essay on historical places in pakistan

Essay on Historical Places in Pakistan

Pakistan is a country in which you would find a variety of historical places that signify the unique traditions and culture of the country. These places are of extraordinary significance for people interested in history, at the same time they may act as an attraction for tourists. The tourism industry of Pakistan flourishes because of the existence of beautiful historical sites in the country.

Some of the most significant historical places in the country include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro and Taxila. Harappa is situated approximately 200 km from Lahore in the Montgomery District of Punjab. It is the place of the historic Indus Valley Civilization settlement which is as old as 5000 years and is a civilization which the modern day people almost forgot about. A beautifully designed civilization which was discovered in 1920 has all elements of a modern day arrangement of a city. It had an exceptional sewerage system, drinking water wells and a high quality waste disposal system. The Harappans were agrarian people and experts believe they had a system of government for the distribution of the wealth of food.

Mohenjo-Daro was discovered in 1922 and is one of the oldest and most built up urban civilizations of the world. It is located on the west bank of the Indus River and it is a tiny proportion of the Indus river civilization of Harappa. Experts believe that the city was one of the most important in the Indus Valley Civilization and would have held majority of the trade courses and strength of the Southern Indus Plain between 2600 and 1900 BCE. One might find it difficult to find any palaces or monuments in the area but the city is well known for having historical pieces of gold beads, lapis, carnelian and ivory. All the houses in the city had areas for bathing and water wells were located in multiple spots all across the city. It had the most amazing drainage system and many of the modern day civilizations use the model of Mohenjo-Daro’s drainage system to build new ones.

Taxila is another place which holds much significance when talking about the historical places of Pakistan. It is located 30 km North West of the Rawalpindi city and it is considered to be one of the most significant historical locations in Asia. The city is known for prospering culturally and economically from the 1st to 5 th century AD. The city comprises of a variety of buildings, settlements and castles. It also used to be the capital of the Budhist Kingdom so tourists might come across multiple Budha monuments in the city.

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The three sites mentioned above are historical sites of utmost importance, but there are other historical sites in the country which attract tourists from all over the world such as the Takhti Bahi and the mausoleum of Jahangir, the Mughal emperor.

The historical significance of various sites of Pakistan is the country’s unique selling point when it comes to the tourism industry. With a country marred by terrorist attacks finds it difficult to attract tourists, these sites act as a pulling force for archeologists who are willing to risk their lives to view the most extraordinary sites in the world.

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The 5 Best Historic Sites in Pakistan

From taxila to lahore fort and more, follow in the footsteps of mughals and merchants in our guide to the top 5 historic sites in pakistan..

Peta Stamper

03 sep 2021.

Pakistan came into being as we know it with the Partition of India in 1947, but has a long history and rich culture, shared with its neighbours Iran, Afghanistan and India.

Between the capital Islamabad at the foot of the Himalayas in the north, and the largest city Karachi on the coast of the Arabian Sea in the south, Pakistan was once part of the Silk Road and Khyber Pass, which brought outside influences to what would otherwise have remained an isolated region.

Along this path walked the Indus Valley settlers, the conquering Mughals, the Sikh Empire and the British colonial forces, each leaving their mark on Pakistan. As a result, there’s a host of top historic sites in Pakistan to visit and among the very best are Taxila and the Lahore Fort.

To help you get started, here are our top 5 historic locations to visit in Pakistan.

Taxila, also known as the Ancient Gandhāran city of Takshashila, is an ancient site in the Punjab Province of Pakistan dating back as far as the 6th century BC.

One of the factors which make Taxila such a significant archaeological site is the fact that, over its five century lifespan, it witnessed the evolution of numerous civilizations, including the Persians, Greeks and Hindus.

2. Lahore Fort

The Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila) in Lahore, Pakistan is a large complex of fortifications, marble mosques and palaces built by Mughal Emperor Akbar, known as Akbar the Great. Whilst there were buildings and fortifications on the site since the 11th century and even before, it was under Akbar the Great that the current fort flourished.

After the Mughal Empire fell in the 18th century, the Lahore Fort was ransacked and many of its buildings were damaged. However it has now been carefully restored, allowing visitors to enjoy its original splendour.

3. Rohtas Fort

One of the biggest and most formidable fortresses in the Indian subcontinent, Rohtas Fort is a 16th century fortress near Jhelum in Pakistan. Incredibly, Rohtas was never stormed by force and so has survived the ravages of time remarkably intact.

The fort doubled as a means of suppressing the local Gakhar tribes – allies of the Mughal Empire who refused to recognise Sher Shah Suri’s authority. Unfortunately, the fort was soon ceded to Humayun in 1555 after the local governor deserted the fort when the Mughals advanced.

4. Nagarparkar Jain Temples

Located in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province, the Nagarparkar Jain Temples are a collection of abandoned temples as well as a mosque, dating back to the 12th to the 15th centuries. During this period, the ancient Indian religion of Jainism was at its zenith, and the temples at Nagarparkar boast some of the oldest and most beautiful of Jain frescoes in the region.

Approximately 14 Jain temples are scattered throughout the region, including the Gori Temple. Built in 1375, the Gori Temple features 52 Islamic style domes and is made of marble.

5. Mohenjo-daro

Mohenjo-daro – meaning ‘Mound of the Dead Men’ – is an incredible archaeological site in Sindh, Pakistan. Built around 2,500 BC, this site was one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation and one of the world’s greatest early cities.

At its height, the city was the most advanced of its time, with remarkable and sophisticated civil engineering and urban planning.

16 Historical Places in Pakistan You HAVE To Visit

A list of the most stunning historical places in Pakistan that are absolutely worth a visit! Click through for some history about each spot plus a map to help plan your trip!

Empty remnants of truly ancient civilizations. 300+ year old fortresses somehow almost entirely intact. Expertly carved tombs adorned with a rainbow of colors and an assemblage of geometry.

Mughal Era Mosques from kingdoms past that boast frescoes depicted by artists that hail from what might as well be another world.

And still- this is only but a tiny snapshot of the seemingly endless amount of historical places Pakistan has to offer.

Here's a list of 16 seriously incredible historical places in Pakistan you HAVE to visit! Click through to learn a bit of history, see some photos, and check out a map of these ancient monuments in Pakistan! #Pakistantraveltips #Pakistantravel #bakpackingpakistan #pakistantravelguide #pakistanphotos

It’s no secret that Pakistan is a history lover’s dream. So many empires and religions ruled here, and though the country is technically only 73 years old, its land has been inhabited for millennia.

Trust me: Living or backpacking in Pakistan and failing to admire the architectural and artistic beauty of those that came before us is NOT the move!

Even if you’ve never been one for history before, stepping into any of the relics the country has to offer is sure to change your mind. It certainly did for me!

So without further ado- here are 16 historical places in Pakistan you just HAVE to visit.

16 Historical Places in Pakistan

Epic Pakistani historical sites that will be sure to blow your mind and stun your camera.

1. Begum Shahi Mosque

begum shahi mosque historical places in pakistan

Colloquially known as the “Mother of all Mosques,” the Begum Shahi Mosque was built between 1611 and 1614 under Emperor Jahangir in honor of his mother, Mariam Zamani.

The relatively small mosque sits across the way from the famous Lahore Fort, and is one of the oldest historical places in Lahore and is actually the city’s oldest surviving Mughal Era structure!

tile work begum shahi mosque red blue and yellow

The architectural design of Begum Shahi gave inspiration to the Wazir Khan Mosque that was built several decades later. The mosque itself is impressive- complete with elaborate 400+ year old frescoes and unique geometrical embellishments- but its namesake even more so

Mariam Zamani was far from average herself- the former Hindu princess was known for expanding the Mughal kingdom’s racial and religious tolerance when she married Emperor Akbar.

Her true rise to fame accelerated under her son, however, when she became a prolific trader in the kingdom and was gifted numerous high-level responsibilities.

Better yet- as this mosque is a bit of an offbeat Lahori attraction, you’re likely to be the only tourist there!

Visiting Hours: 5 AM- 8 PM

Entrance Fee: Free

2. Mohenjo-Daro

mohenjo daro historical places in pakistan

You won’t have a complete list of historical places in Pakistan without including Mohenjo- Daro- one of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. The ancient city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built around 2500 BCE and remained undocumented for over 3700 years until archeologists discovered it in the early 1920’s.

Mohenjo-Daro’s size (over 300 hectares) and inclusion of public buildings seem to represent a high level of social organization according to historians. Wild right? Though the ancient city is unknown by most people, it’s one of the most important landmarks in Asia .

You can find Mohenjo-Daro near the city of Larkana in Pakistan’s Sindh Province where it can then easily be reached by auto rickshaw.

Though unknown to most, this is truly one of the most incredible archeological sites in the world, and should be on every Pakistan itinerary .

Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM- 7 PM in summer, 9 AM- 7 PM in winter

Entrance Fee: 600 rupees foreigners, 20 rupees locals

3. Rohtas Fort

This example of military architectural excellence sits about 15km away from the city of Jhelum is one of the best historical places to visit in Punjab for good reason!

Construction of the fort began in 1541 under the reign of Sher Shah Suri, an ethnic Pashtun who took control of the Mughal empire in 1538.

Rohtas Fort spreads out over an area of 70 hectares and is considered to be one of the largest and most formidable fortresses in South Asia. It’s located about 2 hours from Islamabad and 4 hours from Lahore.

Visiting Hours: 9 AM- 5 PM

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So many historical sites in Pakistan happen to be ancient civilizations- and the lost city of Taxila is one of them! The origin of the city dates back to 1000 BCE, though some ruins at the site are thought to be as old as 3360 BCE. Woah!

Due to its strategic location just off the Grand Trunk Road, it changed hands many a time throughout its history.

Interestingly, the University of Ancient Taxila is considered to be one of the oldest in the world, though this is still disputed amongst scholars. In 1980, the entire city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Keep in mind that Taxila is not just one spot but rather more than a dozen ancient structures that include a cave, a monastery, stupas and more spread out over a pretty wide area.

There is also a museum near the ruins that charges an entry fee.

Due to its close proximity to Islamabad (32 km), Taxila has long been one of the most popular historical places in Pakistan and can be easily visited as a day trip from the capital.

Visiting Hours: Museum is open from 9AM-5PM, ruins are more flexible

Entrance Fee: Ruins are free, the museum costs 200 rupees for foreigners and 50 for Pakistanis

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5. Wazir Khan Mosque

Lahore is chock-full of incredible pieces of history and it can easily have its own list. But as for this one, the beautiful Wazir Khan Mosque is a must- mention. The mosque took its architectural queues from that from the Begum Shahi, and though the similarities are evident, the Wazir Khan is notably larger and more colorful.

The mosque was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan and stood completed by the year 1641. Incredibly intricate buon frescoes and elaborate tile work cover almost every square inch of it- you could really spend hours admiring it all!

The Wazir Khan Mosque can be found a few hundred meters after entering through the Delhi Gate in Lahore’s Walled City.

6. Katasraj Temples

Hindu temples in Pakistan- say what?! Yup you read that right- the Katasraj Temples are located near the village of Dulmial in Punjab and are said to be from the 7 th Century CE or earlier. The temples surround a lake that is even fabled to have magical powers!

The famous Hindu epic Mahabharata also gives them a mention, and it’s well known that the founder of the Sikh Faith- Guru Nanak- often visited the site in more recent centuries.

Sadly, the temples fell into a state of disarray post-Partition and still remain in less-than-stellar shape today. Nevertheless, as far as historical buildings in Pakistan go- the Katasraj Temples speak to the complicated history of the Subcontinent in a way few other structures can.

The temples are located in Katas, which is about 2 hours from Islamabad and 3 hours from Lahore.

Visiting Hours: 7 AM- 8 PM

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7. Lahore Fort

green grass and old sandstone buildings lahore fort

Perhaps one of the most famous landmarks of Pakistan, the Lahore Fort is a piece of history most have heard of. The well-known fortress was entirely rebuilt in the 17 th century, though it’s believed to have been inhabited in some way for millennia.

Some of the most elaborate and well-known highlights of the massive structure were installed under Emperor Jahangir- including the epic Picture Wall that’s adorned with a colorful array of mosaics, tile, and frescoes.

birds sitting along the picture wall of the lahore fort

The Sheesh Mahal- AKA the “Palace of Mirrors” was commissioned later under Shah Jahan. The immaculate marble room is inlaid with complex high-quality mirror work and is a must-visit when checking out the grounds.

The Lahore Fort- which spreads over 20+ hectares- can be found at the northern end of Lahore’s famous Walled City.

Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM-5 PM

Entrance Fee: 30 rupees for locals, 500 for foreigners

As you might have caught on by now- forts are easy to come by in Pakistan! But each and everyone has their own unique history and beauty, so brings us to the town of Kot Diji.

The Kot Diji Fort can be found upon a hill in Kot Diji, Sindh, and though it ain’t that old- what’s underneath it sure is! The fort was built between 1785-1795 by Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur, but it actually lies above the remains of a pre-historic civilization by the same name.

It’s believed that the remains date back as far as 3300 BCE, placing it before the Indus Valley/ Harappan Civilization. Yes- it’s real old!

Unlike some of the other forts mentioned on this list, Kot Diji is a bit more offbeat and as such attracts fewer tourists! Both the fort and the remains can be found about 24 km south of the city of Khairpur.

Visiting Hours: Always open

Read Next: The Best Restaurants in Lahore

9. Takht-i-Bhai

Yes there are notable historical places in KPK too! Takht-i-Bhai is an archeological site of a Buddhist Monastery that can be found in Mardan. The site is considered to be exceptionally preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Takht-i-Bhai was founded in the 1 st century CE and was abandoned by the 7 th . If you’re interested in Pakistan’s ancient Buddhist history- this is the place to check out. The ruins contain a cluster of Stupas, monastic chambers, and even a Tantric monastic chamber.

The site sits at the top of a hill and can be easily accessed as a day trip from Mardan, Peshawar, or Islamabad.

Visiting Hours: 9AM-5PM

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10. Hiran Minar

The Hiran Minar is one of the most popular historical places in Pakistan as far as visits are concerned. And though it is a tomb- this one is a bit different than others!

Most tombs in Punjab and across Pakistan house the remains of saints or royals but the Hiran Minar is dedicated not to Mughal Emperor Jahangir, but his pet antelope.

Yup you read that right- Emperor Jahangir was known for his love of nature and the Hiran Minar exemplifies that. It’s also set in a bit of a wilderness, which gave the Mughals a bit of a natural escape from the bustling city of Lahore.

The complex consists of a minaret built over the antelope along with a massive pool and accompanying pavilion.

And seeing that it’s only one hour from Lahore in Sheikhupura, the Hiran Minar is an easy day’s getaway.

Visiting Hours: 8AM-8PM

11. Ranikot Fort

The Ranikot Fort, yet another one of the many historical places in Sindh, is actually thought to be the world’s largest fort. In fact, Ranikot is also known as the Great Wall of Sindh!

Unlike many other Pakistani forts, the exact origin and architects of The Great Wall of Sindh remain unknown. Historians do believe that the first construction occurred sometime in the 17 th century, with some reconstruction occurring in 1812 by the Talpur dynasty that ruled Sindh during that time period.

The Ranikot Fort is located about 90 km from the city of Hyderabad, though the fort is actually closest to the Sindhi town of Sann.

12. Nagarparkar Jain Temples

Very close to Pakistan’s dusty, desert border with India lies the Nagarparkar Jain Temples- a collection of abandoned temples from the 12 th to 15 th centuries.

Jainism is an ancient religion of the Subcontinent and these temples are as unique as historical places in Pakistan can get- as Nagarparkar was a former epicenter of Jainism for several centuries.

The temples represent a high point in the expression of Jain architecture, and the entire region around them- which also includes the nearby pink-granite Karoonjhar Mountains- was once considered to be one of the “most glorious” in the entire country.

14 temples can be found here, including the Gori Temple which boasts the oldest existing Jain frescoes in the world.

Temples aren’t all that can be reveled in here, though. The Bhodesar Mosque (above) can also be visited nearby, a mosque that was built in 1505 CE and features a central dome that’s very similar to its Jain counterparts.

The mosque and temples have remained in relatively good condition due to low (but increasing) numbers of tourists. Unfortunately, foreigners have reported having a difficult time visiting the temples due to their super close proximity to the Indian border.

To reach Nagarparkar via public transport, keep in mind that you’ll only be able to do so from the town of Mithi, some 150 km away.

13. Harappa

Harappa was yet another city of the Indus Valley Civilization and was believed to be home to over 23,000 people. It’s worth noting that the Indus Valley Civilization is used interchangeably with the term Harappan Civilization, though it did include more than just the city of its namesake.

Though the settlement at one time spanned 150 hectares during the time period between 2600 BC and 1900 BC, it was badly damaged under British Rule of Pakistan and is now much smaller.

The present-day archeological site is located about 24 km from the Punjabi city of Sahiwal, and as it’s infrequently visited compared to some of the other historical places in Pakistan, it’s a great choice to visit for those looking for an alternative travel experience.

14. Makli Necropolis

Here’s a famous landmark of Pakistan for you: the Makli Necropolis, one of the largest funerary sites in the world!

The site- which houses over 500,000 tombs- is spread out over an area of 10km near the Sindhi city of Thatta. The tombs were built over a 400 year period and belong to royalty, Sufi saints, and admired scholars.

Makli began when Sufi saint Shaikh Jamali established a sort of Sufi gathering site and was eventually buried there. Later on in the 14 th century, Trakhan ruler Jam Tamachi wished to be buried there as well seeing as he venerated Shaikh Jamali, and so began the tradition.

