Top 10 Famous Ancient Forts in Pakistan

Pakistan has a rich heritage, historical places to visit. These landmark places comprising of some very famous forts a tremendous proof of ancient architecture. There are ten famous forts built during various regimes, but these forts are worth seeing. Following are the 10 top famous forts situated in Pakistan: -

1. Rohtas Fort
2. Red Fort
3. Baltit Fort
4. Bala Hisar Fort
5. Delaware Fort
6. Lahore Fort
7. Ranikot Fort
8. Raamkot Fort
9. Shigar Fort
10. Attock Fort

Rohtas Fort Jhelum

This Fort is situated near Jhelum city in Punjab province of Pakistan. The fort was constructed by “King” Sher Shah Suri from 1541 to 1548 AD. The Fort had an excellent strategic location. It was built to monitor and control rebellious activities by the insurgents in the Region of Pothohar who belonged to Mughal emperor King Humayun who Sher Shah Suri defeated. Although this great conqueror had a short regime of only five years, he did a lot, and his name is prominent in Indo-Pak history. He was the King who also built Great Trunk Road leading from Kabul to Delhi, India, which had a historical status. He organized a well-managed system of postal service during his regime.

Red Fort (Lal Qilla) Muzaffarabad

This fort is also known as Muzaffarabad fort. Construction of this Fort was started in 1559, but the Mughal emperor included this area in his kingdom, and the work remained incomplete.  Later in 1646, the Bomba Dynasty Ruler “Sultan Muzaffar Khan” completed its construction. The Muzaffarabad city was named due to Muzaffar Khan, its ruler, as he initially constructed this city.

Baltit Fort Hunza valley

Baltit Fort is situated in the most beautiful Hunza valley. The Baltit Fort was built in the 8th century. This fort is now on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage. The Mirs of Hunza, the ruling family, were the actual owners of this fort. In the past small states were owned by various ruling families who had rivalry amongst them.

Similarly, the Hunza state and Nagar state were rivals to strengthen the rulers' defense built such forts. Initially, the ruler family of Hunza was residing in the Altit Fort altogether after a conflict amongst the sons of the ruler. The elder one built a separate Baltit Fort and moved to it by shifting Hunza State's capital.

Balahisar Fort Peshawar

The Balahisar Fort is situated in Peshawar, the Capital City of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Fort was great as this was constructed on the Grand Trunk Road, leading to Kabul. The history of Bala Hisar Fort is ancient. According to account, a fort in the same place was initially built by King Babar in 1526 AD, after conquering Peshawar. This fort was later on used as a residence by the ruler of the Durrani dynasty. In 1834 the Sikhs constructed this fort again of mud when they defeated the Durranis.  Later during the British regime, this fort was reconstructed of bricks in 1849. This fort is nowadays occupied by armed forces of Pakistan who have exceptionally maintained the structure.

Delaware Fort Cholistan

Delaware Fort is situated in the desert of the Cholistan, near Ahmadpur East, a town of Bahawalpur District. Delaware Fort was initially built in the 9th century by a Hindu Rajput Ruler, namely Jajja Bhati. In 1747 Nawab of Bahawalpur took ownership of this fort. The fort is now in decaying condition and needs proper care to maintain it in its natural shape and condition.

Lahore Fort (Shahi Qilla Lahore)

The Lahore Fort, also known as Shahi Qilla, is spread over 20 hectares of land while it depicts the natural glory and fall of the Mughal empire. According to history, this fort was built in 1556 by emperor Akbar the great King. This fort is a unique example of both Muslim and Hindu architectural styles. After the fall of the Mughal emperor, this fort has used the residence of Maha Raja Ranjit Sing, a Sikh ruler and the founder of the Sikh empire. This fort is presently UNESCO, a world heritage site due to its historical position and charming architecture. 

Ranikot Fort Jamshoro

Ranikot Fort, situated in Jamshoro District of Sindh Province, is known as the largest fort in the world. This fort has got the UNESCO World Heritage status. The Archeological experts describe that this fort was basically constructed in the 17th century, and later, in 1812, during the ruling of Talpur destiny, it was again reconstructed. This fort is built in zigzag form and covering around a 31-kilometer area.

Raamkot Fort Azad Kashmir

The Raamkot fort is situated near Deena in the rea of Dadyal Mirpur Azad Kashmir. This fort is constructed near the lake of Mangla Dame, which has an approach to reach through the boat. This fort was built in the year 1008 AD.

Shigar Fort Baltistan

Shigar Fort is an ancient fort built in the town of Shigar Gilgit Baltistan. Construction of this fort traces back to the 17th century by a Shigari Ruler Raja Amacha. Although it was a very old fort, Agha Khan Cultural services restored this fort, and now Serena Hotel is running its branch therein. The renovation and restoration process were made from 1999 to 2004, and during these five years, this fort was renovated entirely. 

Attock Fort 

Attock fort is located on the northern side of the River Indus near Attock. The great Mughal King Akbar built this fort from 1581 to 1583 for defense purposes from the Afghan invaders. Maratha Forces captured this fort in April 1758 during Maratha Empire and ruling, but later on, Ahmad Shah Durrani recaptured and released it from the occupation of Mahrattas. This fort has a significant historical position during the Afghans and Sikh wars.  After the Indo Pak partition in 1947 Pak army took over this important Fort, yet it is occupied by them where SSG and Commandos are deployed.