Claims circulating on social media alleging that a British-era World War I memorial in Islamabad was demolished during development work in the Margalla Enclave housing project are false, according to official records and on-site verification.
Posts shared widely online suggested that developers had “erased history” by bulldozing a century-old monument near Rehara village along Kuri Road. However, authorities say the structure was relocated for preservation, not destroyed.
The Claim
Several social media accounts alleged that a World War I monument built during British rule had been flattened, accusing housing developers of disregarding cultural heritage. Some posts also claimed that the Department of Archaeology and Museums had tried to stop the move but arrived to find the site levelled.
The Facts
Officials confirmed that the memorial was carefully dismantled and is being reinstalled nearby as part of a preservation effort coordinated with civic authorities.
The monument honours Subedar Ghulam Ali, a decorated soldier who served in East Africa during World War I and received the Military Cross. It had stood for decades near Rehara village.
According to officials:
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The monument was moved within approximately 100–200 metres of its original location
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The relocation was done to protect the structure during nearby development
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The memorial is scheduled to be reinstalled near the Northern Bypass, close to its historical setting.
An affidavit from the family of Subedar Ghulam Ali confirms approval for relocating the historic WWI memorial.
The Department of Archaeology and Museums clarified that the monument is not on the official list of protected heritage sites. As a result, relocation within the same locality does not require a No Objection Certificate under existing regulations.
The Capital Development Authority was also involved in coordination regarding land and development planning, officials said.
Developers said written consent for the preservation and relocation was obtained from the soldier’s great-grandson, Raja Zulfiqar Ahmed Kayani, who supported efforts to safeguard the memorial.
The claim that Islamabad’s World War I memorial was demolished is misleading. Evidence shows the monument was relocated for preservation with official coordination and family consent.