The site rose in importance during the rule of the Samma dynasty, and like many historical places in Pakistan, the most architecturally significant tombs were crafted during the famed Mughal Era.

The necropolis was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 and is located about 2 hours from both Hyderabad and Karachi.

15. Tomb of Jahangir

On the outskirts of Lahore, you can find one of the most beautiful landmarks of Pakistan- the exquisite tomb of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The tomb took 10 years to build and was finally finished in 1637.

The walls of the tomb are decorated with inlaid marble, stunning floral frescoes, and is surrounded by lush gardens. Though the site has been damaged in floods throughout the years, it stands in good condition today despite being close to 400 years old.

The tomb sits about 30-40 minutes outside of Lahore and is best reached by Careem or Uber if you don’t have your own vehicle.

Visiting Hours: 9AM- 7PM

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16. Baltit Fort

view of baltiti fort and snowy ultar peak from karimabad historical places in gilgit baltistan

Though many of the famous monuments in Pakistan are found in either Punjab or Sindh, that’s not to say none exist in the mountains!

The Baltit Fort, which is located in Karimabad in the beautiful Hunza Valley, was founded in 8 th CE and was inhabited by the Mirs of Hunza until 1945.

The fort, which takes its shape from Tibetan architecture, sits a-top a hill and lies claim to a marvelous view of the valley below.

The Baltit Fort has long been a popular tourist destination in Hunza and is very easy to visit- even on foot- within Karimabad.

Visiting Hours: 9AM- 5:30PM

Entrance Fee: 500 rupees for foreigners

Map of Historical Places in Pakistan

From the most southern tips of Sindh to the awe-inspring Hunza Valley , Pakistan’s historical places can be found all over the country.

And there you have it y’all, 16 historical places in Pakistan that will blow your mind. Though this list does cover a good amount of the most famous landmarks in the country- Pakistan is a gold mine for mesmerizing historical wonders! Do you have one you’d like to add? Drop a comment below!

Samantha is the founder of Intentional Detours. Originally from the USA, she’s been backpacking the world since 2017, and is passionate about slow, adventure travel that puts local communities first. She has visited 19 countries and has been living in the Karakoram Mountains of Asia’s Hunza Valley since 2021. She’s super passionate about helping people get off the beaten path anywhere (on a budget of course), and her travel writing has been published in the likes of BBC Travel, CNBC, Business Insider, and more.

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I totally agree with you in that when you stand in historical places, something changes you. It’s one thing to read about a historical site, it’s a completely different thing to actually stand where history was made. Thanks for the great post, Pakistan has an amazing history.

Nice click and such wonderful historical places.

Thank you! And yes- Pakistan’s history is incredible for sure

thanks dear for appreciating our country

It is the most beautiful and friendliest country in the world!

Wonderfull history thankyou

All post and pictures are incredible but being indian is it safe to travel Pakistan on tourist visa as i would like to explore all them physical…. I wish that i could see all in real…. I miss you pakistan….

The World Heritage Sites of Pakistan

Discover some of the most interesting sites in Pakistan that have been highlighted by UNESCO , including palaces, religious sites, and historical settlements. All of these sites are incredible remnants of Pakistan’s diverse and extensive past, and visiting them will harbor a rich and cultural journey through the history of Pakistan.

One of the most visited sites in Pakistan, Taxila is generally considered to be one of the most significant archaeological sites in Asia. This is due to its accurate representation of the varying stages of progression between the 5th century BC and 2nd century AD, during which time the site was at its peak. Back when it was active, Taxila was a university and educational center for Buddhists, and it attracted pilgrims from all across Asia . Today it stands as a labyrinth of ruins consisting of foundations, mosques and a number of stupas, the largest of which, the Great Stupa, is regarded as the most important.

Lahore Fort and Shalamar Gardens

Located just 7 kilometers from one another, Lahore Fort and the Shalamar Gardens are located within the city of Lahore, which is often referred to as the ‘ Paris of the East’. The fort itself was built, destroyed and rebuilt a number of times between the 13th and 15th centuries, and is home to fantastic marble palaces, motifs, and intricate detailing, the symbols within which highlight the use of such emblems in Mughal design. With the sandstone walls inlaid with detailed motifs and precious materials, the site is a visual delight. The Shalamar Gardens stand as a pinnacle of Mughal garden design and influenced much of the later Indian architecture and design that followed.

Rohtas Fort

The vast and seemingly indestructible Rohtas Fort was built by Sher Shah Suri in 1541 and stand today completely intact. The circumference of the walls stretch for over 4 kilometers and they aided the emperor in deterring rebellious members of the public and the return of emperor Humayun, following Suri’s victory against him. A bold example of the capabilities of Muslim military architecture of the time, the fort is of particular importance culturally as it is the only existing example of architecture created at the time of Sher Shah Suri’s rule. Despite its military use, the detailing on the fort is quite beautiful, and its location on a hilltop means that it boasts exemplary views of the surrounding landscapes.

The incredibly vast, ancient and elaborate collection of tomb monuments at Makli Hill is astounding. Located just outside of Thatta, Makli Hill is the greatest Muslim necropolis structure existing today. The site is a paragon of the Sind province and its golden era, which lasted across four centuries from the 14th to the 18th. There is evidence of extreme grandeur style, with colorful mosaic detailing and decorative patterns carved into the stone, the enamel tiles of many of the decorations nodding towards ties with Iran . Approximately half a million tombs and graves are dotted within this six square mile site, and the varying use of brick and stone has meant that over time it has undergone varying degrees of degradation.

Moenjo-Daro Ruins

Located in the Indus valley, (the civilization of which was not discovered until the 1920s) the Moenjo-Daro ruins display one of the earliest physical confirmations of urban planning. The site is simply huge and dates back to 3000 BC. Being one of the first Indian cities, the site shows evidence of complex street and drainage systems. While there are no apparent traces of temples or monuments, archaeological findings are suggestive of wealth, such as gold and lapis lazuli. The integrity of the city’s layout is the testimony to the inhabitants’ prominence. However, unfortunately, due to a lack of preservation, experts warn that without proper action the site will have completely diminished by 2030.

Takht-i-Bahi and Sehr-i-Bahlol

Within these two historically and archaeologically significant sites are the remains of a Buddhist monastery, and it is thought that some of the remains of Buddha are to be found within Sehr-i-Bahlol. The latter area is in danger of irreversible damage from visitors and locals, who dig the area for relics and antiques that are often found due to lack of proper excavation. The complex of Takht-i-Bahi is viewed by archaeologists as particularly important, as it is a prime example of the Buddhist monasteries that existed around 1st century BC. The site is comprised of four predominant sections, including the Court of Stupas and a tantric monastic complex. The dates of these vary and add to the area’s cultural depth.

Example of Ashoka’s Edict (Maski, District Raichur, Karnataka State, India)

Mansehra Rock Edicts

Located near to the city of Mansehra, the rock edicts here outline events that took place during the middle of the 3rd century BC. During this time, from around 330 to 200 BC the city was a part of Taxila, but following the ascension of the Indian emperor Ashoka , the area was created as a seat for his government, and the three boulders that make up the site were inscribed to document this. These inscriptions represent the first ever writings in South Asia and can be read from right to left in ancient Indian script (Kharosthi). The inscriptions are a part of the edicts of Ashoka, which are 33 inscriptions made by the emperor and are dotted across Bangladesh , Nepal , India and Pakistan.

Shah Jahan Mosque

Regarded as the world’s largest mosque, with 93 domes, the Shah Jahan Mosque in the town of Thatta is a common visiting spot especially for those having gone to the nearby Makli Hill. All 93 domes are white, which give an exceptional view of the building from afar. Due to its size and number of domes, it is famed for its acoustics and the echoes that the internal shapes create. This allowed for increased numbers of people to attend prayers, and when speaking above a certain decibel, one can be heard throughout the mosque. Intricate Iranian style geometric designs can be seen throughout the structure, and the red bricks and blue mosaics create a stunning contrast.

Tomb of Hazrat Rukn-e-Alam

Built within the Multan Fort, which is a landmark in itself, the tomb of Hazrat Rukn-e-Alam is a simply beautiful example of architecture that existed pre-Mughal. Many consider it to be the heart of Multan, and its distinct magnificence is unrivaled. Octagonal in shape, the tomb has a large white center dome, with smaller surrounding domes in the same color, and a turquoise blue detailing throughout. Rukn-e-Alam translates to ‘pillar of the world’ and the tomb was built in the early 1300s AD. Showing elaborate decorations and brickwork throughout, a notable feature is a niche, or mihrab, which is the earliest of its kind within the whole of South Asia.

Wazir Khan Mosque

A detailed mosque of astonishing substance, the Wazir Khan Mosque is decorated in large parts with intricate tiling, for which it has become famous. The tiling contains elaborate floral and organic decorations contrasted with geometric designs, the bright colors of which make it one of the finest existing examples of Qashani tile work. Located in Lahore, the mosque also contains the tomb of the revered figure Syed Muhammad Ishaq, and this tomb actually predates the mosque itself. Crafted over seven years, the mosque is a startling red sandstone and has a large central courtyard divided into two. By Melissa Pearce

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Exploring Pakistan’s Rich Cultural Heritage: A Guide to Historical Landmarks

Pakistan is a country that is rich in cultural heritage and historical landmarks. Its diverse and colorful history is reflected in the numerous landmarks and monuments that dot the landscape. From ancient archaeological sites to medieval forts, Pakistan has a wealth of cultural treasures that are just waiting to be explored.

One of the most prominent historical landmarks in Pakistan is the ancient city of Taxila. Located just outside of Islamabad, Taxila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 6th century BCE. The city was an important center of learning and culture during the Buddhist and Hindu periods and features numerous well-preserved ruins and artifacts.

Another must-visit landmark is the magnificent Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. Built-in the Mughal era, this stunning mosque is one of the largest in the world and features intricate tilework, marble inlays, and beautiful calligraphy. Visitors can also explore the nearby Lahore Fort, which dates back to the 16th century and offers breathtaking views of the city.

For those interested in ancient history, the ruins of Mohenjo-Daro are a must-visit destination. This ancient Indus Valley Civilization city dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. The well-preserved ruins offer a glimpse into the daily life and culture of this ancient civilization.

The city of Multan is also home to numerous historical landmarks, including the stunning 17th-century Shah Rukn-e-Alam Shrine. This beautifully decorated shrine is the final resting place of the famous Sufi saint Shah Rukn-e-Alam and is considered one of the most important religious sites in the country.

Other notable landmarks in Pakistan include the majestic K2 mountain, the ancient Rohtas Fort, and the stunning Shalimar Gardens in Lahore. Whether you are interested in ancient history, architecture, or natural beauty, Pakistan has something to offer everyone.

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How to Find the Best Historical Places in Pakistan

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Despite only being a country for less than 80 years – Pakistan’s rich history goes back thousands of years.

Over the centuries, Pakistani’s multi-cultural past is as complicated as any nation that encompasses a dizzying array of ethnic groups, religions, and languages. When Pakistan broke off from India in 1947 – the lines that were drawn are still a point of contention between the two countries.

The sheer diversity found in the history of Pakistan’s inhabitants means that for people living today – there is an incredible cultural, religious, and ethnic legacy to discover here. Which means for history lovers – Pakistan is a paradise!

Being as that I am a big fan of history (and if I am honest the extremes of history and human experience) – there is a lot more than the big mountains of Pakistan for adventure travelers to get down on. Plus my father was a high school and university history professor so I had to at least extend his legacy of loving history into this article :).

This is the ultimate guide to the best historical places in Pakistan. Make yourself a coffee, and settle in…

DID YOU KNOW THAT I RUN TOURS IN PAKISTAN?

Every year I lead unique trips to Pakistan including the K2 Base Camp Trek and to the Hunza Valley?

Sunehri Masjid

One of the reasons I love Lahore is this: seemingly everywhere you look there are interesting old structures hidden off of tiny unassuming side streets.

One recent gem I stumbled across is Sunehri Mosque (Sunehri = Golden in Urdu) located in Old Lahore.

When I went there the mosque was in the process of being restored. Many of the original tiles and architectural details are well preserved and I am sure it will look even nicer once the entire compound is restored.

I recommend hitting this mosque up on foot if you are walking from Anarkali Bazaar to Food Street. Being that the mosque is kind of hidden – nobody apart from local people actually visits this place – making it one of the best-kept historical site secrets in Lahore.

Entrance Fee: free Best time to visit: All year

Rohtas Fort

Tucked away off of a dusty road between Lahore and Islamabad – Rhotas Fort is one of the best-preserved Mughal-era forts in Punjab. The site is near the city of Jhelum and can be a bit tricky to reach if you don’t have your own car.

I have been to Rohtas twice and I can honestly say that it is one of the best historical places to visit in Pakistan if you like forts .

The fortress was built by Raja Todar Mal on the orders of Sher Shah Suri, partly to suppress the local Gakhar tribes of what was then the Potohar region. Some Gakhar tribes were allies of the Mughal Empire, and refused to recognize the suzerainty of Sher Shah Suri.

The fort is known for its large defensive walls, and several monumental gateways. Rohtas Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, as an “exceptional example of the Muslim military architecture of Central and South Asia.”

Note that for much of the year – the temperatures at Rohtas are HOT. I have been in September and in May and both times it was over 40 degrees. Bring lots of water!

Entrance Fee: 500 RS/ foreigner & 20 RS/local. Best time to visit: early spring or late fall.

Buddha Rock – Skardu

Prior to much of what is now Northern Pakistan coming under Islamic influence, the Baltistan region where Skardu now is was a Buddhist area for the most part. Influences between Balti and Tibetan cultures are felt with the similarity of the two languages and some cultural customs.

One of the best-preserved Buddhist relics in the country can be found just a few kilometers away from the main Skardu bazaar – Buddha Rock.

There is not much else to see here other than the rock but it is a cool spot to visit for 20 minutes or so.

Entrance Fee: 300 RS/ foreigner Best time to visit: March – November

Swat Valley Monasteries and Buddhist Shrines

The Swat Valley in KPK province has many Buddhist carvings and stupas, and Jeha Nabad contains a Seated Buddha statue.

Kushan-era Buddhist stupas and statues in Swat valley were demolished by the foreign-funded Taliban and after two attempts by them, and the Jehanabad Buddha’s face was destroyed by dynamite. While some old shrines have been destroyed by the former occupants – but there are still quite a few that remain as well.

Gumbatona Stupa in Swat is one of the most important remaining Buddhist relics and a rare example of a true domed Stupa – from the 1st or 2nd century AD.

Makli Necropolis

If you want to see one of the largest burial sites in the world – the Makali Necropolis is the best historical site in Pakistan from that perspective. Spread over an area of 10 kilometers near the city of Thatta, in the Pakistani province of Sindh, this site is home to between 500,000 and a million tombs – which were built over a 400 year period.

The tombs house former saints, royalty, scholars, clerics, soldiers, and seemingly all of the important people from this region and time period. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 as an “outstanding testament” to Sindhi civilization between the 14th and 18th centuries.

Like all places in Sindh, the summer temperatures here are difficult to handle even for the most heat-resistant traveler. Come in the winter if possible.

Entrance Fee: 1000 RS/ foreigner – 150 rs/ local Best time to visit: December – February

Karpacho Fort

It actually took me a half dozen visits to Skardu before I finally managed to visit Karpacho Fort in Skardu. Perched atop of steep hill overlooking the valley and river below, the Karpacho Fort is not to be missed – especially if you are interested in snapping some photos of the sunset from a great viewpoint.

The Karpacho Fort site is a mix of ruins and preserved structures and is large enough to spend a few hours at if you have a free afternoon. The old man who is the fort guardian is also very kind and it is not uncommon to see him sipping tea with his friends at the entrance.

There is no road up to the fort so you’ll need to hike up there directly from the Skardu Bazaar. The road is signed and the trail is easy to follow. It takes most people about an hour to hike there from the Skardu Bazaar street.

Altit and Baltit Forts

The Hunza Valley is home to two impressive forts: Altit and Baltit. As the former residences of the Kings of Hunza for many generations – both forts offer insights into how the royal families lived. The last King of Hunza actually lived here as recently as the 1930s.

Altit Fort and in particular the Shikari tower is around 1100 years old, which makes it the oldest monument in Gilgit-Baltistan. The fort has received the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2011.

In the 1990s Altit and Baltit forts received more than a million euros for restoration after falling into disrepair for decades. They are now among the best historical places in Pakistan and certainly in all of Hunza.

After the British occupation of India, the British garrison which had an outpost in Hunza used the Altit Fort as their HQ – installing the first-ever phone in the valley.

Altit Fort is my favorite of the two and I think that is due to the fact that Karimabad (where Baltit Fort is located) has become a little too touristy for my liking.

The views above the river from Altit are also stunning.

Entrance Fee: 1100 RS/ foreigner Best time to visit: March – November

Badshahi Mosque

Easily the most recognizable Mosque in Pakistan – the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore is also one of the largest in the world (at one time it was the largest!).

The Badshahi Mosque was constructed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb between 1671 and 1673 and was the largest mosque in the world from 1673 to 1986. The mosque is an important example of Mughal architecture, with an exterior that is decorated with carved red sandstone with marble inlay. It remains the largest mosque of the Mughal era and is the third-largest mosque in Pakistan currently.

After the fall of the Mughal Empire, the mosque was used as a garrison by the British Empire and is now one of Pakistan’s most iconic sights.

