Harkishan Garh Fort is a fort in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. ^{[1] [2]}

History

Harkishan Garh Fort was erected under the supervision of Governor Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa in 1822–23, subsequent to the Sikh annexation of Kashmir and Hazara. ^[3] The fort features a 20-feet deep moat, designed for the defense of the Sikh garrison. ^[3]

Initially, the fort was built to consolidate the Sikh control over the region and to serve as a launchpad for further expansion. ^[3] From 1849 to 1853, the fort also functioned as the district headquarters for the British administration, until Major James Abbott moved it to Abbottabad. ^[3]

Following Pakistan's inception, the police department claimed the western portion of the fort, while the revenue department took control of the eastern part. ^[3] Both entities have reportedly maintained their presence in the fort, with modifications allegedly made in contravention of the Antiquities Act. ^[3]

The municipal administration, tasked with conserving historical sites, is also reported to have built an overhead water tank on the fort's western section. ^[3]

In 2019, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa decided to convert it into a museum. ^[4]

References