A Forgotten Mughal Legacy: Shahi Bagh Reborn in Peshawar

Fakhar-e-Alam

Peshawar: In the busy, expanding urban landscape of Peshawar, a centuries-old green sanctuary is slowly reclaiming its former charm. The historic Shahi Bagh, once a celebrated Mughal-era garden—is undergoing a major revival, drawing renewed attention, nostalgia, and hope from residents.

Originally laid out during the Mughal period and later maintained under the Durrani rulers, Shahi Bagh was long regarded as more than just a garden. It served as a cultural and natural retreat, offering generations of residents shade, leisure, and a sense of shared identity. Today, under the government’s Peshawar Revival Plan, efforts are underway to restore that lost legacy.

As restoration work continues, marble pathways are being relaid, fountains revived, and new saplings planted along the historic walkways. The garden is gradually transforming back into a living public space where memories of the past intersect with the promise of the future.

For residents like 65-year-old retired teacher Riaz Khan, the revival is deeply personal. Standing near a newly restored path, he recalls a childhood shaped by the garden’s once-vibrant atmosphere.“I grew up with this garden. We didn’t have fancy parks, but we had Shahi Bagh, and that was enough,” he said, noting how it once overflowed with birds, butterflies, and laughter. “We used to play hide and seek among the trees. It felt alive in a way words can’t explain.”

Over time, however, that vibrancy faded. Encroachments, unregulated construction, and neglect gradually consumed large portions of the garden, replacing greenery with structures such as marriage halls and parking spaces. What was once a serene public space turned increasingly silent and fragmented.

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“It was painful to come back after years and find silence where there used to be life,” Khan reflected. “The trees had thinned, and it felt like the soul of the place had disappeared.”

The current restoration effort, however, has revived cautious optimism among longtime residents. Khan believes the key lies in preserving its original character. “If encroachments are permanently removed and its identity preserved, Shahi Bagh can become Peshawar’s pride again,” he said.Officials involved in the project describe the initiative as both a cultural duty and a legal obligation. A spokesperson from the Tourism and Archaeology Department emphasized that Shahi Bagh is formally protected under national heritage laws.

“Shahi Bagh is not just a recreational park; it is a protected heritage site,” the official said. “Its preservation is a responsibility, not a choice.”

He added that the first phase of the project focused on reclaiming encroached land. “We have cleared over 120 kanals, which was essential to restoring its original layout,” he noted, adding that the total restored area now exceeds 200 kanals.

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The redevelopment plan also includes modern public facilities such as jogging tracks, fitness areas, children’s play zones, and a dedicated women’s park, designed to ensure inclusive access while maintaining historical integrity.

“The goal is balance,” the official said. “We are restoring history while adapting the space to contemporary needs.”

Today, visitors walking through the revived sections of Shahi Bagh can see this blend of past and present, marble fountains glistening in sunlight, newly planted trees lining pathways, and a soft jogging track welcoming families, youth, and elderly visitors alike.

For younger residents, the transformation offers a glimpse into a history they had only heard about. University student Sadia Bibi described the change as meaningful for her generation.

“We grew up hearing stories about how beautiful Shahi Bagh used to be,” she said. “Now, for the first time, we can actually feel it coming back.”Historically, Shahi Bagh also attracted admiration from foreign visitors. 19th-century British envoy Mountstuart Elphinstone once praised its tranquility and elegance in his writings, noting its exceptional beauty.

As restoration work continues, that legacy appears to be resurfacing. Yet for many, the revival is about more than physical restoration, it is about reclaiming identity.

“A city without memory loses itself,” said Riaz Khan. “Shahi Bagh is our memory. If we protect it, we protect who we are.”

As Peshawar continues to modernize, the revival of Shahi Bagh stands as a reminder that development does not always mean moving away from the past. Sometimes, it means finding a way back to it.

The feature report was released by APP.