Pretty much every “things to do” list for Lahore will mention Badshahi – and it can have a bit of a touristy vibe at times. I recommend visiting it once and catching dinner at one of the new Food Street rooftop restaurants like Haveli where you can have awesome views of the mosque while you eat.

Entrance Fee: 50 r/s for “shoe keeping” charge. Free entrance. Best time to visit: All year (summer is super hot though!)

Mahabat Khan Mosque in Peshawar

Peshawar is just a cool city – and one that is often overlooked. If you have time – don’t miss Peshawar as it has a lot to offer from food to historical mosques to kind people. My favorite mosque in Peshawar:

The Mahabat Khan Mosque sometimes spelled Mohabbat Khan Mosque, is a 17th-century Mughal-era mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan. The mosque was built in 1630 and named after the Mughal governor of Peshawar, Nawab Mahabat Khan bin Ali Mardan Khan, known alternatively as Mahabat Khan and Ali Mardan Khan. The mosque’s white marble facade is considered to be one of Peshawar’s most epic sights.

Entrance Fee: Free Best time to visit: Anytime but summer (June – August are very hot)

Rawalpindi Havelis

If you don’t know what you are looking for, you might miss the old Haveli buildings scattered throughout the famous Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi. The word haveli is derived from Arabic hawali , meaning “partition” or “private space”, popularised under the Mughal Empire, and was devoid of any architectural affiliations.

Later, the word haveli came to be used as a generic term for various styles of regional mansions, manor houses, townhouses, and temples found in the Indian subcontinent including Pakistan. Haveli hunting is among one of my fav activities when exploring Pakistani cities in Punjab.

The fine old woodwork, unique layout, and elaborately decorated terraces really make these haveli’s in Rawalpindi worth checking out. I recommend exploring Raja Bazaar with a local person who can point you in the direction of some cool haveli houses.

Entrance Fee: Free Best time to visit: All year (summer is super hot though!)

Wazir Khan Mosque

After Badshahi, Wazir Khan is probably the 2nd most-visited mosque in Lahore. This mosque sits off of a bustling street in the Delhi Gate area of Old Lahore. Busy market stalls selling everything from ladies’ dresses to fresh beef to cooking implements can be found all around the outside of the mosque.

The colored original tiles and minarets make Wazir Khan one of the most impressive mosques I have ever seen.

It is even possible to climb the minarets for an epic view of the Old City and mosque compound. However, the “keeper of the mosque” guy that watches over things won’t always let people up which is annoying. Usually, he asks for a 1000 rs bribe to go to the top, and if it is Friday prayer time – no way he will allow you to go.

I even flew my drone above the mosque – which I also had to pay the mosque keeper for.

Rani Gatt (lit. the queen of stones in a Pashto) is a 2500-year-old Buddhist archaeological site belonging to the Gandahara civilization located in district Buner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Raniagut is good evidence of the Buddhist past of the area. The site is located on top of a hill, accessible by climbing the stairs constructed by the Japanese. The main attractions include; Stupas, a big rock erected by the ancient people at some distance that they probably used to worship. Thanks Haris Ali Shah for the tip on this one!

Entrance Fee: Free Best time to visit: All year

Uuch Sharif

This gem of southern Punjab province is overflowing with ancient history, stunning architecture, and for me personally, is a site that looks like it’s straight out of a storybook to the point that I find it hard to believe that this is a real place.

Uuch Sharif’s history stretches back thousands of years, probably having been founded by Alexander the Great and maintaining status as an important location well into the Islamic period and into modern times. Even today, visitors experience a well-preserved region that is beyond captivating to behold, so people looking for something truly special shouldn’t pass this up.

Entrance Fee: Free Best time to visit: Early spring and fall

Mohenjo-Daro

One of the most prominent archeological sites in the world, Mohenjo-Daro is also one of the world’s most ancient cities, founded by the mysterious Indus Valley civilization. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a highlight not only of Sindh province but in all of Pakistan.

For being so old, Mohenjo-Daro is well-preserved, but this jewel of the ancient world is under constant threat by erosion. Responsible visits to one of the world’s first examples of a major city are encouraged to be taken soon, as there is the constant risk of the character of this site being changed – or damaged – forever.

Entrance Fee: 1000 RS/ foreigner – 150 rs/ local Best time to visit: Spring – fall

Located in Punjab province, Bahawalpur is a dream, with history stretching back centuries and ancient structures built in exquisite detail. This city is for lovers of history, flavorful food, and eye-popping architecture.

Not only is Bahawalpur an oasis of culture, it is also nearby Lal Suhunra National Park, one of the largest national parks in South Asia. That makes this town virtually the complete experience for anyone’s wants in a destination, whether it’s learning more about the region’s past, soaking in natural beauty, and more.

Bahawalpur can get suffocatingly hot in summer, especially for those not used to high temperatures (it can even be a struggle for locals, too), so it’s best to spend time in this city during the cooler months of the year.

Entrance Fee: Free Best time to visit: Late fall and early spring

Tomb of Jahangir

Not far from the ancient Walled City of Lahore, this tomb is a can’t-miss historical landmark and one of the most elegant examples of Mughal architecture there is to be found in all of Pakistan. Anyone fascinated by peculiar, unique history will find exploring this site a remarkable experience.

Although the history of the site itself is a bit hazy, with differing accounts attributing construction to different people, this Mughal emperor’s tomb is, to this day, unbelievably well-preserved for casual visitors and serious students of history alike to soak in.

Entrance Fee: Free Best time to visit: Late fall and winter

Former Compound of Osama Bin Laden – Abbottabad

If you made it this far down my list – you needed a little spark to make you do a double-take. Made ya look!

Many people have asked me if it is possible to visit the former compound of Osama Bin Laden and his entourage. I am here to tell you that it is 100% NOT POSSIBLE. The Pakistani government had it demolished shortly after Bin Laden was killed by US Navy Seals to avoid it becoming a dark tourism/pilgrimage site. Trust me, there are much more interesting sites in Pakistan than chasing a compound that does not exist anymore.

Best Historical Places in Pakistan – Final Thoughts

There you have it amigos – you are now armed with the best historical places in Pakistan.

From a time perspective the nation of Pakistan is very new – but from a historical vantage point – the country is full of a seemingly endless of array of diverse historical attractions dating back centuries (and beyond).

Thanks for taking the time to check out this epic list. If you have been to an epic historical place in Pakistan that I did not mention, drop the name in the comments below so I can add it to the list (if it is up to scratch).

Pakistan is a culturally diverse country with natural beauty, culture, cuisine, and, of course, historical sites. Pakistan offers it everything, from lush green plains to enormous mountain ranges and stunning deserts. People who enjoy visiting antique and historical sites would find Pakistan to be a wonderland. Various civilizations reigned over the nation. Throughout their excursions, several renowned persons travelled through the land. People from around the world travel to visit these historical places in Pakistan and enjoy these.

Agreed! Super diverse place. One of the reasons why I love the country :).

Pakistan is truly underrated. So much to see and explore. Thanks for sharing this.

Cheers! Glad you enjoyed the blog!

List of Top 20 Historical Places To Visit in Pakistan

Rohtas fort.

Qila Rohtas or Rohtas Fort is located near the city of Jhelum, Pakistan. It is just 15km away from Jhelum city and is a beautiful tourist destination and historical place. This Fort was constructed during the reign of Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century after he took control of the Mughal Empire in 1538.

The area of Rohtas Fort is spread over 70 hectares and is one of the largest forts in the Subcontinent. The building of the fort is still standing firm and with all the glory and it is due to the fact that Rohtas Fort was never attacked.

Rohtas Fort is located about 4 hours from Lahore and 2 hours from the Capital Territory, Islamabad. The visiting hours for the fort are from 9 am to 5 pm and the entry to the fort is completely free.

Taxila City

The ancient city of Taxila is located about 32 kilometers from Rawalpindi on the famous Grand Trunk Road (GT Road). The archaeological site in Taxila is the evidence of how an old and ancient civilization came out of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Taxila is considered to be a very old city. Its origin is thought to be in 1000 BC and some ruins here are also estimated to be as old as 3360 BC.

The entire city of Taxila was designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. The ancient University of Taxila is considered to be one of the oldest universities in the world. Taxila is full of ancient structures including a cave, stupas, a monastery, and is spread over a huge area.

There is a museum too having old and ancient things used by the ancient people. There is an entrance fee to the museum; 50rs for Pakistani tourists and 200 for foreign tourists. This museum operated from 9 am to 5 pm.

Taxila is having a strategic position for Pakistan as many industries and factories regarding Defense are present here.

Hiran Minar

Hiran Minar or “The Deer Tower” was constructed in the memory of a pet of Mughal Emperor Jahangir in the 17th century. The antelope named Mansraj was the dearest pet of Jahangir and was mistakenly killed during a hunting season.

In the memory of his dear Mansraj , he ordered to build a minaret to commemorate it. The Hiran Minar is located in the city of Sheikhupura. The structure of the Hiran Minar complex is very interesting. It has four minarets that are 30 feet in length and the complex has a massive pool that increases its beauty.

Read More: Get to know about the stunning waterfalls of Pakistan.

Takht-i-Bahi

Pakistan is full of historical and ancient places. Its every corner depicts the ancient civilization. The province of KPK is also having some of the famous and historical places that one should visit and Takht-i-Bahi is one of those places. It is an archaeological site of a Buddhist Monastery located in the city of Mardan.

Takht-i-Bahi was founded in the 1st century CE and the Buddhists stayed here till the 7th century. This ancient place was enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

Takht-i-Bahi has four main areas. It has a Stupa Court having a cluster of stupas in the central courtyard. The second area consists of the monastic chambers. It has assembly halls and a dining area. After this, there’s a temple complex having stupas similar to Stupa Court. And at last, Takht-i-Bahi has a Tantric monastic complex.

This place is a popular tourist destination for the people who have affection for history. There is no entrance fee for this ancient place.

Katas Raj Temples

Katas Raj Temples are located near Kalar Kahar on Kalar Kahar Road. It is about 24.5 kilometers far from the Kalar Kahar Motorway interchange. The Hindu Temples are said to be constructed in the 7th century or earlier.

Katas is a complex of several samples. These temples are interconnected with the help of walkways. The complex of temples is surrounded by a pond which increases their beauty. Katas is the name of the pond and it is regarded as a sacred pond by Hindus.

The famous epic Mahabharta also mentions these temples and the founder of the Sikh religion – Guru Nanak, often visited Katas Raj Temples.

Katas Raj temples can be visited from 9 am to 5 pm and there is no entrance fee for these temples.

The Noor Mahal

In 1872, the Nawab of Bahawalpur built the Noor Mahal during the British reign. Nawab Subah Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV built this palace for his wife. But his wife spent only one night in the Noor Mahal due to the affection of Basti Maluk Shah graveyard. It is located in the city of Bahawalpur and it is beautiful with attractive architecture.

The interior and exterior of the Noor Mahal are really beautiful and captivating. The furniture for the elegant Noor Mahal was imported from England d and Italy at that time. The estimated cost that took Noor Mahal to complete was 1.2 million rupees and it was completed in 1875.

The palace spread across an area of 44,600 square feet. It has 32 rooms, 6 verandas and 5 domes.

Lahore Fort

Lahore Fort is located in the walled city of Lahore and is also known as “Shahi Qila” or “Royal Fort”. It is one of the main attractions in Lahore with beautiful architecture and neighboring another Mughal Empire’s masterpiece, the Badshahi Masjid.

The area of the fort expands to about 20 hectares. There are several tunnels that lead to the other places. It is one of the famous landmarks of Pakistan.

The city of Harappa is located about 24km from Sahiwal, Punjab. Harappa was the city of Indus Valley Civilization and it is believed that it was the home of nearly 23,000 people. This place was given the name of Harappa from a nearby village at the bank of river Ravi.

Moreover, the ruins present in the Harappa date back to the bronze age. Harappa was established in 2600 BC along the Indus River Valley. This city had a very modern civilization. The people of Harappa had their own writing system, urban centers, and modern social and economic system.

The Harappans were the traders of agricultural products and they also had cotton textiles. The student of history should visit this place as it is highly enriched with the lifestyle of Harappans.

Mohenjo Daro

Another series of Indus Valley Civilization is Mohenjo Daro. It is an archaeological site located near the city of Larkana in Sindh. Mohenjo Daro is considered to be the largest and the oldest settlement of Indus Valley Civilization that was built around 2500 BC. It was discovered in 1921.

Mohenjo Daro is also known as ‘Mound of the Dead Men’. It was given the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

Minar-e-Pakistan

Pakistan Resolution was passed on 23rd March 1940 in a large assembly gathering organized by the All-India Muslim League that took the decision to have a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent. After seven years, history was made and Pakistan came into existence.

Twenty years later, to commemorate this memory, the construction work to build a monument on the site of Resolution Day was started. After eight years, the Minar-e-Pakistan was completed.

It is a 62-meter high minaret that is a symbol of the independence of Pakistan. The Minar-e-Pakistan is a perfect depiction of modern and Islamic architecture. The design of Minar-e-Pakistan was made by famous Russian born architect, Nasreddin Muran-Khan.

It is located in the Iqbal park near to Badshahi Masjid and Lahore Fort. Thousands of visitors pay a visit to this monument every year. Without the inclusion of this commemoration in the list of historical places to visit in Pakistan, the history of our country is incomplete.

Wazir Khan Masjid

The walled city of Lahore is full of old and historical buildings that were built in the Mughal Era. One of those ancient buildings in the Masjid Wazir Khan. One can reach the Masjid Wazir Khan by passing through the Delhi gate.

Wazir Khan Mosque is magnificent in beauty and has four minarets about 33 meters high and five turnip shaped domes. This mosque was built on the orders of Governor Wazir Khan in 1634 and was named before him.

It is one of the most beautiful mosques in Pakistan. It is a stunning piece of art and a marvelous addition to Islamic heritage.

Pakistan has a huge list of ancient and historical forts. Every fort has its own history and beauty. So, here we are to discover another fort present in Sindh.

The Kot Diji Fort is located on a hill in Kot Diji, Sindh. This fort is one of the oldest forts of Pakistani history. It was built by Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur in 1785-95. But it is believed that the remains date back to 3300 BC that places the remains before the Indus Valley Civilization and Harappan Civilization.

Unlike the other forts, this fort gets fewer tourists. The remains and the fort can be accessed from Khairpur city.

Derawar Fort

The Derawar Fort was built by a Hindu Rajput, Bhati of Jaisalmer. Derawar Fort has forty bastions that are clearly visible from miles away in the Cholistan Desert. The walls of the fort are thirty meters high and have a circumference of 1500 meters.

It remained under Hindu Rajput and was later captured by the Nawabs of Bahawalpur in 1733. The fort is still in a good condition and its walls are firm yet.

Ranikot Fort

The Sindh province in Pakistan has a list of beautiful and historical places that attract many tourists around the country and world. The Ranikot Fort is yet another that one must visit in his lifetime. Ranikot Fort is thought to be the largest fort in the world and is also known as the Great Wall of Sindh.

Ranikot Fort is located about 90 kilometers far from the District Hyderabad.

Tomb of Jahangir

The tomb of Mughal Emperor Jahangir took 10 years to build and its construction was completed in 1637. It is a beautiful landmark in the outskirts of Lahore. The tomb walls are beautifully decorated with inlaid marble and floral frescoes. The surroundings of the tomb are enriched with lush green grass gardens.

Despite the floods and other pollutants, the tomb still stands in very good condition after more than 370 years. Tourists can visit this marvelous place from 9 am to 7 pm.

Baltit Fort

If someone says that the northern areas of Pakistan don’t have any historical places, then he is surely wrong. The Baltit Fort is located near Karimabad, Hunza. It was founded in the 8th century and the Mirs of Hunza inhabited there until 1945.

The fort has a Tibetan architecture and is present on a hilltop and claims a marvelous view. It is a popular tourist destination as thousands of people visit the northern area of Pakistan.

Shalimar Gardens

The Shalimar Garden is the gift of Mughals to Lahoris. It is a Persian garden complex and is also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Mughals granted the rights of Shalimar Garden to the Arain Mian family for their services. General Ayub Khan nationalized the Shalimar Gardens in 1962.

Makli Necropolis

With an area of more than 10 square kilometers, Makli Necropolis is considered as the world’s largest funeral site.

This ancient heritage is located in the city of Sindh, Thatta. The official name of the Makli Necropolis is “ Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta”. The site is the house of nearly 500,000 to 1 million tombs that were built within the period of 400 years.

Nagarparkar Jain Temples

Nagarparkar Jain Temples is a collection of abandoned temples from the 12th to 15th centuries and are located very close to the desert border of Pakistan and India.

These temples are the symbols of Jainism – an ancient religion of the Subcontinent and are considered as the unique historical places of Pakistan. The temples are enriched and express the Jain architecture.

There are 14 temples including the Gori Temple, which is the oldest existing Jain frescoes in the world.

Begum Shahi Mosque

The Begum Shahi Mosque was built between 1611 to 1612 under Mughal Emperor Jahangir in the honor of his mother, Mariam Zamani. Begum Shahi Mosque is also known as the “Mother of all Mosques”.

It is a small mosque near the Lahore Fort and is one of the beautiful and historical landmarks of Lahore. It is also Lahore’s oldest surviving Mughal Era architecture.

These are some of the ancient and historical places to visit in Pakistan. If someone loves to have an adventurous life and is fond of traveling, then he must explore these historical places to visit in Pakistan.

Sarim Chaudary

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Top 8 Historical Places in Pakistan

Abdullah Khan

Pakistan consists of a wide range of historical places that hold a wealth of information about its past. Historical places in Pakistan include archaeological sites, tombs, and monuments from the Mughal period to the British Raj era. Some of these structures are more famous than others but they all paint an important picture of Pakistani heritage and history.

