Forts of Pakistan...... Derawar Fort

On the edge of the desert, 100 km from Bahawalpur stands the majestic Derawar Fort. It is the largest and the most superlatively preserved fort of Cholistan. The powerful fort towers over the surrounding semi desert and is visible from miles around.  It is a square fort measuring 672 feet in length on each side, with a gate on its southern side approached by means of a winding ramp. Most of the bastions show geometric designs made by burnt bricks. A number of buildings in the fort provided quarters for Nawab’s army. The retiring quarters of the royal family still stand deserted inside the fort.

Four shrines of pious Muslims are located near Derawar Fort. The Derawar Mosque, having 3 domes and 4 minarets, is an exact replica of Moti Masjid at Red Fort Delhi, and was built in 1844 A.D.

Forts of Pakistan...... Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort is one of the most imposing historical monuments which represents the Pathan period of architecture style in Pakistan. The Rohtas fort lies sprawling upon a low rocky hill  to the north of Jhelum in a bend of the river Ghan (mostly spelled as Kahan). The gigantic fort is founded on steep rocks jutting into the river Kahan, its ramparts protected on the west and north sides by the river and by high hills on its east and south. It was never taken by assault and survives intact to the present day. The main fortifications consist of the massive walls, which extended for more than 4km; they are lined with bastions and pierced by monumental gateways.

Forts of Pakistan...... Multan Fort

Multan Fort was built on a mound separating it form the city by the old bed of river Ravi. There is no Fort now as it was destroyed by the British Garrison which was stationed ,there for a long time, but the entire site is known as the Fort .The walls of the fort were built by Murad Baksh, the son of the Shah Jahan, when he was the viceroy of Multan in the early 17th, century. The Fort site now looks as a part of the city, because instead of the river it is now separated by a road which looks more like a bazaar and remains crowded throughout the day.

The Fort stands on the highest part of the mound on which the town is built, It is an ancient structure formed by a hexagonal wall from forty to seventy feet high, the longest side of which faces the north-west and extends for 600 yards, and which isolates it from the town. Within the fort, and on a very considerable elevation, stands the citadel, in itself of very great strength. The walls are flanked by thirty towers, and enclose numerous houses, mosques, a Hindu temple of high antiquity, and a khan’ s palace the beauty of which was severely damaged by the bettering it got from the guns of Ranjeet Sing in 1818.

Forts of Pakistan...... Lahore Fort

The Lahore Fort, locally referred to as Shahi Qila is citadel of the city of Lahore.The Lahore Fort is one of the greatest fort built by the Mughals in South Asia. The Fort was originally built by Malik Ayaz, later it was altered by the famous architect who created the Taj Mahal, and finally it was rebuilt by the Great Akbar, lending itself to its own distinct character, history, and flavor.

The massive doors, and great walls of Lahore Fort, include the Diwan-e-Azam, a grand throne room with a marble pavilion, and a majestic court designed for public audiences. In addition Sheesh Mahal, the Naulakha, and Moti Masjid also located within the fort speak eloquently of days gone by, a time when architecture and design was created with unparalleled detail for the pleasure of great emperors, royalty, princes, and princesses. Intricate patterns of inlaid precious stones, carvings, mosaic tiles, and murals are displayed against backgrounds of rough tiles designed with such quality, that today, they are as beautiful as the day they were created and placed.