King Amanullah Palace in Ghazni in a rundown state

GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): Built by the hero of Afghanistan’s freedom King Ghazi Amanullah Khan, the historic place in his name in the Muqur district of southern Ghazni province has been in a dilapidated condition.

About 96 years ago, former king (Shah) Ghazi Amanullah Khan while traveling from Kabul to southern Kandahar province along with his wife ordered the palace construction.

Many residents of Muqur district believe the king had built the palace to please Queen Suraya.

The royal couple would spend some time in the palace, known as King Amanullah Khan Palace, when they would travel from center to southern part of the country with ministers and some others officials, the residents remembered.

However, the residents are concerned about the bad condition of the building and blame it on negligence and lack of attention on the part of the authorities concerned.

At present, Afghan National Armey (ANA) forces, who have constructed facilities inside the palace, are stationed there.

Hamidullah, the ANA unit commander, told Pajhwok Afghan News they had been living in the place since long.“It was in much poor condition before we arrived here, but later we cleaned the building several times; however it is still in bad condition”.

"King Amanullah Khan often traveled on horse and would stay in the hall of the palace for several days," said Nik Mohammad, who claims to be 120 years old.

The resident of Mir Khan area of Qarabagh district further added that King Amunllah Khan would receive public complaints during his stay at the palace.

Another resident of Familio locality district, Haji Noorullah, said most of the palace had destroyed. He said: “Some people once visited the site in the name of survey but nothing happened after that”.

He said the port was located near the district center and insecurity should not be made an excuse for not repairing the palace.

Provincial information and culture department head, Muhibullah Rahmani said the mentioned palace had been surveyed twice.

““It is a historical port but most of it parts have been damaged,” he added, saying efforts were underway to allocate fund for the palace repair work.

The old building has living rooms, hotel, garden and other facilities.

Muqur district is located on the Kabul-Kandahar highway around 100km from Ghazni City.

Pk/ma