If you are a history fan, looking to peek into the curtain of Pakistan’s diverse and brilliant history, we have prepared a list of the top 8 historical places in the country that you simply cannot miss out on.

Let’s look at the list of top 8 historical places to visit in Pakistan, that beautify our country even more.

Mohenjo Daro
Rohtas Fort
Wazir Khan Mosque
Tomb of Jahangir
Ranikot Fort

This archaeological site in Taxila provides evidence of how an ancient civilization branched out from the original Indus Valley civilization. Besides that, it depicts the stages of development influenced by Persia, Greece and Central Asia.

It has some Buddhist relics. Plus it served as the entry point of famous Macedonian invader, Alexander the Great.

2) Mohenjo Daro

Mohenjo Daro is an archaeological site located near the city of Larkana in Sindh. Mohenjo Daro is considered to be the largest and the oldest settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization that was built around 2500 BC. It was discovered in 1921.

Mohenjo Daro is also known as ‘Mound of the Dead Men’. It was given the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

3) Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort also known as Qila Rohtas is a fortress located near the city of Jhelum. It was constructed in the 16th century, during the reign of Sher Shah Suri. The fort is said to be one of the largest forts in the subcontinent. Luckily, the fort was never attacked and as a result it is still standing firmly with all its glory.

4) Wazir Khan Mosque

It is one of the most beautiful mosques in Pakistan. It is a stunning piece of art and a marvelous addition to Islamic heritage.

5) Tomb of Jahangir

The Tomb of Jahangir, also known as the Jahangir’s Mosque, is one of the most significant buildings in Lahore. It is a large, white marble mausoleum with a black marble base and a gold dome.

The Tomb of Jahangir was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1637 to house the remains of his son, Prince Khurram (later Emperor Jahangir), who died in 1627. The tomb is located just inside the Lahore Fort’s southern gate on the left-hand side from where it faces the fort’s entrance.

6) Noor Mahal

The Noor Mahal , in the city of Bahawalpur, is a picture of elegance and beauty. During the British Raj, it was erected in 1872 by the Nawab of Bahawalpur. A city map and gold money were also buried in the mahal’s foundation.

The building was designated as a “protected monument” by Pakistan’s Department of Archeology in September 2001, and it is now available to the public. The mahal also holds many of the Nawab’s personal items, such as his old swords, old money notes and coins, ancient laws from the time, an antique piano that Nawabs used to play, old furniture used by Nawabs, and so on. It also has a lengthy wall with fictitious photos of Nawabs on it.

Harappa was the city of Indus Valley Civilization and it is believed that it was the home of nearly 23,000 people. This place was given the name of Harappa from a nearby village at the bank of river Ravi.

8) Ranikot Fort

RaniKot Fort is a historical fort built in the Talpur dynasty. It is located in Jamshoro District, Sindh, and is known as the Great Wall of Sindh. It is believed that Ranikot Fort is the world’s largest fort, with an area of around 32 kilometers. According to historians, the fort was built in 1812. Due to the hot weather in Sindh, winter is considered the best time to visit Ranikot Fort. Many visitors visit the magnificent place for sightseeing and hiking.

20 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan – From Mountains to Mosques

It’s hard to imagine a more magnificent landscape than the rugged peaks, hidden villages and wind-swept plains of Pakistan. Here are 20 of the most beautiful places in Pakistan , from wild mountain passes and unreal lakes, to ornate mosques and ancient fortresses.

Thanks to Samantha for sharing her Pakistan tips. Samantha is a self-proclaimed South Asia addict and hippopotamus lover who’s been on the road for seven months so far. She blogs about her indefinite budget-backpacking adventure at Intentional Detours, where she shares guides and stories to help and inspire you to visit offbeat places, too.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Western media might try to tell you otherwise, but trust me – Pakistan is an absolutely stunning country. Think famous mountain peaks, emerald-green and turquoise-blue valleys, deserts filled with remnants of ancient civilization… And that’s not even the half of it.

One thing’s for sure: Pakistan sure isn’t lacking in beautiful places to visit!

Also read: 7 best Pakistani cultural experiences for travellers .

During the 4 months I spent in the country, I was constantly blown away by what I was seeing. There’s an endless number of perfect natural (and man-made) sights to see while backpacking Pakistan , so I thought I’d spotlight 20 of the very best for future travellers.

20 most beautiful places in Pakistan

Without further ado, here are the 20 most beautiful places in Pakistan (in no particular order), a country that quickly and fiercely stole my heart.

1. Swat Valley

A green mountain valley with a small village at the bottom.

Though it has had a rough past, the present and future of Swat Valley are shining very bright. This stunning valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan is something straight out of a fairy tale.

Think bright green fields and forests, picturesque villages, and rivers boasting shades of blue so clear and bright you wouldn’t have thought them real!

The true beauty of Swat can be found around the town of Kalam, which serves as a base to the explore the beauty of the valley. Here are 3 places you can’t miss in Swat Valley:

Boyun Village

Boyun, also known as Green Top, is a short drive or manageable up-hill walk from Kalam town. When you finally reached the pinnacle, you’ll be rewarded with a panorama of one of the most vast and beautiful villages I’ve ever seen – along with sweeping views of the valley below. Boyun is an easy day trip from Kalam.

A mountain stream runs through Pakistan's Swat Valley.

Kandol and Spindhor Lakes

These alpine lakes lie 2 hours away from Kalam. These days, Kandol Lake is accessible via jeep track and is a bit more commercialised, whereas Spindhor can only be reached on a 2-hour trek. Whichever you choose to visit, both are absolutely counted among the most beautiful places in Pakistan.

Ushu Forest

This well-preserved forest is full of deodar trees and is a fabulous place to get lost. The road that leads into the forest continues on to several villages set along the Kalam River.

2. Hunza Valley

A brilliant blue river runs through Pakistan's beautiful Hunza Valley.

If you live in Pakistan – or have read anything about the country – it’s almost certain you’ve come across the name Hunza. Don’t let the word ‘valley’ confuse you, though – Hunza is actually a massive district made up of numerous valleys and villages. One part of the ancient Silk Road , here are some of the most beautiful sights in Hunza:

Passu Cones

The Passu Cathedral is a natural work of art and one of the most recognisable scenes in Pakistan. Though staying overnight in Passu village is no longer allowed, the cones are visible from a ways away, starting from the village of Gulmit. The most iconic view of the Cathedral is from the Karakoram Highway, about an hour’s drive from Gilgit City.

The jagged peaks of a mountain range in Pakistan framed by trees in fall colours.

Attabad Lake

A lake that doesn’t look real… Even when you’re standing right in front of it. Attabad was born out of tragedy when a massive landslide occurred in 2010. The flow of the Hunza River was blocked, and the now-famous lake was created in its wake. Its bright-blue turquoise waters make the it one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan.

The jagged peaks of a mountain range in Pakistan.

Eagle’s Nest

Want to see one of the most epic sunsets in the Hunza Valley? Head to Eagle’s Nest around golden hour! The name comes from an upscale hotel/restaurant nearby, but you can drive up to the viewpoint without going there.

3. Yarkhun Valley

A bare mountain landscape with green trees in a low valley.

Though it’s relatively unheard of and forgotten compared to Pakistan’s most famous tourist spots, I think Yarkhun Valley was the most beautiful place I visited in the country. Located in the Upper Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Yarkhun dazzles with its mountain ranges and untouched villages.

Reaching the valley, which stretches for many kilometres past the administrative town of Mastuj, requires a bit of effort if you don’t have your own vehicle. If you do have one though, the ride isn’t too bad – just prepare for mostly dirt roads!

The side valley of Gazin is most definitely worth a detour if you make it all the way to Yarkhun. Here, you can see the mountains of the Thoi Pass, a high-altitude pass that connects Upper Chitral with Yasin Valley in Gilgit Baltistan.

4. Phander Lake

A beautiful blue lake surrounded by fall foliage, one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan.

Phander Lake, located in Phander Village, is almost too good to be true. The teal-coloured lake sits silently amongst light-green trees befitting a landscape painting.

Despite being insanely beautiful, Phander Lake doesn’t see anywhere as close to the number of tourists as the more popular Attabad Lake does.

Mountains in Pakistan fringed by autumn trees.

During the 4 days I spent in Phander relaxing lakeside, I didn’t encounter any other tourists. If you do visit, I highly recommend you stay at the Lake Inn, which is a short walk away and charges 1,000 rupees per night.

There is also the expensive (5,000 rupees) PTDC that overlooks the lake, but the hospitality and value at Lake Inn reign superior.

It's hard to imagine a more magnificent landscape than the rugged peaks, hidden villages and wind-swept plains of Pakistan. Here are 20 of the most beautiful places in Pakistan, from wild mountain passes and unreal lakes, to ornate mosques and ancient fortresses. #Pakistan #Asia | Where to go in Pakistan | Pakistan travel | Photos of Pakistan

5. Broghil Valley

Located way up north very close to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, Broghil Valley was formerly only accessible via trek or horseback. These days, the once-hidden locale can be reached by a treacherous jeep track – yet it still only receives a handful of visitors during the few months it’s not frozen under heaps of snow.

Currently, whether or not foreigners are allowed to visit Broghil is iffy. (If you’re insistent, make sure you check with the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Chitral before making the trek up there.) But Pakistanis – please go see this beauty! The valley is home to numerous high-altitude lakes, yaks, and sprawling green pastures, all set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop that soars above 13,000 feet.

Moreover, a day’s trek from Lashkargaz, the last village in Broghil, will lead you to Karambar Lake, one of the highest in the world!

A mosque with ornate minarets in Lahore, Pakistan.

A city… Say what? Yes, Lahore may be a metro but its treasure trove of historical places surely makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan. Lahore was the city of Mughals, and so much of their creations still remain.

If you’re wondering what are the best places to visit in Lahore , hold tight because there’s a whole lot of them!

The most famous of the city’s monuments include the Badshahi Mosque, the Wazir Khan Mosque, and of course the Lahore Fort. Add to that dozens upon dozens of beautifully preserved tombs, lively shrines, and havelis upon havelis , and you have yourself the cultural capital of Pakistan.

7. Hingol National Park

A road leads through a mountain landscape by the sea in Hingol National Park, Pakistan.

Hingol National Park is technically in Pakistan, but it looks more like a Martian planet! The park is over 6,000-square-kilometres and contains incredibly unique rock formations, vast canyons, numerous animal species, and even a mud volcano .

What’s more, part of the National Park hugs the coast, adding the ocean to all its other assets. Though totally out-of-this-world in its looks, Hingol is only 3.5 hours from Karachi, Pakistan’s most populous city.

Pakistanis shouldn’t have any problem entering the park, but foreigners have had mixed experiences. Some who were accompanied by locals have been able to spend a night/ weekend in the park, while others were only given day permission. There is no public transport to the park, so having access to your own transportation is a must.

8. Kalash Valleys

Wooden houses cling to the side of a hill in Pakistan.

The Kalash Valleys, comprised of Bumboret, Rumbur, and Birir, are home to the Kalash people, a religious and ethnic minority in Pakistan with their own beliefs, culture and language. The valleys they live in are certainly some of the most beautiful places in Pakistan – not just for their natural splendour, but also for the beauty of the Kalash themselves.

The valley of Rumbur is particularly stunning. Here, kilometres of dusty road and mountains rumble alongside the Kalash River. The Kalash people live in wooden homes that cling to the high hills, and the women are particularly famous for their brightly-coloured traditional dress and headwear that differs from anything else one can find in Pakistan.

Being only 2.5 hours from Chitral City, it’s very easy to make it out to one of the valleys these days. If you do decide to head to Rumbur, take a day to trek all the way into the valley. The last settlement of Rumbur, Sheikhandeh, is a former Nuristani village whose inhabitants migrated across the border to Pakistan a few hundred years ago.

9. Deosai Plains National Park

A beautiful green river valley in Pakistan.

Deosai is often referred to as the roof of the world. And it kinda is. At 4,117 metres (13,497 feet), the massive plateau is the second-highest on the planet, and is only really accessible during summer.

Sprawling emerald-green meadows, snow-capped peaks and glistening blue lakes greet visitors who make the journey to this beautiful spot. The Himalayan Brown Bear calls Deosai its home and has been spotted by many a visitor – watch out for them if you’re camping!

The park charges an entrance fee of 1,000 rupees for foreigners and 40 rupees for Pakistanis.

10. Gorakh Hills

Hills in the desert… Yup, the Gorakh Hill Station is located in Sindh, but is certainly elevated as a part of the Kirthar Mountains. At 1,734 metres (5,689 feet), the top of the hills provide some of the most beautiful views in Southern Pakistan. This is the perfect spot for a weekend camping trip.

Gorakh Hills are about 8 hours from Karachi, but only 2 to 3 hours from the city of Dadu, making the latter a better place to start your journey. There is no public transport, but there are a few rest houses for anyone who isn’t looking to pitch a tent.

11. Shimshal

Shimshal Valley, a stunning mountain landscape in Pakistan.

Though a bit out of the way compared to some of the other beautiful tourist places in Pakistan featured on this list, Shimshal Valley is well worth the effort required to reach it. The locale is known for being a major adventure destination that’s particularly popular amongst climbers and mountaineers.

But Shimshal isn’t just one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan for adrenaline junkies. The village itself is divine come summer. Incredibly, it almost exclusively relies on solar energy! Easier short treks to nearby yak pastures can also be arranged, as can just simply wandering around and enjoying the epic vistas and fields of mustard-yellow flowers.

12. Shah Jahan Mosque

The richly decorated ceiling of a mosque, one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan.

Thought all the Mughal relics were in Punjab? Think again! The Shah Jahan Mosque – also known as the Jamia Masjid – is located in Thatta, a town in Pakistan’s Sindh province. It’s widely known for having the most elaborate display of tile work in all of South Asia. Blue and sandstone colours adorn the interior of the mosque and are sure to wow all who visit.

The mosque was commissioned by Shah Jahan when he sought refuge in Thatta back in 1647 and somehow remains in amazing shape today. Though Sindh might seem to be a far cry from the mountains, the immaculate artistry present here makes it one of the most beautiful tourist places in Pakistan.

13. Fairy Meadows

Snow-capped mountains reflected in a lake.

Though it has become a bit touristy (and pricey), Fairy Meadows is no doubt a stunner. The meadows offer an incredible view of Nanga Prabat, the world’s 9th highest mountain peak.

Reaching Fairy Meadows is a bit of a challenge. The journey starts with a jeep ride across one of the most dangerous roads in the world and culminates with a 5 kilometre trek. It’s possible to rent a campsite, or you can bring your own equipment to enjoy a night or two basking in one of Pakistan’s most epic views.

Currently, the price for a jeep into the meadows is around 8,000 rupees ($51), and walking the road is prohibited. Lucky it’s possible to split the cost with other travellers.

The Karakoram Highway winds its way through high peaks in Pakistan.

14. Chapursan Valley

Like Broghil, Chapursan Valley also borders Afghanistan’s Wakhan but is situated more to the east. This stunning collection of villages and vistas sees only a handful of tourists and is one of the most remote places you can visit in Hunza.

Chapursan is home to the Wakhi people, an ethnic group who speak Wakhi and belong to the Ismaili sect of Islam. With royal blue skies, massive mountain peaks, sprawling lakes and virtually no commercialisation, Chapursan Valley is as beautiful a place in Pakistan as they come!

To reach it, you’ll first need to head to the town of Sost that sits near the Pakistan-China Border. If you have your own vehicle, you’re all set to head on up from there. If not, shared jeeps leave from Sost each morning around 6am.

While in the valley, don’t miss the Baba Ghundi Shrine, a mystical Sufi shrine dedicated to a saint who supposedly held magical powers. Also don’t forget to enjoy the company of the yaks!

15. Khunjerab Pass

Snow-capped mountains and a small man-made structure at the Pakistan-China border crossing.

This high-mountain pass isn’t for the faint of heart. At nearly 4,600 metres (15,397 feet), this popular tourist attraction connects Pakistan with China to form the highest paved border crossing in the world.

Many people venture to the border to take photos at the official gate, which is surrounded by insanely tall peaks and grassy fields. As for transport, it’s best to travel here with your own vehicle as bus tickets can get pricey. For adventurous travellers, hitchhiking is also an option, as it is on much of the Karakoram Highway.

16. Rakaposhi Base Camp

For all those trekking enthusiasts out there – this one’s for you! The Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek is doable in one day, even for beginners, and offers some truly insane views of Rakaposhi, a 7,800-metre peak!

There are few ways to get as up close and personal with Pakistan’s giants than this. The trek starts from the village of Minapin, where it should take those with a decent fitness level about 4 to 5 hours to reach the top.

Snow-capped purple mountains and a wide valley in Pakistan.

While it is possible to camp, the descent is much quicker, making the entire journey there and back a plausible one-day affair. Due to extreme weather, it’s only possible to do the trek between May and October.

17. Margala Hills

A red sky at dusk with a mosque visible in the valley.

Islamabad might be a glitzy ‘new’ city, but did you know it also has a vast array of hills perfect for climbing? The Margala Hills are spread out over over 12,000 hectares and contain multiple hiking and running trails.

Ascending to the various peaks of the range show off Islamabad in ways you might not have known were possible. There are few places in Pakistan that remain so close to the city yet so deeply connected to nature.

