{
  "id": 19102591,
  "title": "Rawalpindi’s historic buildings crumble amid official apathy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/rawalpindis-historic-buildings-crumble-amid-official-apathy-19102591",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T01:36:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn",
    "slug": "dawn",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2043220/rawalpindis-historic-buildings-crumble-amid-official-apathy"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rawalpindi's historic buildings, once a testament to the city's diverse cultural heritage, are crumbling away due to official neglect. Once home to a dominant Hindu and Sikh population before the partition of the Indian subcontinent, these buildings now face neglect and deterioration. Jamia Masjid, while standing tall, requires urgent repairs. The city's rich past is evident in its architecture, with temples and Gurdwaras lining its narrow streets. However, many of these structures are disappearing, as the wooden bridge over Leh Nullah, a legacy from British era, succumbs to theft and decay. The narrow streets reveal havelis, temples and Gurdwaras, but none have been recognized as national heritage sites. The land belonging to these religious sites is rapidly encroached upon. Despite the presence of these historical landmarks, the government has shown little interest in their preservation. A 130-year-old bridge over Leh Nullah, made of wood and iron, is gradually disappearing due to the apathy of the archaeology department and local administration. The Punjab Archaeology Director General has announced a plan to preserve Rawalpindi's historical buildings, but the resources to execute this plan have been limited.",
  "summary": "Old buildings, temples and Gurdwaras in Rawalpindi tell the story of the garrison city’s majestic past, when Hindus and Sikhs made up a dominant share of its population before the partition of the Indian subcontinent. However, these buildings are now in a state of disrepair, as little has been done to preserve them over the past 79 years. Jamia Masjid in Rawalpindi stands tall but is in need of…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}