The Shahi Mosque stands on the bank of the Chitral river beside Chitral Fort, its white domes and two tall minarets visible across much of the town. Built between 1919 and 1924 for Shuja ul-Mulk, the Mehtar of Chitral, it was modelled on the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore and remains the town's principal mosque, active for daily prayers and still run by a committee connected to the former ruling family.
This guide covers its history, architecture, and what to know before visiting.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | On the Chitral river bank, next to Chitral Fort |
| Built | 1919 to 1924, for Shuja ul-Mulk, Mehtar of Chitral |
| Style | Mughal, modelled on Lahore's Badshahi Mosque |
| Materials | Red sandstone and marble |
| Features | Five domes and two minarets, around 120 feet each |
| Status | Chitral's principal mosque, in active daily use |
| Visiting | Dress modestly; avoid entering during prayer times |
History and who built it
The Shahi Mosque was commissioned by Shuja ul-Mulk, who ruled Chitral as Mehtar from 1895 to 1936 and also rebuilt Chitral Fort next door after the 1911 fire. Construction began in 1919 and finished in 1924, at a reported cost of nine lakh rupees, a substantial sum for the state at the time.
To build it, Shuja ul-Mulk brought in masons experienced in Mughal architecture from Lahore, and the result was deliberately modelled on the Badshahi Mosque there, the first building of its kind attempted in Chitral. It served as the principal mosque of the state of Chitral through the rest of the Mehtars' rule and has continued in that role since Chitral's merger into Pakistan in 1969. Since the 1950s it has also housed a seminary run by the education department, and a committee connected to local notables and the former ruling family has managed its upkeep, including funding arranged in 1980 under President Zia ul-Haq that was used to buy commercial property whose rental income still supports maintenance.
The architecture
The mosque's design sets it apart from anything else in Chitral town. It has five white domes: one on each of the four sides and a larger one at the centre of the front, together with two minarets roughly 120 feet tall. It was built in red sandstone and marble, materials not otherwise seen in Chitral's older buildings, and the interior carries decorative murals and hanging lamps in a style that follows Lahore's Mughal-era mosques rather than the wood-and-stone construction typical of the valley.
The main prayer hall holds several thousand worshippers, with additional space in the mosque's garden for larger gatherings such as Eid prayers. Standing on the riverbank, framed by chinar trees and next to the fort's walls, it is one of the most photographed buildings in Chitral town, and its white domes are visible from a good part of the town and the road along the river.
Visiting the Shahi Mosque
The mosque is a working place of worship, not a museum, so visit with that in mind:
- Dress modestly, covering arms and legs, as you would at any mosque in Pakistan.
- Avoid visiting during prayer times, particularly Friday prayers, when the mosque fills with worshippers and is not a moment for sightseeing.
- Ask before taking photographs of people praying, and be discreet with photography generally inside the prayer hall.
- Remove your shoes before entering, and keep noise down.
There is no ticket or entry fee, since it functions as an active mosque rather than a heritage attraction. Twenty to thirty minutes is enough to see the exterior and, outside prayer times, step inside.
Fitting it into a visit to Chitral town
The Shahi Mosque sits directly beside Chitral Fort, so the two are naturally seen together on a walk around the town centre, along with the Chitral Museum near the polo ground and the bazaar, where the Chitrali cap and other local crafts are sold. Our guide to Chitral Fort covers the building next door, and our wider guide to places to visit in Chitral sets out how to fit a half day in the town around these sights.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Shahi Mosque in Chitral built?
Construction began in 1919 and finished in 1924, commissioned by Shuja ul-Mulk, the Mehtar of Chitral at the time.
What architectural style is the Shahi Mosque?
Mughal, modelled directly on the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, with five white domes, two tall minarets, and red sandstone and marble construction, materials brought in specifically for the project.
Can non-Muslim visitors enter the Shahi Mosque?
Non-Muslim visitors can generally view the mosque and its grounds, with the same expectations of modest dress and respectful behaviour as at any working mosque, and by avoiding prayer times.
Is there an entry fee for the Shahi Mosque?
No. It is an active mosque, not a paid attraction, so there is no ticket.
Is the Shahi Mosque near Chitral Fort?
Yes, the two stand next to each other on the bank of the Chitral river, both connected to the rule of Shuja ul-Mulk in the early twentieth century.
How long does a visit to the Shahi Mosque take?
Twenty to thirty minutes is enough for most visitors, longer if you combine it with Chitral Fort and a walk along the riverbank.
Is Chitral safe for overseas visitors?
Pakistani tourists visit Chitral throughout the season, but as of September 2026 the UK government advises against all travel on the N45 from Mardan to Chitral city, which is the main road in through Dir and the Lowari Tunnel, and within 10 miles of the Afghan border. If you hold a foreign passport, check your own government's advice before you go, because travelling against it can void your insurance. Everyone should check local news and current police advice before setting out.
