GUJAR KHAN: A historic 16th-century well located on the Grand Trunk (G.T.) Road near Mandra, close to Gujar Khan, has been demolished during an alleged “clean-up operation” carried out by the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (Pera), drawing concern from local residents and heritage observers.
According to residents, the action was taken as part of an operation aimed at removing illegally established kiosks and shops along the dual carriageway. However, during the process, heavy machinery reportedly damaged and razed the historic well, which locals say dates back to the era of Sher Shah Suri.
Sher Shah Suri, the ruler of the subcontinent in the 16th century, is known for constructing the Grand Trunk Road stretching from Kabul to Bengal and for establishing a network of sarais (roadside inns), wells and rest houses to support travellers, guards and horse riders. These facilities also supported an efficient postal and communication system of the time.
Local journalist Khalid Qureshi said that the Mandra well was historically associated with a nearby sarai, which was later converted into a police station. He added that the well had remained intact until recently and continued to serve a functional role even in modern times.
According to residents, the well had been supplying water to Mandra Railway Station through a pipeline and pump, while nearby households also drew water using personal motor pumps. Mr Qureshi noted that the well featured an arched structure believed to have been constructed during Sher Shah Suri’s reign, adding to its historical and architectural value.
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Residents said that during the enforcement operation, the well was bulldozed and debris from demolished encroachments was dumped inside it, rendering it unusable. They expressed concern that the site was not assessed for its historical significance before the operation was conducted.
The residents have lamented that this historic monument was bulldozed by the operators engaged for the removal of encroachments.https://t.co/1oMUuw7kYD
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 21, 2025
Some locals also pointed out that the well could have been preserved and integrated into future development plans. They said that if the Public Health Engineering Department intended to improve water supply for Mandra town, the well could have served as a viable source of drinking water after proper restoration and treatment.
The incident has prompted calls for official intervention. Residents have urged the Punjab chief secretary and the provincial minister for heritage and culture to take notice of the demolition and order an inquiry into the matter. They have also demanded the restoration of the well to its original condition and the protection of remaining historical structures in the area.
No official statement had been issued by Pera or district authorities regarding the incident at the time of filing this report.
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