Light Within

Heartfelt congratulations to Naeema Arshad and Arshad Awan on the launch of their remarkable book, "Forts of Potohar." This labor of love, born from seven years of meticulous research and exploration, is a testament to their unwavering dedication. By visiting 20 forts and uncovering centuries of history, they've crafted a masterpiece that celebrates culture, civilization, and art. All credit to this dynamic duo for their teamwork, from writing to organizing a memorable launch.

With inspiring words from Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhry, Rector, Lahore School of Economics, Dr. Shahid Siddique, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Media Studies, Arts, and Design, and Rabia Nadir, this book launch became truly special.

The forts of Potohar hold a treasure trove of history, brimming with architectural brilliance and strategic ingenuity. During my service, I was fortunate to visit some of these historical strongholds (a cross-country walk from Tilla Jogian Field Firing Ranges to Rohtas is one of the best and most picturesque), and I remain captivated by the brilliance behind their locations. These fortifications, strategically scattered across the Potohar region from Attock to Jhelum, showcase the ingenuity of their builders, who skillfully utilized natural defenses, elevated terrains, and tactical advantages. Each site was meticulously chosen, guided by critical factors such as natural barriers, river crossings, defensive postures, and the need for surveillance. This combination of considerations rendered these sites ideal fort locations, offering both strong defenses and control over trade and commerce.

The elevated positions of these forts were pivotal in their effectiveness. From commanding heights, defenders gained clear vantage points to detect enemy movements early, giving them ample time to prepare for any threats. The rugged terrain, marked by steep slopes and rocky outcrops, posed significant challenges for advancing adversaries, deterring siege equipment and rapid assaults. From these heights, defenders could unleash projectiles with devastating precision, enhancing their defense and resilience.

Beyond their defensive roles, these forts played a vital part in shaping the socio-economic fabric of the region. Situated near key trade routes, like Attock Fort on the Indus River, they regulated commerce, collected taxes, and ensured safe passage for merchants and travelers. Overlooking fertile lands, these strongholds secured agricultural resources and contributed to regional prosperity. Forts such as Rohtas and Rawat served as symbols of authority, maintaining law and order while sheltering surrounding settlements, thereby strengthening governance.

These elevated structures also formed an essential communication network. Through smoke signals, beacons, or messengers, forts communicated warnings and coordinated defense strategies swiftly and effectively. This system facilitated rapid troop mobilization and enabled a unified approach to regional security, interconnecting the forts into a cohesive network.

The fortifications of Potohar, exemplified by Nandna, Rohtas, Rawat, and Attock, embody a profound understanding of the region's geography and security needs. These structures were far more than defensive outposts—they were pillars of stability, ingeniously designed to create a secure and interconnected landscape. 

Once again, I extend my warmest congratulations to Naeema Arshad and Arshad Awan. May their literary journey continue to flourish, and I eagerly look forward to their next masterpiece.