ISLAMABAD: The remains of a 16th-century Mughal-era building have been demolished in Islamabad, just days after a World War I memorial was razed for a private housing project. Located about 200 meters from the British-era obelisk in Rehara village, the historical building was possibly built during Emperor Akbar’s reign and was the oldest ruin in the area. The Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) said the above-ground arch, main chamber, and thick limestone walls, which required careful excavation, were destroyed. A DOAM official told Dawn that a departmental team confirmed the structure had been completely wiped out. DOAM claimed it had repeatedly requested records from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the housing scheme’s developer, but received no response. An official from the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture said, "The CDA has not once responded to the numerous letters DOAM has written in the last six years." When contacted, CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiyani initially sought time for comment but gave no further response. Some DOAM officials declined to comment; however, a senior official confirmed a report on the destruction was sent to the Prime Minister’s Office. Earlier, DOAM had stated the World War I memorial was not protected under the Antiquities Act 1975, so no permission was needed to demolish it. The department also said efforts were ongoing to bring the monument under formal protection but noted a lack of funds and legal hurdles. DOAM recommended the memorial be re-erected at the same site with respect and dignity, saying, "It is better to re-erect the monument at the same place with grace and dignity as it was erected for the same village of Rehara." These recent demolitions raise concerns about safeguarding Islamabad’s historical heritage amid rapid urban development.