Government Graduate College Asghar Mall in Rawalpindi has been officially declared a national heritage site, Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi announced on Tuesday.
During a ceremony held at the college, the minister highlighted the institution’s historical, educational, and cultural importance. He described it as a living symbol of knowledge, character, and Pakistan’s cultural legacy, and confirmed that a formal event will soon be organized to confer the heritage status.
Addressing students, Khichi emphasized education as essential for national progress and urged them to serve as ambassadors of Pakistan internationally. He also invited the college administration to collaborate with cultural institutions under his ministry and offered the use of the ministry’s platforms at no cost to promote educational and cultural activities.
College Principal Professor Dr Tanveer Ahmed Khan Khichi noted that archaeology classes have been introduced—a pioneering step at the college level. The minister assured full cooperation from the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums in supporting the institution’s initiatives.
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Established in 1903 as Sanatana Dharma High School, the college was elevated to college status in 1948, becoming the first public-sector college in the Potohar region. The current college building, constructed in 1913, is 113 years old and reflects the educational and architectural heritage of the area.
