Heritage
Forts of Pakistan
Pakistan holds hundreds of forts, from Rohtas Fort near Jhelum, built between 1541 and 1548 and inscribed by UNESCO in 1997, to Ranikot in Sindh, whose outer wall runs about 26 kilometres and is among the longest fort walls in the world. Others include Derawar in Cholistan and Baltit in Hunza.
Quick facts
- Rohtas Fort built
- 1541 to 1548
- Ranikot wall
- About 26 km
- Derawar bastions
- 40
- Baltit Fort age
- About 700 years
Background
Fort building in the region responded to invasion routes, river crossings and desert caravan lines. Rohtas was built by Sher Shah Suri to control the route between Peshawar and Lahore. Derawar and its neighbours guarded the Hakra course through Cholistan. In the north, Baltit and Altit are timber-and-stone structures adapted to earthquake country and now conserved as museums.
Key entries
- Rohtas Fort
Punjab; UNESCO-inscribed Suri-era garrison fort.
- Ranikot
Sindh; the 'Great Wall of Sindh' in the Kirthar range.
- Derawar
Cholistan; square fort with forty bastions.
- Baltit and Altit
Hunza; restored seats of the Mirs.
- Kharpocho
Skardu; 16th-century fort above the Indus.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is the largest fort in Pakistan?
- By enclosed area, Ranikot in Sindh, whose outer wall runs roughly 26 kilometres.
- Who built Rohtas Fort?
- Sher Shah Suri, between 1541 and 1548, to control the route between Peshawar and Lahore.