Hasan Abdal
Hasan Abdal is 48 km from Rawalpindi.
It is a beautiful, quiet place and a convenient halting point of
G.T. Road enroute to Peshawar or Abbottabad. This town has a particular
association with Mughals and Sikhs. It was mentioned by Emperor
Jehangir in his memoirs and frequently visited by successive Mughal
Kings, on their way to Kashmir.
It remained a holy place for various religious groups through the
ages. It has a Sikh Gurdwara (temple) known as Panja Sahib having
a sacred rock with the hand print of their religious leader, Guru
Nanak.Twice a year, Sikh pilgrims visit this Gurdwara from all over
the world. Two other historical buildings of Mughal era (Muqbara
Hakeeman and so-called tomb of Lala Rukh) are located just opposite
the Gurdwara.
On the nearby hill, at an altitude of 714 meters, there is a meditation
chamber related to a 15th century Muslim Saint, Baba Wali Qandhari,
popularly known as Baba Hasan Abdal. The saint stayed in Hasan Abdal
from 1406-1416 AD but died and buried in village Baba Wali near
Qandhar (Afghanistan). The devotees and visitors climb over the
steps leading to the hill, for offerings and to have a panoramic
view of Hasan Abdal.
Rohtas Fort is 109 km from Rawalpindi. It is located about 6 km
south-west of Dina Town. Going from Rawalpindi/Islamabad,
you have to turn right from G.T. Road to a narrow road just before
Dina Police Station and then go left until you find the city bed
of Kahan River. The fort is visible from this point. However, you
have to cross the river to reach it. During rainy season, you need
a four-wheel-drive to cross the river. The fort is one of the most
impressive historical monument in Pakistan. It was built by Afghan
ruler Sher Shah Suri, between 1540 and 1547 AD. It served as a huge
fortified base for military operations against Gakkhars by Sher
Shah Suri. It was later used by Mughal emperor Akbar and Sikhs.
Within the huge terraced rampart walls with robust bastions and
twelve gates, are located a fortress, palaces and ancillary buildings.
Source: Ptv.com.pk
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