18. Rohtas Fort

Say hello to another of the most beautiful places in Pakistan – this time a 16th-century fortress that’s recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Rohtas Fort is located near Jhelum in Punjab, which is about 4 hours from Lahore and 2 hours from Islamabad.

The fortress is one of the largest in the Subcontinent and has remained in remarkable condition despite its age. Hours can be spent roaming around the massive structure, a beautiful relic that almost seems to transport visitors back in time.

It’s easy to get lost amongst the walls and gates for an entire day. Keep in mind that the fort charges an entrance fee of 500 rupees for foreigners and 20 rupees for Pakistanis.

19. Naltar Valley

A blue lake surrounded by colourful mountains in Pakistan's Naltar Valley.

Naltar Valley is about 54 kilometres (34 miles) from Gilgit City in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. The popular tourist attraction is known for its dramatic forests, a collection of crystal-clear lakes, and in the winter, skiing facilities.

Though many tourists just come for the slopes, I think the real magic of Naltar can only be witnessed in the summer months when the lakes unfreeze and the forests can be best enjoyed.

This magical valley is only accessible via Jeep, but public transport does exist from Gilgit. There are a number of hotels and guesthouses to accommodate tourists in the valley’s two villages. To avoid peak tourist season, steer clear of visiting during the month of May and try coming in fall instead. You might be lucky enough to catch some epic foliage towards the end of October.

20. Katpana Desert

Beautiful places in Pakistan truly cover every landscape imaginable… Including the Katpana Cold Desert. Though it has all the makings of a ‘warm’ desert, what makes the Katpana stand out is its altitude. It does, in fact, become covered with snow in the winter.

Said to be the highest cold desert in the world, sand dunes at this altitude look truly unique. Very few countries can lay claim to such a rarity. Travellers can reach the Katpana Desert easily from Skardu, as it’s only about 30 minutes away. Don’t count on there being public transport, though.

Most beautiful places in Pakistan: Final thoughts

Listing the 20 most beautiful places in Pakistan isn’t an easy task when almost everywhere you turn, the landscape is mesmerising in one way or another. Though this is only a small sample of what Pakistan has to offer, I strongly recommend trying to visit at least a few of these highlights.

I absolutely loved every minute of the 4 months I spent travelling through Pakistan. But in a country this big and beautiful, I know there’s always more to discover. Happy adventuring!

Most beautiful places in Pakistan

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81 Comments

Dear Emily, Thanks for the best article about Pakistan’s beautiful tourist attractions. I am wondering to know have you visited to the Ghizer Valley like Yasin, Ishkoman, and Phander Valleys there many best places to visit as well. Above all, this part of Pakistan is less visited by tourists either international or domestic.

Great article! Thank you so much!!

Amazing journey and Finding Pakistan is a beautiful and pleasent country full of colours and Attractive places. It’s natural and there is just a little bit investment needed to be put into the Tourism and Management. We hope you shall visit our other areas of our country. Thanks

Thank you Emily for exploring my region. I am resident of Gilgit Baltistan and I still couldn’t write about the beauty of my region as you did. Thank you for visiting Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan as well. Welcome you again

I noticed most of these are northern areas, really pakistan needs to improve the ways to attract the international tourism providing them super facilities, sure safety and appropriate services..

I suggest you to visit visit Azad kashmir all district (10) of Azad kashmir are beautiful such a wonderful place you can search all district’s photos on Google. Heaven on earth

suggest the most beautiful, quite and relaxing place in Azad Kashmir

Shounter Valley, Baboon Valley Azad Kashmir heaven on earth

Thanks for giving us beautiful insights into our country

Yes Pakistan is the one of the beautiful country Please extend number of places because I ever some most places I think there is 50+ places for visiting

Dear, First of All appreciate your effort to consolidate Pakistan beauty in your article and really Pakistan is most beautiful country in World, if we explore it properly then we will experience this.

You could easily expand this article to 50 places. Pakistan has incredible natural beauty and the people are most hospitable

Being a Pakistani Please have a look at the Skardu (New Zealand of PK) by search on Google you will find such amazing photos. I appreciate your effort, Emily and Samantha!

Wow, absolutely stunning! I hope I can visit some day. Thanks so much for your comment!

Emily u r welcomed, I live here in rawalpindi if u like u will be welcomed with warm heart.

Excellent article…Pakistan is amazing indeed.

Gilgit-Baltistan is famous for its dramatic mountains especially the snow-capped mountains. GB has unlimited scenery views and is known as heaven on earth. It is one of the beautiful places in Pakistan, delighting and pleasing several tourists, travelers, and adventure lovers. Planning to visit Gilgit-Baltistan? Here are the most enchanting places to visit.

I’m surprised to see Rohtas Fort on here. It’s an amazing site for sure. We have family that live in the village inside the Fort, so whenever we’re in Pakistan, we visit quite often. I still think more effort needs to be made in order to maintain it…

All these places are Beautiful. Pakistan is a beautiful country.

Wow Such amazing article . My land my heaven

Thank you for the beautiful insights. Neelum valley in Kashmir is gorgeous, particularly the area around rattigalli and shounter valley. Naran and Sapat valleys as well as haramosh and then the wonderful Concordia and Snow lake treks. Pakistan has Karakorums Himalayas and Hindukush mountain ranges. Beautiful alpine lakes, pristine forests and waterfalls.

Thank you Taimur for the recommendations!

Sad to see that The Beauty Queen of Pakistan (Kumrat Valley) is not included in the list

Thank you Nazim for the recommendation! It looks spectacular!

Not only Kumrat but who North Pakistan is worth seeing. North.pk interested people may work on this portal.

Northern areas of Pakistan are really paradise of Allah on earth. These areas are magically beautiful. Once you reach there, you will never like to come back. I will suggest the tourists to visit l these location to see nature.

Thank you for sharing the amazing article. Pakistan is like heaven on earth. Everyone must visit Neelam valley.

Great Information for us I love Pakistan and i love traveling

Thanks for your great information about beautiful placese

I have been to most of the places .there are more beautiful places in Pakistan just like kumrat valley,jaz banda, madak lasht Chitral, phasti chitral, Rama lake gilgit baltistan and many more

Emily, is this information-you gathered is from internet or you literally visited these areas?

Hi Jamil, thanks for your comment. This is a guest post by Samantha of Intentional Detours. You can find her bio at the top. She has visited these places in Pakistan and many others – you can follow the link to her site for more articles.

From Bangladesh, i want to visit pakistan. But getting visa is a big problem from Bangladesh. Can any one help me? By proper information.

AssalamoAlykum, hope someone in Pakistan should help out, I live far away but have visited some of those Beautiful places, wish you will too someday

Hi thank you very much and i mean it. its lovely great introduction to Pakistan. And you are right Pakistan is a big and really beautiful country its impossible to mention and visit all the great places whether its Mountains, People, Deserts, Rivers, Sandy beaches with blue waters or Green planes. yes we should try to explore more and more. Good effort lady. Love it

Thank you Abdul for your comment!

Wow, Excellent post. Hats off to ur brilliant exploring skills.

Pakistan is one of the top tourist countries in the world. It has so many beautiful places to visit that attracts people from this world especially the northern side.

Lovely Post… Commendable.. though you haven’t listed Pakistan in your “Asia” destination tab 🙂

If u go Lahore u should also go Nankana sahib shrine , situated nearer to Lahore,

Such a beautiful places in pakistan every body most visited all this places I love pakistan

Sooooo beautiful natural places in Pakistan and many places you don’t show. so more places visit in Pakistan & highlights the natural beauty to show the world.. thanks

Unbelievable, I have visited only few of them and missed most of them because I stayed out of the country most of my life. Not only Pakistan but the Pakistani people are also amazing, very friendly, hospitable, helping and very kind people. Pakistani food is delicious, every big city has its own variety.

Thanks for your comment! I hope you get to explore more of Pakistan soon 🙂

This a great list of beautiful places in Pakistan. Pakistan is a wonderful country which has many attractions for every one. Thank you for sharing. The pictures are awesome I must say.

Mashallah, Very nice places. I am going to kund beach in Islamabad

Truly Pakistan is like heaven on earth.

Hello! Indeed Pakistan is really a Heaven on Earth and the Hearts of Pakistanis are more beautiful than these places. I believe that the World must now open its eyes and see the peace and tranquility we Pakistanis have earned through the hardships and struggles. Our Hearts are always open for everyone.

I love nature and of course the beauty of pakistan everyone should visit here and see the beauty of nature

Pakistan is rich in it’s culture, traditions, historical places and natural beauty. You have nicely described most of the beautiful places to visit in Pakistan.

Nice review about Beautiful Places in Pakistan.

♥ 😘 From Pakistan 🇵🇰 ♥ 😘

so many beautiful places in Pakistan…

Valuable information. Let’s promote Pakistan tourism in a positive way.

Nice info and I have visited 7 places from them but I try to visit physically all . Such a great contribution. Like it and appreciate you.

Minar-e-Pakistan is equivalent to nationalism and patriotism in Pakistan. It is the national monument, located at the center of Lahore. The tower was built between 1960 and 1968 on the site where the All-India Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution on 23 March 1940.

Very interesting article

Great list but you missed many many beautiful places in Pakistan. Our country has a lot of natural beauty.

Hi Emily, Thanks for ur article, it was an excellent effort. Yes there can be hundreds of wonderful sites in Pakistan but u filtered very well. Since I’m an admirer of GB beauty of Pakistan n visits a lot, probably its a typo saying Rakaposhi @ 7800 feet (actually it’s 7800 mtrs) but to me this small error impacts the uniqueness of this Majestic beauty of the world. Rakaposhi is the TALLEST free standing mountain in the world, almost 20000 feet (6000 mtrs) from base to top, few people also misunderstand this record with Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which is about 16000 feet (4800 mtrs) from base to top. Rakaposhi is not only the tallest but the steepest climb in the world, whee u can see its summit while standing on the road at the bottom.

Shall strongly suggest to keep writing n keep visiting Pakistan.

Thanks n regards,

Thanks Nadeem for all the tips!

HI Emily thanks for your blog it is quite helpful and gives me idea to planned by visit being a pakistani i never visit northern areas of pakistan but i am planning to go on dec 2020 and i feel mountains areas will be fully covered by white sheet (full of snow) i hope my tour will be amazing INSHALLAH.

I’m so glad to hear that! Happy travels!

Dear all, Seeing is believing. But how about visa to travel to Pakistan. I am not sure if visas are issued to Pakistan by Pakistan embassy here in India currently. Please do elaborate. Thanks again…

Pakistan has opened E visa and and on Arrival tourist Visa for majority nationalities around the world. That’s why number of international tourists growing sharply. For india some restrictions however Sikhs getting religious tourist visa and Indians with dual nationality get visa easily on foreign passports.

Excellent information. I would also like to add Ketas in Potwar platue with it amazing hindu temple ruins and beautiful scenery.

Hi Emily, Your article on 20 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan is just an amazing effort. One can understand how challenging it is to select only 20 out of hundreds of attractions stretching across the country. Its diverse landscape, historic monuments, cultural diversity, food, weather patterns presenting seasonal variations in natural colors, and much more…. The more you travel the more you explore. Keep it up!

saif ul malook is also a beautiful lake in pakistan.

Thanks for the tip!

No mahudand lake is best

I don’t know who wrote this but they forgot to mention the most beautiful and picturesque Kaghan valley here. So heartening!

Thanks for the recommendation!

Tirah Tirah is the most beautiful natural and popular aria in Pakistan but unfortunately no one is known to it.i am certainly say .if you come to tirah then you will come again and again. It has all natural no artificial and it has highest mountain with full up natural trees and beautiful waterfalls. Being only 3.5 hours from Peshawar city .it is very easy to go there .no difficulty .it has peaceful way regards niaz muhammad afridi

Pakistan is a really amazing country with lots of places to visit as a Pakistani I didn’t knew about them.Truly Pakistan is like heaven on earth

Can I ask what I should see 2weeks free time near lahore and islamabad I will be in December so north pakistan I cannot go

Hey Mexx, you can still visit Hunza valley in December, alternate routes are open, and you can also take flights from Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu if you want to avoid long road journeys. Both places are easy to access in winters and breathtaking.

Indeed Pakistan is really a Heaven on Earth and the Hearts of Pakistanis are more beautiful than these places. I believe that the World must now open its eyes and see the peace and tranquility we Pakistanis have earned through the hardships and struggles. Our Hearts are always open for everyone.

Beautiful places. Amazing people. Everyone should visit this piece of heaven on earth

PAKISTAN IS AMAZING THANKS FOR YOUR COMPLIMENT

Very welcoming people, safe country unlike what we usually see in media. Many places are like heaven on earth.

My land my heaven

I have also visited many beautiful places in Pakistan. Hunza Valley is just like heaven.

Amazing article No doubt, Pakistan is full of amazing and beautiful places. All kind of natural beauty is present in many areas of Pakistan including streams, rivers, and mountains, etc.

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Now, he takes us on a journey through some of Pakistan’s most fascinating historical sites.

Shrine of Daud Bandagi Kirmani

Constructed by the renowned architect Ustad Baazid in the 17th century, the Shrine of Daud Bandagi Kirmani is a mausoleum of the Sufi saint Shaikh Daud Bandagi Kirmani, located in Sher Garh, Punjab. The distinct octagonally designed houses’ interiors are covered in beautifully intricate frescoes.

The 700 year old Altit fort is an old settlement in central Hunza. Due to its construction by the Mirs—the ruling family of Hunza—the citadel has plenty of historical and political significance. More recently, it has also become a symbol of culture, music, and food in central Hunza.

Kumpir Diyor cave

Kumpir Diyor cave is an ancient cave dwelling located in Chiporsan, Upper Hunza (Gojal). ‘Kumpir Diyor’ literally means ‘Village of the Old Woman’ in the Wakhi language. There are different versions of the story surrounding the cave, but the most popular one revolves around the tragic destruction of this village by a flood. The people of the village were known to be unkind and extravagant. To test them, a holy man posing as a beggar went around begging for food, only to be turned away and disgraced by all except an old woman. This old woman lived alone in poverty and was visited by no one. She was kind to the beggar and shared some milk with him. Some time after, a flood came and destroyed the whole village and its inhabitants, except the old woman.

Wazir Khan mosque

Wazir Khan mosque is a 17th century Mughal era mosque in Lahore, Punjab’s cultural capital and one of the most culturally celebrated cities in the world. Popular for its intricate frescoes and distinct Mughal architecture, it’s located in Delhi gate—one of the 13 gates of the Walled City (otherwise known as old city) of Lahore. It gained political prominence when it became the Emperor’s official choice for Friday prayers.

Derawar Fort

Derawar Fort is a ninth century monument with a long history of different rulers constructing it, capturing it and rebuilding it. Located at the tip of the Cholistan desert in South Punjab, it can be accessed easily via Bahawalpur, known as the City of Nawabs. Even though Bahawalpur has an airport, it is worthwhile to travel by car to experience the variety of landscapes in South Punjab.

Umar Hayat Palace

Umar Hayat Palace is an early 20th century wooden mansion located in Chiniot, Punjab. Built by a local businessman Sheikh Umar in 1923, it is celebrated for its distinct architecture and elaborate craftsmanship. The city of Chiniot is well known for its most refined woodwork craftsmanship; elements of which are all prominent in the Palace.

Kartarpur Gurdwara

One of the most sacred sites for Sikhs around the world, the Kartarpur Gurdwara is where Guru Nanak—the founder of Sikhism—is believed to have spent his final years before his demise. Since the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, it was practically inaccessible. However, more recently in 2019, the Pakistani government renovated and opened the site for religious tourism, as part of the visa free Kartarpur corridor between India and Pakistan.

Mohenjo Daro

Mohenjo Daro is a registered Unesco World Heritage Site and a pillar of the Indus Valley civilization, located in Sindh province. It is a truly remarkable place, and a testimony to the way one of history’s most fascinating societies worked toward advancement in urban planning and engineering. Most of the structures, including the stupa, are still well preserved. It is located just outside Larkana, and is accessilvia Sukkur city. There are regular flights between Islamabad/Karachi and Sukkur.

Makli necropolis in Sindh

Known for numerous elaborate graves and shrines that date back to between the 14th and 18th centuries, Makli necropolis is a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the most renowned places in Sindh. It houses the resting places of royal families, saints and scholars. The Makli graveyard is about three miles (five kilometers) from Thatta city, which can be accessed via Karachi within a two-hour drive.

Arore rock in Sindh

Located 14 miles (24 kilometers) from Sukkur Airport, Arore Rock is a prominent feature that once served as the capital of Sindh province, where it is located. The region has seen many invasions, and this particular unique looking rock has folklore relating to those invasions, particularly regarding Muhammad Bin Qasim—the Muslim general who conquered Sindh. You’ll also find a shrine and a small mosque on top of the Arore Rock.

For more on Pakistan, dive into more travel stories in An Unexpected Adventure in Upper Chitral, Pakistan .

The History of Pakistan

Categories: Pakistan

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A visit to a Historical Place-Jahangir Tomb Essay

A visit to a historical place essay, a visit to jahangir's tomb.

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.

When you see the world's glory, it is how the art has made it

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Tuesday 31 January 2017

A visit to historical place english essay for 5th and 8th class.

A Visit to Historical Place English Essay

A visit to museum english essay, you may also like:.

About Maher Afrasiab

Hello, I am Maher Afrasiab a founder of Ratta.pk and some other websites. I have created ratta.pk to promote the eductaion in Pakistan. And to help the students in their studies. Find me on Facebook: @Maher Afrasiab

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Historical place essay for 9th & 10th class.

