Lal Haveli

Lal Haveli

The Lal Haveli (Urdu: لال حویلی,Lāl Havelī), is a famous Haveli (residence) as well as the political centre for the Pakistani politician Sheikh Rashid Ahmad. It is located in the central part of old Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan near Raja Bazar Rawalpindi

The Unique structure is said to have been the abode of a famous prostitute before independence of Pakistan. She had a Masjid and a Temple built within the confines of her residence, perhaps in order to placate the guilt of her clients. The women left the place for good when her brother was mudered here.

Sheikh Rasheed used to be a minor bookseller in this area at the time, his place of business being just a few meters from the front entrance. It is said that his infatuation with the grand building and its owner led him to buy the building later on in his life when he had the means to do so.