Khairpur, Sindh — In a shocking act of vandalism, unidentified thieves have stolen a section of a historic cannon from Kot Diji Fort, a symbol of the region’s Talpur-era heritage. The incident, reported by local authorities this week, has reignited concerns about the protection of Pakistan’s cultural landmarks.
Kot Diji Fort, built between 1785 and 1795 by Talpur ruler Mir Sohrab Khan, sits atop a limestone ridge in Khairpur District. The fort historically housed dozens of cannons, designed as a defensive stronghold overlooking the surrounding terrain.
According to the Sindh Culture and Antiquities Department, the stolen piece appears to be part of one of the cannons recently recovered and returned to the fort premises. In late 2023, authorities announced that six cannons, missing for decades, had been traced. In early 2024, seven more missing cannons were also recovered.
Officials suspect the theft may be linked to poor on-site security and lack of constant monitoring, a recurring issue for heritage sites in the region. The caretaker Minister for Culture, Dr Junaid Ali Shah, has condemned the act and called on the police to launch an immediate investigation.
Local historians warn that such acts of theft not only damage physical artefacts but also erode collective memory. “These cannons are not just metal; they are silent witnesses of our history,” said one cultural expert.
In a worrying pattern, heritage objects in Sindh have previously suffered neglect or misuse. Earlier this year, the culture department recovered cannons from public offices such as police stations and administrative buildings for reinstallation at the fort.
The department has urged the public to report any suspicious activity around the fort. Meanwhile, authorities are reviewing plans to boost security, possibly including surveillance cameras and heritage guards.
The theft comes just months after a man was arrested for staging a fake robbery in order to embezzle money from his boss, a reminder that crime and deception continue to threaten not only people’s wealth but also Pakistan’s cultural heritage.
