Bahawalpur – July 3, 2025: The Punjab government has launched a significant heritage restoration initiative to revive seven ancient forts in the Cholistan Desert, with an allocated budget of over Rs2.90 billion for the entire project.
This major step, taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aims to restore historical structures including Derawar Fort, Jamgarh, Meergarh, Moujgarh, Deengarh, Phulara, and Marot Fort. The first phase will focus on Derawar Fort, with Rs1.80 billion set aside for its full-scale rehabilitation over the next two years.
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According to officials, the initiative is part of a broader plan to promote cultural heritage, boost regional tourism, and generate economic opportunities in South Punjab. The government is also investing Rs4 billion in additional tourism development projects across the region.
Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab, Fuad Hashim Rabbani, confirmed that conservation work will be carried out under strict architectural and historical preservation guidelines, turning these forgotten sites into vibrant tourist attractions.
