By Ali Mubarak
The city of Islamabad, nestled at the foot of the lush Margalla hills, is renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful capitals. Numerous serene and captivating spots in Islamabad eagerly await tourists’ arrival. Among them, the archeological natural caves of Shah Allah Dutta beckon for special attention from the government. Situated at the foothills of Margalla Hills, a short distance from Sector D12 of Islamabad, this site boasts several caves nestled amidst the mountains, alongside a garden and a natural spring with water cascading down the slopes. Referred to as Shah Allah Dutta’s Cave or Buddha’s Cave, this site served as a place of worship for Buddhist monks in ancient times. Named after Shah Allah Dutta, who led this settlement centuries ago, the caves are adorned with hanging roots of towering banyan trees.
The garden features mango trees and centuries-old banyan trees, reflecting the area’s rich history as an ancient highway connecting Afghanistan and India. Additionally, an ancient well, attributed to Sher Shah Suri, stands nearby. Roughly 25 minutes from Shah Allah Dutta, the Margalla hills offer hiking trails known as trails. Among the six trails, trail three and trail five are particularly popular. During a recent visit, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the launch of Margalla Trail Patrol to ensure the safety of visitors, especially foreigners who frequent the area to admire its natural beauty. The patrol comprises trail motorcycles, mounted police, and foot patrols, aiming to prevent incidents of robbery and theft reported on various trails in Islamabad. A road ascends from the caves of Shah Allah Dutta, offering breathtaking views of the valley and Islamabad. Beyond a certain point, one enters the Haripur Division of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.
During a brief visit to Shah Allah Dutta village, the enchanting melodies of the Margalla hills, the rustling of trees, and the chirping of birds resonated, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention. Sadly, the Margalla hills are rapidly succumbing to urbanization. Recent instances of youths uprooting centuries-old banyan trees are deeply concerning and underscore the reckless disregard for nature. Residential and commercial constructions, along with burgeoning housing societies, are encroaching upon the Margalla hills, threatening the region’s natural splendor. It’s imperative to halt such activities and prioritize environmental conservation. A police picket has been established at the entrance to safeguard tourists, particularly Buddhist pilgrims visiting the historical site.
Syed Hasan Ali, a descendant of the village’s historic lineage, revealed that former Deputy Mayor Islamabad Zeeshan Naqvi hailed from the same village. The Pakistani government must prioritize the preservation of such historical and religious sites to foster interfaith harmony and boost tourism revenue. Government offices in Shah Allah Dutta village were found deserted during the visit, highlighting the need for administrative presence to guide tourists. Notably, the 2,500-year-old Buddhist caves in Shah Allah Dutta witnessed Buddhists performing religious rituals for the first time in recent history. Shah Allah Dutta village, named after a revered dervish/Wali from the Mughal era, holds the distinction of being Islamabad’s oldest settlement, bearing witness to ancient civilizations and religions.
This year, the Vesak or Buddha Day festival will be commemorated in Pakistan in May, honoring the birth and enlightenment of Gautama Buddha. In 2022, Vesak was celebrated in Islamabad, Taxila, and the surrounding Gandhara region, attracting foreign Buddhist monks and ambassadors, alongside a Pakistani Buddhist delegation from Sindh. The 2,500-year-old Buddhist caves nestled at the foothills of Margalla Hills, situated west of Taxila, east of Islamabad, and centrally located in Khanpur, hold immense historical significance. Historically, these caves adorned an ancient road, traversed by figures such as Alexander the Great, Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka the Great, and Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
Despite their historical significance, these caves face neglect and vandalism, with drug addicts occupying the premises. Urgent steps are needed to protect and preserve these cultural treasures, ensuring a vibrant future for tourism and projecting a positive image of Pakistan worldwide. As proud Pakistanis, it’s incumbent upon us to safeguard minority rights and promote peace and love. The Shah Allah Ditta caves represent a vital part of our heritage, necessitating immediate action to protect Buddhist cultural heritage and foster tourism.” This revision aims to enhance clarity, readability, and grammatical correctness while retaining the original content’s essence.
