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Waning Glory of Wazir Bagh
Javed Marwat
Publishing Date: Friday, April 25 2003
A well known Garden of the Mughal period, nowadays surrounded by buildings, has turned into a deserted place for lack of proper look after. This place of historic significance is really presenting a very gloomy picture because of its dying greenery which was once the reason for its recognition around the sub-continent.
The garden, which was the sole entertainment spot and outing place for both Peshawarities' and the locals living on its outskirts, has now been transformed into a clay ground with rare patches of green grass or sign of
freshness. Further, the garden having a pavilion, mosque, football ground, two spacious lawns, pond along with fountains and old but elegant trees with a sign of graceful garden all along the four sides are really in pitiable situation as the authorities are least concerned to pay heed towards its beautification and repair.
Interestingly, the garden has its own historical importance in the province but remained in poor conditions due to its location. This park was constructed in early years of 19th century when Prince Shah Mahmood Durrani sent his forces under the command of Sardar Fateh Mohammad Khan Barkzai alias Wazir against his brother Shah Shuja who was the ruler of Peshawar at that time.
Sardar Fateh alias Wazir in 1810 toppled Shuja rule and laid the foundation of a huge garden named 'Wazir Bagh", beside his residence in the South of Peshawar.
Since then this garden has played its significant role on different occasion and is still present. However it has lost its fabulous touch due to growing population and least awareness of the local people towards the historical
heritage.
A 38 year old, Bawar Khan Mohmand Khuvaizai while explaining the past beauty of 'Wazir Bagh' nostalgically said that the garden was surrounded by trees during his days of youth. But gradually, the trees vanished from the scene due to ruthless cutting, he lamented. Also, he added that authorities concerned never took notice of waning beauty of the garden at the hand of the local people.
"In yester years, the garden was a picnic spot for Shinwaris, Afridis and other local people who used to come over here", Bawar remarked, adding, "now it turned into deserted piece land ". There was a big tree in the middle,
which added to its beautification, but alas the greedy and inefficient officials removed it, he expressed.
The successive governments had shattered 'Wazir Bagh' and now it seems that the present government will change the garden into residential plots, he feared.
Referring to presence of old trees in the garden, Bawar Khan said, the 'pipal trees' in the park was the real beauty, which were so thick that one would get impression of night even during the broad day light. He quoted Pashto poetry verse in Afridi dialect to explain the beauty of the park in the most economical wordings, saying, "Tol Kamay Kamay Day Kho Bas Khwakh May Day".
Truly, nothing has left in garden to feel the glory of the past, however there is a lot remaining to quench the thirst, he said.
Ironically, two Union Councils offices, i.e: Yakatoot:1 and Yakatoot:2 are adjacent to the park. But the nazims though regularly attend their offices, but never noticed, while coming on their way across the garden, its dilapidating and declining position. Even, the district government and provincial departments are making fun of this historic garden of the 18th century. Off course it is how we are losing wonderful people and places with least regard for their importance to the next generations.
Sarhad Conservation Network ®
http://www.geocities.com/scn_pk
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