Publications
Importance of Peace for the Promotion of Tourism in Pakistan
Pakistan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Rohtas Fort, Mohenjo-Daro, and Taxila, alongside its breathtaking landscapes like those in Gilgit-Baltistan, hold immense potential to attract global tourism. However, the country has struggled to realize this due to a lack of peace and security, which are critical for sustainable tourism growth. The study highlights that internal conflicts and instability have significantly hindered Pakistan's tourism industry despite its rich cultural and natural heritage. Over the past decade, efforts to restore peace have begun to improve the nation's image and stimulate tourism, suggesting a direct correlation between stability and visitor numbers.
Scanning through multidisciplinary techniques and recreation of historic mortar: Case study of Rohtas Fort
A study on Rohtas Fort reveals that the fort's historic mortar, composed of hydrated lime, broken bricks, sand, and clay, exhibits pozzolanic activity due to the presence of Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate (C-S-H) gel. The research analyzed the old mortar using multidisciplinary techniques, including density, porosity, compressive strength, microscopic examination, XRD, XRF, and TGA, finding a hydrated lime: aggregates ratio of 1.156. Based on these findings, a modern mortar was designed with similar ingredients, achieving improved properties such as higher density (1.9 g/cm³) and compressive strength (3.5 MPa at 28 days). The study suggests that the pozzolanic character of brick particles and carbonation of hydrated lime contribute to the enhanced performance of the new mortar, offering a compatible repair material for the fort's deteriorating stone masonry walls.
Morphometrics of the indian false vampire bat (Megaderma lyra) from district Jhelum, Pakistan
A first-of-its-kind record of the Indian false vampire bat (Megaderma lyra) was documented at Rohtas Fort, district Jhelum, Pakistan. The study captured six male specimens, providing detailed morphometric measurements including head and body length (80 mm), forearm length (67 mm), and metacarpal lengths ranging from 51.73 to 60.42 mm. Skull dimensions such as length (29.84 mm) and braincase breadth (12.77 mm) were also recorded, along with reproductive measurements like penis length (6.6 mm). The bats were identified by their distinctive facial features, including an elongated nose-leaf and large ears. This finding contributes to the limited data on M. lyra in Pakistan and highlights the fort's significance as a roosting site for this species.
The Recreational Value of Rohtas Fort, Pakistan
Rohtas Fort, Pakistan, holds significant recreational value, contributing approximately US$11.70 million annually, equivalent to 0.05% of Pakistan's GDP in 2013. This study employed the Individual Travel Cost Method to estimate consumer surplus and recreational value, identifying key factors influencing visitation frequency—travel cost, household income, age, household size, education, and sex. Visitors expressed high satisfaction with the museum but highlighted cleanliness as a major issue, with waste disposal services needing urgent improvement. The research suggests that increasing entrance fees could generate additional revenue for maintenance and renovation projects, given visitors' willingness to pay.
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