Punial

[citation needed] Historically, the inhabitants of Punial were associated with the Arian belief system of Mazdaism (آتش پرست), which contributed to the area's early cultural identity.

This transition marked a pivotal moment in Punial's history, as the Ayasho dynasty, followers of the Ismaili faith, began to reshape the political and social landscape of the region.

[2][3] Raja Nasir ul Din, also known as Jan Alam, was the grandson of Isa Bahdur and the final ruler of the Katoor Dynasty in the region of Punial, where he adhered to the Sunni sect of Islam.

Throughout his reign, Jan Alam faced significant challenges, notably enduring two of the three uprisings that erupted against what many considered the oppressive governance imposed by the local populace of Punial.

However, it came at a considerable cost, as it required the ceding of several territories, including Ishkoman, Gupis, Yasin, Phander, and all of Punial except for the area of Sherqila—thus bringing these regions entirely under Ayasho control.

[7] This rebellion was driven by the desire to revoke certain privileges that had been granted in the first Dastoor ul Amal, resulting in amendments that redefined the political landscape and abolished various social categories, including Darkkhan, Raihat, and Gushpur, among others.

Their loyalty played a significant role during the uprising, which, while suppressed at the time, ultimately led to the Ayasho family gaining direct control over extensive territories, including Ghizer, Ishkoman, Yasin, Gupis, and Kuh (Phander).

The fort's proximity to the Ayesho Palace and the ancient polo ground further underscores its historical significance, providing valuable insights into the region's social, cultural, and military history.

In 1888, HRH Colonel Aqa Akbar Ali Shah of the Ayesho Family of Punial successfully laid siege to the village, forcing local ruler Raja Isa Bahadur of Katoor Dynasty to surrender on the fourth day.

In 1888, following the conquest of Sherqilla, Aqa Akbar Ali Shah of the Ayesho Family captured the fort and subsequently formed the Punial Levis, a personal bodyguard force that later evolved into the Gilgit Baltistan Scouts.

However, in the 19th century, Yasin Fort was plundered by the Ayesho Family under the rule of Aqa Ismail Ali Shah, who brought the entire fortress to the ground, leaving only one tower standing as a warning to traitors who aligned themselves with the Katoor Dynasty of Chitral.