkari Gate, Ziarat Gate, and Bagh Gate. Throughout its long history, the site witnessed numerous conflicts, including invasions by Muhammad of Ghor in 1205 and Qutb ud-Din Aibak in 1207. It later came under the control of the Gakhar chieftain Jasrat during Timur's invasion in 1398. Inside the complex, visitors can find approximately 10 to 15 graves belonging to the Gakhar rulers who once governed the region, highlighting its significance as a dynastic seat.

Currently owned by the Department of Archaeology and Museums, the fort lies in a dilapidated condition and is often described as being in ruins. Despite its state of decay, it remains a site of historical interest near the Mai Qumro Mosque in Bagh Juggian. Recent reports indicate that authorities have moved to preserve the monument and help it regain its lost glory. The site stands as a testament to the military prowess and architectural heritage of the Gakhar tribe, offering a glimpse into the medieval history of the Pothohar Plateau.