Islamabad, July 3, 2025: The Punjab administration has initiated a significant restoration project to restore seven historic forts located in the Cholistan desert. An initial funding of Rs. 1.89 billion, from an overall Rs. 2.90 billion, has been allocated for this venture.
This decision was made by South Punjab Additional Chief Secretary Fuad Hashim Rabbani on Wednesday. The forts selected for renovation include Derawar, Jamgarh, Meergarh, Maujgarh, Deengarh, Phulra, and Marot.
The restoration efforts will start at Derawar Fort once the financial resources are disbursed. The scheme is designed to safeguard these age-old monuments, which have severely deteriorated due to negligence and the harsh desert climate.
Rabbani further disclosed that 20 more forts within the area might be included in upcoming phases of the restoration scheme. The wider objective is to safeguard the cultural legacy of the region and enhance tourism in South Punjab.
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Apart from the fort rehabilitation, the Punjab administration has designated Rs4 billion for seven additional tourism-related schemes in South Punjab.
These projects involve conserving the natural habitat at Bahawalpur’s Lal Sohanra National Park, with Rs2 billion assigned for this initiative.
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Other plans include establishing recreational facilities at Fort Munro (Rs400 million) and along the Indus River in Dera Ghazi Khan (Rs. 800 million).
Authorities anticipate these ventures will unlock the tourism prospects of South Punjab and generate fresh job prospects in the region.
