| Rawalpindi: The Punjab government have plans to transform the century-old Sujan Singh Haveli in Bhabara Bazaar, Rawalpindi into a tourist attraction, as per the news published in the national dailies on December 1.
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Punjab Primary & Secondary Healthcare & Population Minister Dr Jamal Nasir has directed the district administration and municipal corporation to convert the historic building, constructed in 1890 by Sikh political figure Sujan Singh, into a multifunctional space comprising a food court, museum, and art gallery.10
The four-story haveli, showcasing exquisite brick masonry and intricate Kashmiri woodwork on doors and windows, has faced several attempts at revitalization over the past decade. Originally owned by a Sikh family at the time of Partition, the building was later handed over to Fatima Jinnah Women University in the late 1990s. Despite plans to establish a school of art, the proposal remained unexecuted.
The latest restoration plan allocates PKR 104 million for Sujan Singh Haveli’s rehabilitation and PKR 80 million for revamping the Bhabara Bazaar food street. The ambitious project aims to restore the food street to its 1857 state, rejuvenate surrounding house facades, and bury utility cables and sewerage pipes underground. The objective is to make Rawalpindi a tourist attraction, particularly for those traveling to Murree via Rawalpindi, providing employment opportunities for the local population.
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During his visit to Sujan Singh Haveli, the minister highlighted the potential boost to tourism and announced future plans for restricting traffic in Raja Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, and Bhabara Bazaar to pedestrians only. Additionally, the Fawara Chowk parking plaza will be expanded, and a new parking plaza near Bhabara Bazaar is under consideration to accommodate the influx of tourists visiting the historic site. Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha affirmed the administration’s commitment to the restoration, emphasizing plans to uplift surrounding old houses to further promote tourism in the area. |
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