The fort was constructed in 1581 on the orders of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Construction was completed in two years after which the fort was used as a key defense line against Afghan invaders. The fort was captured in 1758 by Tukojirao Holkar and Sabaji Shinde Sidhojiraje Ghatage-Desai-Deshmukh, aka Manaji Paygude (the conqueror of Lahore), and the Marathas. The fort was captured in 1813 by Sikhs from the Afghans by Dewan Mokham Chand. In the 1830s, the Sikhs strengthened the fort by constructing 'very high and massy bastions' at each gate.[2] The British took over the fort in 1849, following the annexation of Punjab.[3] After the Partition of India, Pakistan Army took control of the fort.[4] It became headquarters of the 7th division of Pakistan Army.[4] In 1956, the fort was handed over to the Special Services Group (SSG), a special operations force of the Pak Army.[4] Today the fort remains in control of the SSG.[4]
Location
It is sandwiched between Peshawar Road on one side and the River Indus on the other.[5] It is located at a distance of 80km from the capital city of Islamabad. As its a military base, visitors are not allowed inside the fort.[1]
Features
The fort consists of 4 gates and its parameter wall is 1600m long. The gates are named the Delhi gate, Lahori Gate, Kabuli Gate and Mori Gate.[4]
Attock Fort
Overlooking the river
See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Attock Fort.
