The historic Jamia Mosque Rajgan stands amid the valleys of Old Khanpur, its weathered walls and fading grandeur reflecting growing concerns over the future of one of the region’s most treasured landmarks. PHOTO: EXPRESS
HARIPUR:
Old Khanpur, situated along the scenic banks of Khanpur Dam, is witnessing rising alarm over the deteriorating condition of its historic Jamia Mosque Rajgan, a structure believed to be more than 150 years old.
Once a proud symbol of the region’s architectural heritage and spiritual life, the mosque is now rapidly deteriorating due to prolonged neglect and the absence of systematic conservation efforts.
Locals, historians and visitors alike have raised serious concerns over the condition of the centuries-old mosque and called for immediate intervention by the relevant authorities.
The structure, widely considered to be one of the most significant cultural landmarks in the area, reportedly suffers from extensive weathering, structural fatigue and a lack of routine maintenance.
Residents lament that despite its historical and religious significance, the mosque has been largely overlooked by heritage conservation bodies. Set against the once famous natural beauty of Old Khanpur’s valleys, the site continues to embody the region’s cultural and spiritual identity, even as visible cracks, eroding surfaces and weakening foundations threaten its survival.
According to local elder Haji Saeed, the area was once known for its picturesque landscape, traditional settlements and vibrant cultural fabric. He expressed regret that many of its historic sites are now being left to decay. “The mosque’s minarets, ancient tombs and adjacent shrine all tell the story of a glorious past,” he said. “Unfortunately, the lack of effective conservation measures has put this heritage at serious risk.”
Adjacent to the mosque is a historic cemetery containing generations of graves and weathered tombstones dating back centuries. Residents report deteriorating boundary walls, fading inscriptions and sinking tombs, all of which have intensified calls for urgent restoration and protection of the entire complex.
The place is also closely associated with the spiritual legacy of Hazrat Syed Sakhi Inayat Bukhari, whose shrine continues to attract devotees and visitors. Locals argue that the mosque, shrine and cemetery should be preserved as a unified heritage complex to ensure the region’s historical continuity and religious significance.
There are also growing appeals directed at descendants of the Rajgan family, whose ancestral graves are located on the premises, urging them to take a more active role in conservation efforts.
Tourists visiting the Khanpur Dam have similarly expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the mosque, urging both the provincial and federal governments to declare it a protected heritage site and initiate immediate restoration measures before irreparable damage occurs.
Historical accounts indicate that the Jamia Mosque Rajgan was commissioned in 1872 by Sultan Raja Jehandad Khan, great-grandfather of the current Gakhar chieftain, Sultan Raja Shiraz Haider Zaman. Constructed using traditional materials such as red bricks, stone and lime mortar, the mosque reportedly took a decade to complete and was built by skilled craftsmen from across the subcontinent.
For decades, it served as the main center of worship in the region, hosting daily prayers, Friday congregations and major religious gatherings attended by thousands. Although the adjacent palace was demolished during the development of Khanpur Dam, the mosque still stands as a strong reminder of Old Khanpur’s heritage.
Local citizens continue to call on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal governments, along with the archaeological and tourism departments, to incorporate the site into a formal conservation program. They further suggest the development of a heritage village to promote cultural tourism.
Officials from the district administration have reportedly acknowledged the concerns and assured the residents that the matter will be forwarded to higher authorities for consideration. For the community, however, the message is still clear: preserving the mosque is not just about saving a structure, but about ensuring an irreplaceable legacy of identity, history and collective memory.
