LAHORE — In a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government has officially greenlit a comprehensive restoration plan to return the historic city of Lahore to its original glory. The initiative, titled "New Era's Old Lahore," focuses on the preservation of 26 key monuments within the Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila) and the surrounding Walled City, marking one of the most significant cultural heritage investments in recent years.
Massive Restoration of the Lahore Fort
The centerpiece of the project is the total restoration of the 40-acre Shahi Qila. Under the newly approved plan, 26 historic monuments within the fort will be meticulously returned to their ancient state. To ensure the long-term sustainability of these sites, the government has proposed the creation of a specialized "Heritage Wing" within the Tourism Department to oversee professional maintenance and conservation.
Urban Revitalization and Infrastructure Changes
Beyond the fort, the Punjab administration is implementing strict measures to preserve the aesthetic and functional integrity of the city's historic core. Key highlights of the urban plan include:
Mall Road Protest Ban: A principled decision has been made to ban all protests and rallies on Mall Road to protect the heritage site from congestion and damage.
Walled City Infrastructure: The Chief Minister ordered the immediate removal of messy electrical wires and cables throughout the Walled City to restore clear views of historic architecture.
Direct Access to Tomb of Jahangir: Approval was granted for a new bridge connecting the Tomb of Jahangir directly to the main road for better tourist accessibility.
Preserving Cultural Landmarks
The restoration efforts extend to iconic landmarks like Pak Tea House, which will receive a new "Dilkash" exterior design to honor its historic status. Additionally, the Kharak Singh Haveli and old servant quarters will be repurposed into high-end hotels, blending heritage preservation with modern tourism needs. These steps are expected to significantly boost international tourism and provide a cleaner, more organized environment for residents.
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