Sandeman Fort: Walking over the history
Ali Khan Mandokhail :
Visiting the historic Sandeman castle or fort is like walking over history. The building at the top of the mountain reminds the people about the British rule in the Sub-Continent. Recently, the Balochistan government demolished the architecture and raised its replica.
“One can see scenic view of Zhob city from the top of the castle”, the Deputy Commissioner, Shehak Baloch said. The fort now serves as the residence of the DC Zhob.
Sandeman served as the Governor-General in Balochistan from 1877 till his death in 1892.
Sandeman served as the Governor-General in Balochistan from 1877 till his death in 1892. The Fort used as the office and residence of the Political Agent/Deputy Commissioner since the independence of Pakistan in 1947. Currently, the officials evacuated it after the repair and renovation work started.
“Archeology department had to be on board to protect this heritage”, an archeologist said when asked about the renovation of the building. He preferred anonymity.
“This is history and we are here to preserve it”, Jam Kamal
“This is history and we are here to preserve it”, Chief Minister Balochistan, Jam Kamal Khan said. The CM and provincial ministers visited the historical site and took a keen interest in the Sandeman castle.
A statue/ depiction of Sher Jan Kakar and the Political Agent of Fort Sandeman Major Barnes is attracting tourists and historians. Most of the tourists take selfies along with the statue/ depiction of Sher Jan Kakar pointing guns towards Major Barnes.
“Wonderful, the statues/depictions seem to be like real ones”, Ghulam Ali Baloch, a senior bureaucrat in the Balochistan government remarked.
The Castle built in the shape of a ship
Robert Sandeman’s castle built in the shape of a ship. The decades-old piano and two-winged fans at the castle are still present in their original state. According to historians, the fort built at a height so that British officers could easily keep an eye on the surrounding population.
