PESHAWAR: Civil society members, historians and residents of Walled City have demanded from Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi to restore the old historic status of Tehsil Gor Ghatri.
According to local elders, Tehsil Gor Ghatri is one of the oldest archaeological and cultural sites in Peshawar with a history dating back over 2,000 years. The site located in the heart of old Peshawar includes Mughal era Sarai Jahanabad, Guru Gorakhnath Temple, ancient wells built by Mughal Princess Jahan Ara Begum and British era fire brigade buildings of 1912.They said the historic complex was handed over to the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums but its Tehsil status and municipal control created administrative confusion, resulting in encroachments and damage to ancient structures.
Former ANP government established professional centres to generate employment opportunities but later due to lack of funds these professional centres were closed down and left deserted due to high rent of these shops.
They said that during Sikh rule Gor Ghatri was used as residence of Italian General Paolo Avitabile and served as centre of governance. The delegation requested the Governor to restore old Tehsil Gor Ghatri status to preserve its identity as a heritage Tehsil, shift municipal corporation and fire brigade departments completely out of the complex, remove encroachments inside and around Gor Ghatri and make a proper Cultural Heritage Trail from Ghanta Ghar to Gor Ghatri functional.
They added that funds allocated for preservation and restoration of Walled City Peshawar should be utilized transparently. They said restoration of its old status will not only protect archaeological heritage but also boost cultural tourism and employment opportunities for local artisans working in the artisan village established inside Gor Ghatri.
Governor House sources said the demand has been received and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has assured that preservation of Peshawar’s historical heritage is a priority and any decision will be taken after consulting Archaeology Directorate and District Administration.
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