Pakistan not only offers some of the most beautiful and scenic tourist spots, but it also has some incredible historical landmarks. Forts are among the historical treasures scattered around the country. Some of these historic forts are thousands of years old and provide insight into the lifestyles and armies that formerly occupied these forts.
We have produced a list of Pakistan’s top ten famous historical forts. Not only will visiting these historic landmarks provide you with some fantastic photo opportunities, but it will also make you appreciate the grandeur, strength, and scenic locations of these forts.
List of Forts in Pakistan
The following table shows the most famous forts in Pakistan along with their history:
| Fort | Built By | Located In | Estimated Completion |
| Rohtas Fort | Sher Shah Suri | Jhelum | 16th century |
| Red Fort | Sultan Muzaffar Khan | Azad Kashmir | 1646 |
| Baltit Fort | Unknown | Gilgit Baltistan | Unknown |
| Bala Hisar Fort | Unknown | KPK | Unknown |
| Derawar Fort | Rajputs | Punjab | Unknown |
| Lahore Fort | Emperor Akbar | Punjab | 1605 |
| Ranikot Fort | Nawab M Wali Khan | Sindh | 17th century |
| Shigar Fort | Amacha Dynasty | Gilgit Baltistan | 17th century |
| Attock Fort | Emperor Akbar | Punjab | 1583 |
| Sangni Fort | Sikhs | Punjab | 1814 |
| Malot Fort | Janjua Emperor | Punjab | 980 AD |
Shahi Qila- Lahore Fort
Shiahi Qila is a fort from the 17th century in Lahore, Pakistan. It is located in the heart of Lahore’s Walled City and houses many artefacts from many eras, including those belonging to Emperor Jehangir and his son Shah Jahan (the builder).
The fort was built by Humayun during his tenure as Emperor over 100 years ago, but he lost it later to Sher Shah Suri, who erected his own defences here before moving his forces on to Delhi. The original name for this place was ‘Bagh-e-Sikandar’ which means ‘The Garden Of Sikander’ but afterwards changed its name into Shahi Qila meaning ‘Royal Fort’.
Rohtas Fort
The Rohtas Fort is a mediaeval fort in Jhelum, Pakistan. It is situated on the right bank of the Jhelum River, at the summit of a 100-metre-high hill. Mirza Ghazi Beg erected the fort during his tenure over Jhelum from 1722 to 1754 AD. He erected it to protect his army from foes attacking from all sides, as well as to shield himself from assassination attempts by angry aristocrats who were jealous of his authority and wealth.
Derawar Fort, Bahawalpur
Derawar Fort is located in the Pakistani city of Bahawalpur. The fort was erected in 1734 by Ahmad Khan Durrani and is one of Pakistan’s most famous forts. Derawar Fort is well-known for its huge walls and towers, which are adorned with blue-tinted glass tiles brought from Italy during the British reign. Derawar Fort is also known as “The World’s Second Largest Wall” due to its massive size (2 miles long).
Ramkot Fort, Azad Kashmir
Ramkot Fort is one of Pakistan’s oldest and most historic forts, located in Azad Kashmir. It is a well-known landmark in Azad Kashmir. RamKot Fort is surrounded by water and can only be reached by boat; it is only 13 kilometres from Dina.
The Ramkot fort is thought to have been built between the 16th and 17th centuries by Kashmir’s Muslim rulers. It’s a lovely fort. The fort’s azure background provides an appealing view from the top.
Baltit Fort
Baltit fort is a nearby ancient fort that is also on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. It is a 700-year-old fort that has been altered and rebuilt over the years. Simply said, many tour enthusiasts are drawn to this location.
Altit Fort
Altit Fort is a historical fort in Gilgit-Hunza Baltistan’s Valley. It is in the village of Altit, a few kilometres from the town of Aliabad. The word “Altit” means “the highest point” in Hindi and Urdu while it has also been referred to as “Gadh-i-Alti”. Mirza Makhdum Shah Niazi erected the fort during his reign over Hunza (1707–1716). Mir Masud Khan eventually took it and expanded its territory by constructing another entrance gate known as Shamsi Khwaja Bazaar (also known as Ghubar Khel).
Ranikot Fort
The Kirthar mountain range is well-known in Sindh’s Jamshoro District, which is home to Ranikot Fort. It is the largest fort in the world due to its circumference of nearly 26 kilometres. Ranikot Fort is known as Sindh’s wall. Mir Karam Ali Khan Talpur and his brother Mir Murad Ali renovated it in 1812 due to structural problems. A magnificent architecture with a smart framework demonstrates the expertise of that era’s masterminds.
Shigar Fort
Shigar Fort is a fort in the Gilgit-Baltistan town of Skardu. It was built near the summit of the Shigar Valley by the Katur dynasty. The fort contains many old structures, including palaces, mosques, and shrines that are still utilised for religious purposes by the local communities who live nearby.
Bala Hisar Fort
Bala Hisar Fort is a mediaeval fort located in Peshawar, Pakistan. The fort was named after the neighbouring Bala Hisar village by British general Sir Herbert Edwardes. During the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880), it housed Indian soldiers, and subsequently, during World War I, it housed prisoners of war from both sides of the fight.
The fort is located on an elevation hilltop above Peshawar and overlooks Shakardar Lake; its remains may still be seen today despite considerable repairs performed in recent years due to increased vandalism by curious visitors or local locals simply looking for some exercise!