Historical places reflect the culture and the past history of any country. Historical places consider the beauty of any country. These places provide us knowledge and recreation. We can learn the ritual of any country through its historical places. In each country there must be several historical places likewise there are several places in our country. I saw many from them but one of the best tour was, when we I went to Jahangir Tomb along with my classmates.

It was a great memory when I was in second year and exams were just going to start. We all were known that this is the time when we will go alone and rarely will meet again. That is why we arranged to go to Jahangir’s Tomb. It was very pleasant day. We were thirty in number. We had great food with us. We gathered early in the morning and started our journey to Jahangir’s Tomb. The time we passed in the bus was the most pleasant time. We did much fun in the bus by singing songs and dancing in two team’s competition. Finally we bought tickets and entered in the Tomb. Jahangir’s Tomb is very splendid building. It was made of white and red marble. The tomb was surrounded by four bid grounds. It was too big that it still reminds us the glory of the Mughals. We walked here and there and saw each aspect of Tomb with much interest. It was showing the mirror of Mughal’s ritual’s and rites. At the end we sat in the ground and take lunch.

Cool breezing was blowing. The sky was filled with clouds. Soon it began to rain. The drain over-flowed. There was water everywhere. We had a hearty bath. The children floated papers boats. It stopped raining after two hours and Sun began shining which fill every dark place with its light. Flowers were spreading their smell everywhere which was making the weather more beautiful. After this we went to Ravi River and enjoy boating there. We were much tired. We got bath in the evening. It was the happiest day of my life because my dearest friends were with me. We all were happy and enjoyed too much. I can never forget those happy moments.

America’s Monster Who was Abdul Raziq?

Supported by

Who Was Abdul Raziq?

Uncovering the brutal career of a crucial American ally — and the hidden truths of the war in Afghanistan.

By Matthieu Aikins

Photographs by Victor J. Blue

I first heard about Abdul Raziq in early 2009, when I was a young freelance journalist newly arrived in southern Afghanistan. By chance, I had befriended two drug smugglers who told me that a powerful police commander in the area was helping them ship two metric tons of opium to Iran each month. Raziq, I learned, had a fearsome reputation in his hometown, Spin Boldak, on the border with Pakistan. Everyone I spoke to knew about the Taliban suspects tortured and dumped in the desert. Just as they knew that Raziq was a close ally of the U.S. military. My smuggler friends had offered to introduce me to Raziq, and 10 days after my arrival in Spin Boldak, he returned to town for his grandmother’s funeral.

Listen to this article, read by Peter Ganim

When I arrived at Raziq’s compound, I saw him sitting cross-legged on a carpeted platform, receiving a long line of guests. He was not what I expected. Trim and cheerful, clean-shaven and barely 30, he wasn’t much older than I, yet he was leading several thousand men under arms. I reached the front of the line, and Raziq shook my hand to welcome me before turning to the next guest. We would never get the chance to meet again, but that was the beginning of my long quest to understand the paradox he represented.

As inexperienced as I was, I knew enough to be puzzled by Raziq’s success. Why was the U.S. military, which was supposed to be supporting democracy and human rights in Afghanistan, working closely with a drug trafficker and murderer? One of his commanders, his uncle Janan, even wore a U.S. Army uniform given to him by his advisers, complete with a First Infantry Division patch and the Stars and Stripes.

Thanks to American patronage, Raziq was promoted to police chief of Kandahar and would eventually rise to the rank of three-star general. Famous across Afghanistan, he became the country’s most polarizing figure. The Taliban hated him, of course, but so did the ordinary people his commanders and soldiers extorted and abused. Journalists and human rights groups assembled damning evidence against him and warned that his brutality would backfire.

But Raziq beat back the suicide bombers and brought stability to Kandahar. In doing so, he became an icon for many war-weary Afghans who sought security at all costs. In a nation divided by ethnic and regional loyalties, you could find Raziq’s photo in taxis and at checkpoints from north to south. And he never lost his American backing: When he was assassinated by the Taliban in 2018, he was walking next to the top U.S. commander, Gen. Austin S. Miller. That day, it seemed as if half the country was in mourning; Miller hailed him as a friend and patriot.

Three years later, the United States withdrew, and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan collapsed. I was working as a journalist in Kabul at the time, and as soon as the dust settled, I went south to Kandahar. With the fighting over, I was able to visit people and places nearly impossible to access before. Here was a chance to reckon with Raziq’s legacy. I met with survivors of torture inside his prisons and visited morgues where skeletons had been unearthed from desert graves. Like a great tree in a storm, the republic had toppled and exposed the hidden places among its roots. The American war was far more brutal than we had known.

A morgue orderly displaying two sets of human remains with people standing behind them. One person is holding a gun. All of the photographs in this article are in black-and-white.

Since then, over repeated trips to the war’s fiercest battlegrounds, I found that many of Raziq’s former police officers were willing to talk about the torture, execution and cover-ups they witnessed. I also spoke with a dozen American military officers and diplomats who worked with Raziq and obtained new documents through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit and other sources, which reveal just how much the American government knew about Raziq’s crimes. And with colleagues at The Times, I interviewed hundreds of witnesses and discovered a republican archive that exposed Afghanistan’s largest campaign of forced disappearances since the Communist coup in 1978. We documented 368 cases of people who were still missing after being abducted by Raziq’s men; the true toll was most likely in the thousands.

The scale of Raziq’s abuses, carried out with American support, was shocking. But the fact that they seem to have brought security to Kandahar has even more disturbing implications. Raziq’s story complicates the comforting belief that brutality always backfires and undermines the U.S. military’s claim to have fought according to international law. Raziq’s violence was effective because it had a logic particular to the kind of civil war that the United States found in Afghanistan, one where the people, and not the terrain, were the battlefield. The reasons for this are well documented by scholars of civil war and counterinsurgency but glossed over by our generals and politicians and obscured by the myths of American exceptionalism and our righteous war on terror.

But Raziq saw those reasons clearly. He murdered and tortured because he believed it was the only way to win against the Taliban. And America helped him do it.

Two harsh realities defined Raziq’s childhood: the war and the border.

The desert around Spin Boldak and its twinned Pakistani town, Chaman, stretches westward hundreds of miles to Iran, through vast wastes and dune seas crossed by nomads. The clans of two rival Pashtun tribes dominate the area, feuding like Hatfields and McCoys of the borderlands. Raziq was from the Achakzai, who competed with the Noorzai over land and smuggling routes.

Not long after Raziq was born in a mud-walled village, the Afghan Communists seized power in Kabul, and in response rebels rose up against the government, plunging the country into a conflict that lasted for more than four decades. Although both superpowers and neighbors like Pakistan and Iran intervened for their own ends, at heart this was a civil war fought by Afghans against Afghans for control of the state. Even at the peaks of the Soviet and American occupations, Afghans constituted a majority of casualties on each side.

In times of civil war, neighbors are often at one another’s throats because of local dynamics, even if they justify their actions through religion or nationalism. In Kandahar, many Noorzai joined with the mujahedeen rebels, who were supplied by the C.I.A. and the Pakistani military, while Raziq’s Achakzai relatives eventually sided with the Soviet-backed Communists. Raziq was still a boy when the war brought grief to his home: His father, who drove people and goods to the border, disappeared. His family was never able to find his body and blamed their tribal rivals. “The Noorzai did it,” said Ayub Kakai, Raziq’s uncle. “They threw him down a well.”

In 1991, after the Soviets cut off funding, the Communist government collapsed. Kandahar’s rival warlords carved up the province with a patchwork of checkpoints, where robbery and rape were common. Raziq’s uncle Mansoor took control on the road from Spin Boldak to the city, and Raziq, by then a teenager, joined him, attracted to the thrills of war. “Raziq loved cars and guns,” his younger cousin Arafat told me.

Three years later, an armed movement of religious students known as the Taliban rose in the farmlands west of Kandahar City and swept through the province, capturing Raziq and his uncle. They hung Mansoor from the barrel of a tank but spared young Raziq, who fled with his family across the border to Chaman. For seven years in exile, Raziq worked as a driver near the border, where he peddled used car parts.

Then came Sept. 11, 2001. For the Achakzai, the Americans’ decision to invade and depose the Taliban came as a miraculous reversal of fortune. That December, the C.I.A. and Special Forces assembled an army of exiles, with many Achakzai, including Raziq, among them. With the help of U.S. air power, they routed the Taliban and seized control of Kandahar, once again trading places with their Noorzai rivals, who escaped across the border to where the Pakistani military, playing a double game, gave them safe haven.

In the new republic, the Achakzai militia was transformed into the area’s Border Police. They partnered with American troops and were trained by contractors from Blackwater and DynCorp. Like the rest of the republican forces, their weapons, ammunition and salaries were paid for by the United States and its allies. But beneath the surface, the civil war still festered, even though the Americans saw it through stark binaries: the government versus the terrorists, the Afghans versus the Taliban.

“Our viewpoint was this was a war on terrorism or a war against a group trying to overthrow a democratic government,” said Carter Malkasian, a former State Department official who advised the U.S. military in Afghanistan for more than a decade. “We don’t want to view this as us getting involved in another country’s civil war.”

Thanks to his family connections, Raziq quickly rose through the ranks. He was a natural leader who fought fearlessly and earned the loyalty of his men. Although nearly illiterate, he had a capacious memory for places and faces and was a canny operator in the spy games and smuggling rings of the borderlands, using his illicit gains to fund a growing network of sources. Early on, Raziq learned that power would earn him money, which bought the intelligence that could attract U.S. patronage, giving him more power. American officers who worked in Spin Boldak remembered Raziq as an eager and valued partner in the hunt for the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

“My brother was very close to the Americans,” said Tadin Khan, Raziq’s younger brother. “They trusted him, and he never tried to deceive them.”

Tadin Khan, Raziq’s younger brother, in Dubai last year. “I didn’t believe it when I heard he was killed,” he said. “It was a hard day.”

Gul Seema, the first wife of Raziq, in 2023. “He was under a lot of pressure. Whenever I saw him, it seemed as if the shadow of death was looming over him,” says Seema.

Raziq was as generous with his friends and family as he was ruthless with his enemies. Not long after the Achakzai appointed him leader of their militia, Raziq’s older brother, Bacha, was gunned down in the bazaar in Chaman. “Bacha and Raziq were very close,” said Arafat, his cousin. “He was killed because of Raziq.”

Raziq blamed a tribal rival, a smuggler named Shin Noorzai. In March 2006, he kidnapped Shin and 15 people he was traveling with and shot them all in a dry riverbed near the border. The massacre led to a local outcry, and Raziq was summoned to Kabul. But President Hamid Karzai intervened to protect him, according to Western diplomats involved in the case, and he was never charged. (Through a spokesperson, Karzai declined to comment for this article.) The incident, however, made it into that year’s State Department report on human rights, the first public documentation of Raziq’s abuses.

Raziq’s role in the drug trade also attracted attention from American investigators. Although the Taliban had banned poppy cultivation, opium came roaring back under Karzai’s administration, and Spin Boldak sat on one of the main trafficking routes. Classified U.S. military and Drug Enforcement Administration reports, obtained through FOIA requests, described the involvement of Raziq and his men, detailing convoys in the desert, secret meetings and the use of green ink for letters of safe passage. One referred to Raziq as “the main drug smuggler in Spin Boldak.” (His brother Tadin denied that Raziq or anyone from his family was involved in drug trafficking, murder or other crimes. “All these accusations of corruption, smuggling and abuses are because of propaganda from the Taliban,” he said.)

As it turns out, by the time Raziq and I shook hands in 2009, the United States already knew he was accused of murder and smuggling but worked with him anyway. Yet Raziq’s position had become precarious, for the U.S. military’s concept of the war was changing. When I published an article about the accusations that fall, Raziq’s career had reached a dangerous point — one where his foreign patrons might have chosen to stop supporting him.

The U.S. war in Afghanistan was going badly. Faced with a growing insurgency that threatened the Afghan government’s survival, President Barack Obama ordered a surge of tens of thousands of troops. His generals had advised him that, fixated on the enemy, the United States had neglected the true battlefield: the hearts and minds of the Afghan people.

The surge would be guided by a military doctrine known as counterinsurgency theory, or COIN, which was held to have saved the day in Iraq. “Our strategy cannot be focused on seizing terrain or destroying insurgent forces; our objective must be the population,” Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal wrote upon taking command in 2009. The U.S.-led coalition “can no longer ignore or tacitly accept abuse of power, corruption or marginalization.”

According to “population-centric” COIN, the Afghan people had to be protected against the insurgency and motivated to support their own government. Criminal officials like Raziq threatened the legitimacy of the republic, and therefore the success of the war.

Given the hundreds of thousands of Afghans and Iraqis who died as result of the U.S. invasions, this emphasis on protecting civilians may seem hypocritical. But the laws of war, which forbid targeting noncombatants or harming prisoners, are essential to how the United States distinguishes its own use of force from that of rogue states and terrorists. “I believe the United States of America must remain a standard-bearer in the conduct of war,” Obama said as he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize the same year as the surge. “That is what makes us different from those whom we fight. That is a source of our strength.”

Since the decline of the antiwar movement after Vietnam, both the U.S. military and its liberal critics have become increasingly united in the conviction that war must be fought humanely by exempting civilians, as much as possible, from its violence — a shift, the historian Samuel Moyn has argued, that risks legitimizing endless war. Underpinning this is the assumption that there is no contradiction between waging war both lawfully and effectively. “The law of war is a part of our military heritage, and obeying it is the right thing to do,” states the U.S. military manual on the subject. “But we also know that the law of war poses no obstacle to fighting well and prevailing.”

In this vein, COIN reassured the American public that the surge would be just. Because the United States needed the support of the Afghan population, it could not just kill its way to victory. Brutality would backfire by producing more resistance. In a speech, McChrystal explained “COIN mathematics” : If a military operation killed two out of 10 insurgents, instead of eight remaining, that number was “more likely to be as many as 20, because each one you killed has a brother, father, son and friends.”

But while McChrystal took prompt steps to reduce civilian casualties from airstrikes, dealing with so-called bad actors like Raziq was not as simple. It turns out that the way the United States implemented its strategy provided a test of whether COIN really worked as promised.

The surge was focused on the two neighboring provinces in the south where Taliban activity was strongest. Both received roughly equivalent investments of troops and money. In Helmand, the Marines and the British pushed for the good governance prescribed by COIN, successfully pressuring Kabul to replace corrupt officials with technocrats.

“You didn’t have a power-broker-run government at the provincial level,” said Malkasian, who served as an adviser in Helmand. But the opposite proved true in Kandahar, where U.S. commanders prioritized security and encountered dogged pushback from Kabul on anticorruption efforts. “Kandahar was just more important for the Afghan political system, for Karzai, than Helmand was.”

As so often happened during the war, Washington’s grand strategy was interpreted by a multitude of American agencies and actors. In Kabul, specialized anticorruption and counternarcotics teams had Raziq in their sights. A D.E.A.-led republican unit seized an enormous stockpile of hashish in Spin Boldak and arrested a district police commander who ran narcotics shipments for Raziq. There were plans to go after him next.

But the Army officers working with Raziq saw things very differently. He and his men were a rare example of an effective, homegrown force that delivered security on a vital supply route. The U.S. commanders were in the middle of a high-stakes offensive against the Taliban, and their own troops’ lives were on the line. Karzai supported Raziq, and according to former military and intelligence officials, so did the C.I.A. With his cross-border networks, Raziq was a valuable source of intelligence on Taliban havens and bomb-making networks in Pakistan. And he could cross lines the United States couldn’t: A declassified military report from 2010 noted that Raziq was giving shelter to Baloch rebels fighting the Pakistani government and that he used “these tribesmen to carry out assassinations and killings in Pakistan.”

And so when, in February 2010, senior U.S. officials met to discuss action against corrupt Afghan officials, no one could agree on what to do about Raziq. “There was a lack of consensus,” according to Earl Anthony, who as deputy U.S. ambassador was a co-chair of the meeting. “Some highly valued his work on the security front against the Taliban.”

In the end, McChrystal, who declined to comment for this article, sided with his commanders on the ground. Raziq, they reasoned, could be mentored to change his ways. According to a leaked cable, the senior U.S. diplomat in Kandahar even offered to craft a media plan for him, including radio spots, billboards and “the longer-term encouragement of stories in the international media on the ‘reform’” of Raziq.

In March, McChrystal visited Raziq in Spin Boldak and posed beside him for television cameras. “I am very optimistic that with the plans that I’ve heard,” he said, as Raziq looked on smiling, “we can increase efficiency and decrease corruption.”

From that point on, the U.S. military would openly promote Raziq and make him an integral part of the surge. A series of personal advisers were brought in to coach and protect the young commander; the first was Jamie Hayes, who as a Special Forces lieutenant colonel led a team assigned to Raziq in July 2010. Shortly after he arrived, Hayes was ordered to help Raziq plan a major operation to clear Malajat, an outlying neighborhood of Kandahar City where the Taliban were entrenched.

At first, Hayes was puzzled about why Raziq and his Border Police were given the job, rather than the republican army or commandos. His superiors explained that it was a political decision by Karzai and the U.S. command. “This is a guy that we want to make successful,” Hayes recalled being told. “He’s an aggressive, strong leader that we want to make sure gets the chance to shine.”

Mazloom, a 33-year-old Taliban commander, in Panjwai District last year. He said he was tortured and blinded by a U.S.-backed militia commander from his village, who recognized him as an insurgent. “Because I wouldn’t confess,” Mazloom said, “he did this.”

