MULTAN: The Punjab government has launched an ambitious Rs2.9 billion cultural heritage project to conserve over 20 historical forts scattered across the Cholistan Desert, starting with the rehabilitation of the iconic Derawar Fort in Bahawalpur district.
The initiative, aimed at preserving ancient architecture and promoting tourism, is part of the Punjab budget for fiscal year 2025–26, with Rs1.89 billion allocated for the project.
Additional Chief Secretary (South Punjab) Fuad Hashim Rabbani expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for supporting the cultural restoration initiative. Sharing project details, he said that Rs1.80 billion would be spent over two years to restore Derawar Fort to its original form.
“This project is a step toward preserving our heritage and boosting sustainable tourism in South Punjab,” said Rabbani.
He added that several other historic forts, including Jamgarh, Meergarh, Moujgarh, Deengarh, Phulara, and Marot, would also undergo phased conservation, ensuring restoration in line with their archaic originality.
Rabbani emphasized that the phased preservation of over 20 forts would not only protect South Punjab’s cultural identity but also generate economic activity through tourism, particularly in the historically rich yet underdeveloped Cholistan region.
