Mohalla Muftianwala is a small old mohalla, located inside the Walled City Bhera with eight gates. The general alignment of the wall was the present-day Circular Road.
In the north of Muftianwala is the mohalla Malakanwala, Qazianwala ( one of the oldest mohallas of Bhera), and the road coming from Ganjwala Dawaza ( Lahori Gate—1865) to Imam Kote ( old Gurdwara ). In the west is Chakwala bazaar, in the south a tiny mohalla Sheikhpurianwala and mohalla Hakimawala, and in the east mohalla Khawajgan ( one of the biggest mohallas of Bhera).
Presently, mohalla Muftianwala gives a deserted look. Most of the old residents of Mohalla have either died or have moved out to other cities in Pakistan or abroad. Once educated, eminent, and distinguished people lived in Muftianwala.
Presently, most of the old buildings of Mohalla have decayed, deteriorated, and crumbled down or been demolished. Hardly any new construction is being done.
It is suggested that Muftis of Bhera may renovate at least one house in Muftianwala. Literary work of their elders, their family history, antiques, and pictures be displayed in a room. Once their children or grandchildren visit Bhera, they will take pride in the glorious past of their ancestors. Moreover, it will be a big attraction for the tourists visiting Bhera. May also assist the students in doing research work on the history and cultural heritage of Bhera.
A few pictures of Mohalla Hakimawala are shared.
Zahid Mumtaz