John R. Allen, a retired four-star Marine general, at his home in Virginia in March. As the commander of American and allied forces in Afghanistan in 2011, Allen was confronted with evidence that Raziq’s forces were committing murder and torture. “That wasn’t why we were there fighting the war,” he said, “to keep a really bad criminal because he was helpful in fighting worse criminals.”

Raziq’s charisma undoubtedly played a role in why U.S. officers were so willing to support him. Like most of the Americans I spoke to who worked with Raziq, Hayes quickly took a shine to him. Raziq was full of enthusiasm and energy, and Hayes was especially impressed by how he seemed to genuinely care for the welfare of his men, unlike many other republican commanders.

For his part, Raziq was a careful student of his foreign patrons. “He liked to learn about what made Americans tick,” recalled Hayes, who said he was never shown evidence of Raziq’s massacres or drug smuggling. Raziq understood what American officers appreciated: hard work, aggression and loyalty. To show his gratitude, he even insisted on taking part in a medal ceremony for Hayes’s troops. “He knew them by name,” Hayes recalled.

Soon after a successful operation to clear Malajat, Hayes and his team were reassigned to train the police in the provincial capital. During the spring of 2011, the situation in Kandahar City was dire. The Taliban hammered the government with gunmen and suicide attacks and, in April, freed nearly 500 inmates after tunneling into the main prison. Police morale was abysmal. “Drug use was rampant,” Hayes said. “Discipline was poor.” In the same month as the prison break, a suicide bomber got inside police headquarters and killed the provincial commander. Hayes, who narrowly missed the bombing, helped put the chief in a body bag. He was the second in two years to be killed.

Cleaning up Kandahar might have been the toughest job in Afghanistan, and both Karzai and the U.S. command wanted Raziq to do it. He agreed to become police chief on one condition: He wanted to keep his position with the Border Police. He would wear both hats, so to speak, in order to maintain his power base in Spin Boldak and would bring his own men into the city. If Raziq was going to be sheriff in Kandahar, he was going to do it his way.

The battle Raziq faced in the provincial capital, a city of nearly 400,000, was very different from the rangy desert warfare in the borderlands: Here, a tribally and ethnically mixed population lived and worked in closely packed homes and narrow alleys, industrial zones and trucking warehouses. Hiding amid them, Taliban guerrillas, the cheriki , terrorized government supporters, leaving menacing “night letters,” assassinating civil servants and imams and deploying suicide bombers whose blasts tore apart crowded streets.

The first phase of the American COIN strategy in Kandahar had called for securing the capital. To that end, the U.S. military poured in resources, building a network of checkpoints and bases for republican forces and expanding the number of police districts from 10 to 16, each with its own substation chief. Trained and equipped by American troops and contractors, the Kandahar police more than doubled in size. Raziq was the fulcrum of it all: A team of American mentors lived next to his headquarters, and he met often with U.S. brass to coordinate operations.

Raziq’s underground enemies, the cheriki , relied on an extensive network of local supporters, many of whom cooperated out of religious and nationalist fervor. Rooting them out required accurate intelligence. And because Karzai had resisted creating a system of wartime detention, those who were caught had to be criminally prosecuted, convicted and sentenced.

But for Raziq, the republican courts, corrupt and easily intimidated, were a central reason the insurgency was thriving. Too often, Taliban suspects were freed and returned to the battlefield. In Spin Boldak, he had solved this problem by becoming judge, jury and executioner. For all their rhetoric about human rights and the laws of war, the foreigners had chosen him to pacify Kandahar. Actions spoke louder than words.

Raziq brought his Achakzai militia, in their distinct spotted uniforms, into the city and placed trusted lieutenants in key posts like the substations. Raziq didn’t seem to relish cruelty — I never heard stories of him personally torturing people, for instance — but he cultivated men who did. Some were his own cousins, like Jajo, who became notorious for the atrocities he committed as commander of District 8, a predominantly Noorzai area. (Jajo was assassinated in 2014.) According to police officers and internal United Nations documents, another relative from Spin Boldak ran death squads out of a special battalion at headquarters. “They had detective badges and guns,” one substation deputy told me. “They threw the bodies in the desert.”

These plainclothes teams roamed in cars with tinted windows, snatching suspects and taking them for da reg mela , “a sand picnic.” The desert wells and dunes hid countless corpses; others were dumped in the streets. Many bore signs of horrific torture. “I saw things which made me wonder whether a wild beast or man had done them,” Dr. Musa Gharibnawaz, who oversaw the city morgue as the director of forensic medicine, told me.

Those who survived to see formal detention were also tortured for confessions, which the courts relied on almost entirely for convictions. The police didn’t have the education or capacity to collect basic technical evidence, nor did most judges understand it. This problem was much broader than just Kandahar. The same year Raziq became police chief, investigators from the United Nations interviewed more than 300 detainees across Afghanistan and found that torture was widespread in republican detention. Their report documented beatings, electric shocks and the “twisting and wrenching” of genitals. The most severe abuses by the police were in Kandahar, where a follow-up report also noted a large number of bodies found with gunshot wounds to the chest and the head after Raziq took power; by contrast, the investigators found significantly less torture in Helmand, where the Marines had stuck to the COIN playbook.

The persistence of torture in the republic — which the U.N. continued to document until 2021 — illustrates how, in wartime, certain useful but prohibited acts can be implicitly authorized as regular practices. As the U.N. reporting makes clear, those accused of torture rarely faced punishment. Their work, which ceased after confession, was instrumental, unlike the gratuitous abuse meted out by poorly supervised American soldiers at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.

In Kandahar, torture was exacerbated by the surge, which overloaded the court system with detainees captured by U.S. forces; one internal military report worried that it would most likely “produce more — perhaps far more — prisoners” than the main prison could handle. During the summer of 2011, as the U.N. prepared to publish its findings, intelligence reports from the south filtered up to Western diplomats and military leaders in Kabul. The torture of detainees had already led to scandals in Britain and Canada; now the U.S. command would be forced to take notice. For the third time in Raziq’s career, his job would hang in the balance as a result of his crimes.

On July 18, 2011, two months after Raziq became police chief, John R. Allen, then a four-star Marine general, took command of U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan. He was shaking hands with his guests during the ceremony in Kabul when a trio of Western officials, led by a senior British diplomat, told him that they needed to speak immediately. It was about Raziq.

Alarmed by what he heard, Allen had his staff pull up the raw intelligence reporting, which described executions and torture by Raziq’s forces in Kandahar. “I wanted a sense of the frequency,” he told me. “The reporting was pretty standard and pretty awful. It had been going on for some time.”

Allen went to the presidential palace to see Karzai. “I said that he needed to be aware that he had a senior police commander who was a serial human rights violator, and he should remove him,” Allen told me.

But at that moment, Karzai needed Raziq more than ever. In the week before Allen arrived, two of the president’s most important allies in the south were killed, including his own brother. For years, Karzai had seen the United States waffle on corruption and human rights abuses, even as they partnered with warlords, and as he often had, he called the Americans’ bluff. At a follow-up meeting, Karzai told Allen that he had checked his own sources and hadn’t heard similar allegations.

Frustrated, Allen ordered the United States and its allies to stop transferring captives in the south. “Karzai wasn’t going to do anything about Raziq, and I couldn’t permit us to continue to feed detainees into his hands,” he told me. From then on, when he traveled to Kandahar, Allen made a point to dodge the young police chief, who was eager for a photo op. “I wasn’t going to play into Raziq’s hands and appear to be an ally of his under any circumstances.”

The State Department’s diplomats also avoided meeting Raziq. But that was as far as it went. “I don’t recall there was ever a serious push to remove Abdul Raziq,” said Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador at the time. When Crocker later raised the issue with Karzai, the president responded that Raziq was working closely with the U.S. military. “He was basically saying, ‘Look, I’m told that he’s your guy,’” Crocker told me. “Which turned out to be true.”

Allen’s subordinates in Kandahar continued to fight side by side with Raziq and his officers. “The military guys, for the most part, had a different view of him on the ground, working with him day in and day out,” said Martin Schweitzer, who as a brigadier general served as the deputy U.S. commander in Kandahar.

Despite Leahy laws in the United States, which prohibit support to foreign military units credibly accused of human rights violations, Raziq continued to be ferried around in American aircraft, and his advisers ensured that he and his forces had the air support, fuel and ammunition they needed. “If I asked and it was for Raziq, mostly I was going to get it,” said David Webb, who as a colonel advised him on two separate tours in 2012 and 2017. Upon Webb’s arrival, he was given his orders in no uncertain terms by his superior, a two-star general. “He put his finger in my chest and said: ‘Don’t let Raziq die. That’s your mission,’” said Webb, whose predecessor was wounded while fighting off an attack on Raziq’s headquarters.

Both Webb and Schweitzer stressed that they never saw evidence of Raziq committing war crimes under their watch. “I was with him almost every single day from morning until night,” Webb told me. “I never saw anything bad.”

As an outsider, I often wondered how American officers, bound to uphold the laws of war, rationalized working with Raziq. His tactics in Kandahar — every mutilated corpse or disappeared person — were intended to send a message, to terrorize his enemies and those who might support them. And they were effective. When I visited Kandahar in those years, I found that most people on the streets knew exactly what was happening, even if they were too afraid to speak about it openly.

But Raziq also calibrated his actions so that they were deniable. According to former colleagues, he and his men took steps to conceal them from their American allies, like dumping corpses when dust storms obscured aerial surveillance or using veiled language over the phone. Sending someone to “Dubai” meant killing them in the desert. “His commanders would call and say: ‘We caught someone. What should we do?’ He’d say, ‘God forgive them.’ That was his code,” said a senior republican police general who worked with Raziq. “I heard it with my own ears on an operation.”

The farther you got from the streets and villages, the easier it was to ignore what was happening there. According to an interpreter who spent years translating Raziq’s meetings with his American advisers, the subject was generally avoided at headquarters. “The advisers didn’t care about Raziq’s bad activities,” he said. “We weren’t telling Raziq: ‘Hey, do you have private prisons? Do you still have people in there?’”

“I’m not saying they didn’t occur; I’m not saying they did occur,” Schweitzer said about the kinds of accusations that led Allen to halt detainee transfers. “I just know I read all the intel reports.” And whatever American officers chose to believe, they could see that Raziq was delivering where it counted: Within a year and half of his taking over, enemy-initiated attacks were down by almost two-thirds in Kandahar. “I thought he was an incredibly important figure,” Schweitzer said, “and was critical to keeping the security in the south.”

The COIN strategy was tested in the summer of 2014, when the Taliban began a bold offensive targeting the two southern provinces that had been the focus of American efforts. The surge had come to an end, and republican forces were supposed to take the lead in combat.

In Helmand, where the Marines tried to keep out abusive strongmen, the government’s defense was disastrously weak and uncoordinated. In many rural areas, the republican army stayed in their forts and allowed the police to be overrun. Despite the presence of a major American air base in the province, large sections of the northern districts fell into insurgent hands.

But when the Taliban pushed into western Kandahar, Raziq took charge and rallied republican forces. Backed by his advisers and American airstrikes, he inflicted heavy casualties. The following summer, insurgents again attacked and reached the outskirts of Helmand’s capital; Raziq led counteroffensives to lift sieges there and, the next year, in the neighboring Uruzgan province. “The Taliban have fled the area and escaped,” he boasted to a TV crew while touring the embattled district of Now Zad.

By 2017, Helmand was among the top three provinces most controlled by insurgents, according to U.S. military figures. And while the situation was deteriorating across the country, Kandahar City and its surroundings remained relatively secure under Raziq. Journalists and human rights groups had warned that supporting men like him would backfire and inspire resistance to the government. Yet here he was, holding the line against the Taliban.

A Taliban supporter whose husband was killed in battle. She used to aid the movement by smuggling weapons. “We tied pistols around our waists to get them through checkpoints,” she said.

Retired Special Forces Colonel Jamie Hayes was an advisor to General Abdul Raziq early in his rise to becoming one of the most powerful figures in southern Afghanistan.

Raziq was far from the only example: Again and again, the U.S. military felt compelled to partner with Afghan allies who were accused of human rights abuses, despite its doctrine of winning the war by winning hearts and minds. Call it the COIN paradox; for years it puzzled me, until I came across the work of the political scientist Stathis Kalyvas, who offered a convincing explanation of its logic.

In his comparative study of conflicts ranging from the Napoleonic occupation of Spain to the Tamil Tigers’ insurgency in Sri Lanka, Kalyvas asks why civil wars are so often marked by violence against civilians. Discarding explanations like cultural backwardness or ideology, Kalyvas argues that the incentive for this violence is created by the military characteristics of civil war, where the population is the battlefield.

To understand how Kalyvas’s theory applies to Afghanistan, you had to look at the rural areas where most of the fighting took place. Consider the Taliban’s stronghold in Kandahar, the Panjwai valley. A verdant delta of pomegranate and grape orchards west of the provincial capital, Panjwai was the birthplace of the movement. Mullah Muhammad Omar, the Taliban’s leader, preached in his mosque there.

The site of major offensives by allied forces since 2006, Panjwai was arguably the longest and most grueling fight anywhere in Kandahar. During the surge, American troops fought their way in and, by the end of 2010, had built up a string of bases and strong points, many jointly manned with the republican army and the police. The Taliban ordered its fighters to melt back into the villages, where, aided by the area’s dense vegetation and mud-walled orchards, they switched to hit-and-run ambushes, assassinations and improvised explosive devices.

This kind of guerrilla struggle was an example of what Kalyvas calls irregular warfare, in which territorial control is fragmented and mixed between both sides. The Taliban hid their weapons and picked up shovels, taking advantage of American rules of engagement, which allowed soldiers to fire only on those who were armed or posing an active threat. “We basically did not see a difference between the locals and the Taliban,” said Curtis Grace, who patrolled there as an infantryman in 2012.

The Army’s COIN manual stresses the difficulty in irregular warfare of telling civilians and insurgents apart. Kalyvas’s argument is different: The distinction itself can blur. In a conflict with no clear front lines, violence is jointly produced by combatants and civilians, who have the information the troops need to fight their enemies: the location of I.E.D.s and army patrols, the identities of insurgents and government supporters. Moreover, because civil war involves rival state-building, civilians help or hinder combatants by providing logistical and political support. In Panjwai, the Taliban needed local help to operate: They tried to win it by announcing safe routes through minefields, but they were also ruthless with those suspected of being spies and government supporters.

In civil war, while indiscriminate violence, like collateral damage from airstrikes, can backfire, “selective” violence against individuals works in a straightforward way: Do this, or I’ll kill you . Winning hearts and minds can still matter, but it’s only half the story. And in wartime, sticks are often much cheaper and more effective than carrots. In this life-or-death struggle, the competitor willing to use both will have the advantage.

Kalyvas’s work is part of a larger body of scholarship on civil war and counterinsurgency that demonstrates how central the use of coercive violence against civilians has been in such conflicts, whether waged by dictatorships like Syria or democracies like France. “ ‘The bad guys win’ is not the answer that U.S. forces, policymakers or civilians want to hear about counterinsurgency success, but the historical record is clear,” writes the scholar Jacqueline L. Hazelton. In this light, COIN doctrine can be seen as a form of American exceptionalism: the idea that the United States could fight a civil war differently from anyone else — humanely.

If Kalyvas is right, then what the U.S. military faced in Afghanistan was not so much a paradox as an impossible choice. To take back places like Panjwai, there was a compelling incentive to use unlawful violence against the population, which the U.S. military could not allow itself to do. The solution to this dilemma was a division of labor, where the United States provided firepower and money to allies like Raziq, who did the dirty work.

In 2010, the United States introduced the Afghan Local Police program, or ALP. Drawing on their experience with militias in Vietnam and El Salvador, the Special Forces trained and armed villagers around the country. In the military’s hearts-and-minds framework, they were empowering communities to protect themselves against violent outsiders. But four decades of a multisided conflict meant that fault lines ran through communities, villages and even families. Most areas were tribally mixed; finding militias meant exploiting those divisions just as the Taliban had been doing. It meant arming Afghans against one another in a civil war.

As police chief, Raziq was in charge of the ALP program in Kandahar. Panjwai District was the most resistant; by 2011, its horn, as the western end was known, was the only place that the militias had failed to take root, despite the presence of several Special Forces teams. The next year, Raziq appointed one of his key lieutenants as the district police chief. Panjwai was predominantly Noorzai; Sultan Mohammad was an Achakzai like Raziq, but he was from the district. Such local knowledge, the ability to make rural Afghan society legible to outsiders, was precisely what made militias effective. They could go after the Taliban and their supporters in their own homes. The Taliban had gained sway over the villages by targeting the families of those who collaborated with the republic, and the militias, protected by American and regular government forces, could turn the tables.

Most of Panjwai was too dangerous to visit during the war, but when the republic fell in 2021, I was able to travel there, interviewing dozens of witnesses who described torture and extrajudicial killings carried out by members of the police and the ALP, targeting both active insurgents and sympathizers. In the village of Pashmul, several witnesses told me they saw Sultan Mohammad shoot an unarmed old man, Hajji Badr, whose sons had served in the Taliban. Sultan Mohammad told me he had no involvement in murder or torture, but several other people said they witnessed him personally execute prisoners. “All the people from the area knew,” said Hasti Mohammad, a republican district governor in Panjwai. “It wasn’t something secret.”

I was also shown several videos of police abuse, including one in which a group of men, identified by locals as ALP members in Panjwai, tortured a captive bound hand and foot. They strike him with sticks, twist his testicles with their hands, pour water over his mouth and sodomize him with a stick, all while demanding he confess. “I don’t have anything,” he blubbers, growing incoherent.

