Fort Abbas

The region of Fort Abbas is associated with the ancient Ghaggar Hakra river system, which is believed by many scholars to represent a former river course linked to early urban settlements in South Asia [1]. Archaeological investigations in the Cholistan Desert have recorded hundreds of ancient settlement sites along the dry riverbed [1]. Surveys conducted by early researchers and later archaeologists documented continuous human occupation dating back to the fourth millennium BCE [1]. The earliest cultural material discovered in the region is known as Hakra Ware [1]. Before the modern name Fort Abbas was adopted, the settlement was known as Pholra [1]. It functioned as a fortified outpost along caravan trade routes connecting Multan with regions of present day Rajasthan and northern India [1]. The settlement played an important role in protecting trade routes across the Cholistan Desert [1].