ISLAMABAD: Jamal Shah, Interim Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture on Wednesday visited historical Mai Qamro Mosque and Muqarab Khan Tomb located at a small village ‘Bagh Jogian’ in the vicinity of Islamabad. The minister has ordered Department of Archaeology and Museum to expedite pace of work to restore the Mosque and Muqarab Khan Tomb in its original form besides enhance its outlook. Director General Department of Archaeology and Museum (DOAM) Dr Abdul Azeem and other senior officials briefed the minister about the preservation and renovation work on the sites. Speaking on the occasion, the minister opined that historical heritage sites should be upgraded and revamped which not only give a new look to the capital city but also promote country thousands years old heritage. The Mosque is believed to have been built by Mai Qamro, wife of Hathi Khan Ghakkar, a scion of the Ghakkar dynasty in which women occupied a prestigious and influential position. According to Architects, this Mosque was constructed in early 16th century, a great specimen of Ghakkar architecture. The Mosque is built on a rectangular plan and crowned with three squat domes. The southern dome of the mosque has caved in but the two others are in fairly good condition. It is noted for its three arched-entrances.
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The central entrance is flanked by two recessed arches which lend an amazing beauty to the façade of the structure. Above the arched entrance, one finds a beautiful cut-brick ornamentation. Such embellishment cannot be found elsewhere in Potohar. Dressed stone has been used to construct the mosque. Formerly it was plastered, traces of which are still visible on the façade of the mosque. Parts of the boundary wall of the mosque have survived the ravages of time. The northern boundary is still standing. The remains of the southern and eastern walls are also visible. The Minister also visited historical Muqarab Khan Tomb. Muqarab Khan was local chieftain of Gakhar tribe. Tomb is very beautiful and specific in it’s style and construction. Tomb is octagonal in plan. Portrico is flanking by two small pilasters.