This brutality was no impediment to American and republican success. Under Sultan Mohammad, the ALP program was established throughout the district. I.E.D. attacks plummeted, while the proportion of bombs that went off without being discovered dropped by half, which one study attributed to increased cooperation from locals.

The U.S. military was aware of the abuses by police officers and militia members in Panjwai. On multiple occasions, American surveillance captured them committing war crimes. One video showing executions by the police was shown to senior U.S. officials in 2012; Colonel Webb said he asked Raziq to arrest the perpetrators, but police investigators told me that some ordinary militiamen were punished instead. Sultan Mohammad was eventually promoted to brigadier general and oversaw several districts in the west of the province. When I spoke with him, he showed me a collection of certificates of appreciation from more than a dozen U.S. military units. “The Special Forces helped us a lot,” he said.

Fazli Ahmad, a Taliban fighter, was arrested by the police, who filmed a video of themselves dragging him behind a pickup truck. He said Sultan Mohammad ordered him to be executed, but he was released after his father paid a bribe.

Sultan Mohammad, a former police chief in Panjwai District and one of Raziq’s key lieutenants. He worked closely with the U.S. military to establish a militia program in Panjwai. “The Special Forces helped us a lot,” he said.

Thanks to his success in Kandahar, Raziq became famous. Not since the late northern commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, whom he greatly admired, had any one figure united anti-Taliban sentiment across the country. He was interviewed on national television, and his picture was pasted on street billboards. Songs were dedicated to him:

He’s the servant of security, the servant of our government.

He’s truly the servant of Afghans.

There were many reasons for his popularity. He was young and dynamic, a village boy who never lost the common touch. He was free with his largess, sometimes handing out cash on the street. He spoke fearlessly against Pakistan’s support for the insurgency. For Afghans disenchanted by the corruption and duplicity of their politicians, Raziq seemed authentic.

“There were other politicians who would talk against the Taliban and Pakistan,” said Nader Nadery, a senior fellow at the Wilson Center who as head of the country’s human rights commission had criticized Raziq’s abuses. “With Raziq, people saw it was not just words.” Even Nadery had come to see the trade-off that Raziq represented, as a bulwark against the looming collapse of the republic. “It’s a difficult judgment to make,” he said. “We can lose everything, or we can keep some parts of it.”

Although Raziq publicly denied accusations of human rights abuses, when an Afghan journalist asked him about them in 2017, he offered something close to a justification. “Showing mercy to such people is a betrayal to our nation,” he replied. “When our soldiers are martyred, isn’t that a violation of human rights? When our schools are burned, isn’t that a violation?”

The truth was that many Afghans saw Raziq’s brutality as a positive quality. They wanted a champion who could protect them from the Taliban’s violence. When Raziq went out on the streets, he was mobbed by crowds of well-wishers. “It was like being an adviser to Elvis Presley,” Webb recalled.

As Raziq grew in stature, he was rehabilitated. Western generals and diplomats sought him out on trips to Kandahar. Over the years, Raziq was a constant there, a fixed point around which contradictory policies and goals swirled: counterterrorism, nation-building, COIN and, finally, negotiations with the Taliban. “We needed him more than he needed us,” said John W. Lathrop, who as a brigadier general commanded American forces in Kandahar in 2017. “Keeping Raziq happy was pretty important.”

For the Taliban, Raziq was one of their top targets. By his own count, Raziq had survived at least 25 suicide attacks. Yet he remained committed to the fight. In one of his last interviews, Raziq criticized republican elites who already had one foot out the door with visas and houses overseas. “We shouldn’t hope or plan to seek asylum in America or move to London,” he said. “We were born here, and we’ll die here.”

On Oct. 18, 2018, General Miller, the top U.S. commander, called a meeting at the governor’s compound in Kandahar to discuss the upcoming parliamentary elections. That day, Raziq put on Western-style clothes: a dress shirt and slacks. The young soldier from the borderlands had become a statesman, a role that came less easily to him. He had seemed worn down to people who had met him lately; he was preoccupied with political dramas in Kabul. He had also been sick for days with a bad stomach bug, but he wanted to see Miller, whom he had known since the early days of the war. During the meeting, Raziq appeared flushed and uneasy, but afterward he insisted on walking to the helicopter pad to see off Miller and the other Americans.

A group of police officers arrived, carrying crates of pomegranates, gifts for the Americans. Among them was a bodyguard for the governor, a young man the Taliban had code-named Abu Dujana. He dropped his crate and fired his assault rifle, killing Raziq and the provincial intelligence chief and wounding several others, including an American general, before he was shot dead.

As one part of the country celebrated, the other mourned. The republic had lost its hero.

What does Raziq’s story tell us about why the United States failed in Afghanistan? Although the immediate cause of the republic’s collapse might have been the precipitous U.S. withdrawal in 2021, the real question is why the Afghan government could not stand on its own despite the hundreds of billions of dollars invested over 20 years by America and its allies. How did hundreds of thousands of soldiers and police officers, armed with modern equipment, lose to insurgents who rode their motorcycles in sandals?

Many corrupt and unpopular governments survive insurgencies. And it’s clear that the Taliban’s violence against civilians did not prevent their ultimate success. More than hearts and minds lost to brutality, internal rot and infighting — fed by the West’s profligate spending and inconsistent strategy — explain the republic’s collapse. Criminal behavior by republican officials escalated to the point that it threatened the system itself, bringing about repeated crises like the near collapse of the banking sector. Wage and supply theft were catastrophic to the morale of soldiers and police officers, while nonexistent “ghost soldiers” inflated their ranks. As the Americans pulled back from rural areas, the ALP militias became increasingly predatory, shaking down locals for bribes; their selective violence became indiscriminate, to use Kalyvas’s terms. “That’s how it started,” a senior Panjwai officer explained. “The district chief stole their salaries and said, ‘Go get your meals from the people.’”

When it came to corruption, Raziq played an ambiguous role: What he stole from the system with one hand he gave back with the other. With their control of the border, he and his cronies siphoned huge amounts of government revenue : The shortfall added up to around $55 million per year, according to satellite imagery and customs data analyzed by the researcher David Mansfield.

But Raziq also spent much of what he earned on his network of sources, on bonuses for his men, on bribes to protect himself from rapacious politicians in Kabul. In a corrupt system, money was synonymous with power, and Raziq needed it to fight. Yet while he tried to curb overly predatory commanders, there was a limit to how far he could go to keep order. He was a prisoner of his own methods. Enforced disappearances, torture and executions, the tools that Raziq believed were necessary to defeat the Taliban, had to be kept hidden, often through intimidation and bribery. Impunity for human rights abuses could lead to general lawlessness; in this way, repressive counterinsurgencies had mutated into mafia states in countries like Guatemala. The men that Raziq handpicked to carry out these acts were of necessity criminals. The darkness they worked within allowed corruption to flourish. By contrast, instead of democracy or human rights, the Taliban professed a fundamentalist vision of Islamic law. Their scholars justified killing captives and civilians as necessary and legitimate in the jihad against foreign occupation. Where the republic’s hypocrisy fed its fatal weakness, corruption, the Taliban’s unabashed brutality was consonant with the movement’s strength, its unity.

Today we live in an age of irregular warfare, of asymmetric clashes with militant groups and battles to control populations. A vast majority of conflicts over the past century have been within states, not between them. The comforting myth that brutality is always counterproductive — that war can therefore be humane — obscures how violence functions in such conflicts; it hides how and to whom men like Raziq are useful. In retrospect, this myth, sold to the public as COIN, is part of a larger pattern of dishonesty that runs through America’s longest war, 20 years of wishful thinking and willful ignorance that culminated in tragedy on Aug. 15, 2021, when Raziq’s mortal enemies entered Kabul in triumph.

Read by Peter Ganim

Narration produced by Anna Diamond and Krish Seenivasan

Engineered by Steven Szczesniak

Victor J. Blue is a photographer who has been working in Afghanistan since 2009, when President Barack Obama escalated the war effort. He was there during the fall of Kabul, when the Taliban came back into power in 2021, and has returned three times since then.

Matthieu Aikins is a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine and a fellow at Type Media Center who, since 2008, has been covering conflicts in Afghanistan and the Middle East, the U.S. military's operations overseas, forced migration and human rights. More about Matthieu Aikins

Baltimore’s Catholic archdiocese will cut parishes as attendance falls and infrastructure ages

FILE - Archbishop-designate William E. Lori, former Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn., sprinkles holy water before he is installed as the 16th Archbishop of Baltimore, May 16, 2012, during a Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore. Under the final plan released Wednesday, May 22, 2024, Baltimore's Catholic archdiocese, the nation's oldest, will cut the number of parishes in the city and nearby suburbs by about two-thirds as part of a realignment plan responding to falling attendance and aging infrastructure. Archbishop Lori said feedback from four town hall meetings on the draft plan was crucial, The Baltimore Sun reported. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark, File)

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Baltimore’s Catholic archdiocese, the nation’s oldest, will cut the number of parishes in the city and nearby suburbs by about two-thirds as part of a realignment plan responding to falling attendance and aging infrastructure.

Under the final plan released Wednesday, the number of parishes will drop from 61 to 23 with 30 worship and ministry sites.

Archbishop William E. Lori said feedback from four town hall meetings on a draft plan was crucial, The Baltimore Sun reported . The initial proposal shared with parishioners in April suggested reducing the number of parishes to 21 and the number of worship sites from 59 to 26, and parishioners’ arguments led to some changes.

“I hope that this lays the foundation for what the prophet Jeremiah calls a future full of hope,” Lori said. “It’s a move away from putting most of our energy into aging buildings, into leaky plumbing, I-beams in danger of collapsing, and roofs long beyond their capacity, and into having a manageable number of parishes really equipped to provide all the services that parishioners themselves have told us they want.”

The archdiocese has 153 parishes and missions in the city and nine central and western Maryland counties. The average parish in Baltimore has more than four times the space per parishioner than the rest of the archdiocese and the COVID-19 pandemic intensified this challenge. Pews that were 20% full in 2019 were only 9% full in 2022, according to the archdiocese website . Thirty-four parishes in Baltimore report more funerals than baptisms and conversions combined.

In an email to parishioners, Lori disputed rumors that the mergers and possible sales of church properties were tied to bankruptcy proceedings following the release last year of the state attorney general’s investigative report detailing the scope of child sexual abuse and cover-up within the archdiocese.

“This is not true,” he wrote. “Proceeds from any building sale will remain in the parish and follow the people to the newly formed parish.”

The attorney general’s report listed more than 150 clergy who were credibly accused of abusing over 600 victims dating back several decades.

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Image Credit: Shutterstock. 5. Mohenjo-daro. Mohenjo-daro - meaning 'Mound of the Dead Men' - is an incredible archaeological site in Sindh, Pakistan. Built around 2,500 BC, this site was one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation and one of the world's greatest early cities.
20 Famous Pakistani Historical Places In Pakistan To Visit
Badshahi Mosque. The Badshahi Mosque is an architectural marvel that showcases Islamic artistry and the grandeur surrounding the Mughal Empire, just like some other famous Pakistan landmarks. Emperor Aurangzeb built this mosque in the 17th century. It still stands tall, even after more than 300 years!
Top Historical Places in Pakistan That You Must Visit
7. Harappa. Harappa is another archaeological site in Punjab, about 24 km (15 mi) west of Sahiwal. The site got its name from a village located at the bank of Ravi Bank. It is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan. The current village of Harappa is less than 1 km (0.62 mi) from the ancient site.
16 Historical Places in Pakistan You HAVE To Visit
16 Historical Places in Pakistan. Epic Pakistani historical sites that will be sure to blow your mind and stun your camera. 1. Begum Shahi Mosque. Colloquially known as the "Mother of all Mosques," the Begum Shahi Mosque was built between 1611 and 1614 under Emperor Jahangir in honor of his mother, Mariam Zamani.
The World Heritage Sites Of Pakistan
One of the most visited sites in Pakistan, Taxila is generally considered to be one of the most significant archaeological sites in Asia. This is due to its accurate representation of the varying stages of progression between the 5th century BC and 2nd century AD, during which time the site was at its peak. Back when it was active, Taxila was a ...
Exploring Pakistan's Rich Cultural Heritage: A Guide to Historical
From ancient archaeological sites to medieval forts, Pakistan has a wealth of cultural treasures that are just waiting to be explored. One of the most prominent historical landmarks in Pakistan is the ancient city of Taxila. Located just outside of Islamabad, Taxila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 6th century BCE. ...
Archaeological sites in Pakistan
Pakistan is home to many archaeological sites dating from Lower Paleolithic period to Mughal empire.The earliest known archaeological findings belong to the Soanian culture from the Soan Valley, near modern-day Islamabad.Soan Valley culture is considered as the best known Palaeolithic culture of Central Asia. Mehrgarh in Balochistan is one of the most important Neolithic sites dating from 7000 ...
Best Historical Places in Pakistan: MUST SEE Destinations
Pakistan is a culturally diverse country with natural beauty, culture, cuisine, and, of course, historical sites. Pakistan offers it everything, from lush green plains to enormous mountain ranges and stunning deserts. People who enjoy visiting antique and historical sites would find Pakistan to be a wonderland. Various civilizations reigned ...
Historical Places To Visit in Pakistan
List of Top 20 Historical Places To Visit in Pakistan Rohtas Fort. Qila Rohtas or Rohtas Fort is located near the city of Jhelum, Pakistan. It is just 15km away from Jhelum city and is a beautiful tourist destination and historical place. This Fort was constructed during the reign of Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century after he took control of ...
Top 8 Historical Places in Pakistan
Let's look at the list of top 8 historical places to visit in Pakistan, that beautify our country even more. Taxila. Mohenjo Daro. Rohtas Fort. Wazir Khan Mosque. Tomb of Jahangir. Noor Mahal. Harappa. Ranikot Fort.
20 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan You Have to See to Believe
19. Naltar Valley. A beautiful lake in the Naltar Valley. Naltar Valley is about 54 kilometres (34 miles) from Gilgit City in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region. The popular tourist attraction is known for its dramatic forests, a collection of crystal-clear lakes, and in the winter, skiing facilities.
Historical Sites in Pakistan
Now, he takes us on a journey through some of Pakistan's most fascinating historical sites. Shrine of Daud Bandagi Kirmani. Constructed by the renowned architect Ustad Baazid in the 17th century, the Shrine of Daud Bandagi Kirmani is a mausoleum of the Sufi saint Shaikh Daud Bandagi Kirmani, located in Sher Garh, Punjab.
The history of Pakistan: [Essay Example], 664 words
The History of Pakistan. The region of Pakistan was one of the cradles of civilisation. Stone-age hunter-gatherers lived on the Potohar plateau and in the Soan Valley in northern Punjab 300,000 or more years ago. Excavations on the Balochistan plateau show a more advanced culture which flourished from 4000 to 2000 BCE.
10 Historical Places In Lahore, Pakistan
2. Masjid Wazir Khan. Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Moiz Ismaili used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Due to Lahore's rich and varied history - which has seen it ruled by turns under Muslim, Moghul, and Sikh empires - there are examples of different types of architecture dotted around the city.
Top 12 Historical Places In Karachi, Pakistan
Continue reading to find out more about the top historical places in Karachi, Pakistan. 1. Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam. If the history of a place fascinates you, you must stop by Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam before going back to your hotel in Karachi. Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam is a historical monument in Karachi that holds great significance for the nation.
A visit to a Historical Place-Jahangir Tomb Essay
This is an outstanding Essay on A visit to a historical place. This essay covers a visit to Jahangir's tomb in Lahore. This is good essay for 10th class, 2nd year, class 12 and for BA students. This essay includes quotations. ... Thousands of tourists from all parts of the world visit Pakistan to have a glimpse of its important historical places.
Historical Places in Pakistan
The document summarizes several important historical places in Pakistan. Minar-e-Pakistan is a tall minaret built in Lahore to commemorate the 1940 Lahore Resolution demanding the creation of Pakistan. The Badshahi Mosque in Lahore was built in 1673 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and can accommodate over 55,000 worshippers. The Faisal Mosque in Islamabad is one of the largest mosques in the world ...
A Visit to Historical Place English Essay for 5th and 8th Class
Last Sunday, I visited the historical museum of Lahore with my school teachers. The Lahore museum is a significant place where work of art and other objects of historical value are preserved in a proper. way and displayed in a grand style. It is an old imposing building with a high ceiling. The incharge of the museum is called the curator.
Historical Place Essay for 9th & 10th Class
Cool breezing was blowing. The sky was filled with clouds. Soon it began to rain. The drain over-flowed. There was water everywhere. We had a hearty bath. The children floated papers boats. It stopped raining after two hours and Sun began shining which fill every dark place with its light.
Historical Places of Pakistan
The tourism industry of Pakistan flourishes because of the existence of beautiful historical sites in the country. Some of the most significant historical places in the country include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro and Taxila. Harappa is situated approximately 200 km from Lahore in the Montgomery District of Punjab.
Essay on Historical Places English to Urdu
Hope you all the students are well. Today I will explain Essay on Historical Places in Pakistan English to Urdu in this video. If you follow, I hope this bri...
Who Was Abdul Raziq?
By Matthieu Aikins. Photographs by Victor J. Blue. May 22, 2024, 3:00 a.m. ET. I first heard about Abdul Raziq in early 2009, when I was a young freelance journalist newly arrived in southern ...
Baltimore's Catholic archdiocese will cut parishes as attendance falls
The initial proposal shared with parishioners in April suggested reducing the number of parishes to 21 and the number of worship sites from 59 to 26, and parishioners' arguments led to some changes.