The historic Jamia Rajgan Mosque 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 heritage monuments. PHOTOS: EXPRESS
HARIPUR:
Old Khanpur, located along the picturesque banks of the Khanpur Dam, is witnessing growing concern over the deterioration of its historic Jamia Rajgan Mosque, a structure said to be over 150 years old.
Once a proud symbol of the region’s architectural heritage and spiritual life, the mosque is now rapidly falling into disrepair due to prolonged neglect and lack of systematic conservation efforts.
Locals, historians and visitors have expressed serious concerns about the condition of the centuries-old mosque, calling for immediate intervention by relevant authorities.
The structure, widely considered one of the region’s most important cultural landmarks, is said to suffer from significant weathering, structural fatigue and a lack of routine maintenance.
Residents lament that despite its historical and religious importance, the mosque has been largely neglected by heritage conservation organizations. Set against the once-famous natural beauty of the valleys of Old Khanpur, the site continues to embody the cultural and spiritual identity of the region, even as visible cracks, eroded surfaces and weakened foundations threaten its survival.
According to local elder Haji Saeed, the area was once renowned for its picturesque landscape, traditional settlements and vibrant cultural fabric. He regretted that many of its historic sites were now abandoned. “The mosque’s minarets, ancient tombs and adjoining shrine all tell the story of a glorious past,” he said. “Unfortunately, the lack of effective conservation measures has put this heritage at risk.”
Adjacent to the mosque is a historic cemetery, containing generations of burial sites and weathered tombstones dating back centuries. Residents report deterioration of surrounding walls, fading of inscriptions and collapse of tombs, events that have intensified calls for urgent restoration and protection of the entire complex.
The site 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 safeguard the historical continuity and religious significance of the area.
Increasing calls are also being made to descendants of the Rajgan family, whose ancestral tombs are on the premises, urging them to play a more active role in preservation efforts.
Tourists visiting Khanpur Dam have also expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the mosque, calling on the provincial and federal governments to declare it a protected heritage site and initiate immediate restoration measures before irreversible damage occurs.
Historical accounts indicate that the Jamia Rajgan Mosque was commissioned in 1872 by Sultan Raja Jehandad Khan, the great-grandfather of the current ruler of Gakhar, Sultan Raja Shiraz Haider Zaman. Built with traditional materials such as red brick, stone and lime mortar, the mosque is said to have taken a decade to complete and was built by skilled craftsmen from across the subcontinent.
For decades, it was the region’s primary center of worship, hosting daily prayers, Friday congregations, and large religious gatherings attended by thousands. Although the adjoining palace was demolished during the development of the Khanpur Dam, the mosque still serves as a powerful reminder of the heritage of old Khanpur.
Local citizens continue to urge the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal governments, as well as the archaeological and tourism departments, to incorporate the site into a formal conservation program. They further propose the development of a heritage village to promote cultural tourism.
District administration officials reportedly acknowledged the concerns and assured residents that the matter would be referred to higher authorities for review. For the community, however, the message remains clear: preserving the mosque is not just about saving a structure, but about safeguarding an irreplaceable legacy of identity, history and collective memory.
