LAHORE, June 27 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad
Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that historical heritage was
an asset of the nation and its conservation was a collective
responsibility.
He said that conservation and restoration of historical
heritage in its original form promoted tourism and created
awareness in the new generation about its history. He said
the Punjab government was implementing a comprehensive
programme for the restoration and upkeep of historical
heritage and efforts of Walled City Authority in this regard
were commendable.
He was presiding over a meeting of Walled City of Lahore
Authority, which reviewed the pace of implementation of the
project of conservation and rehabilitation of historical
heritage.
The Chief Minister said that Lahore was historical and
cultural center of Pakistan and there were historical buildings
and monuments of Mughal era in the city. He said that there
were a number of historical buildings in the Walled City but
no attention was paid to their maintenance in the past due to
which they had been badly affected.
He said that Walled City of Lahore Authority was set up for conservation of historical heritage in its original form and it had played an effective role in this regard for the conservation and upkeep of the
buildings located in the Walled City.
The Chief Minister said that it was a matter of
satisfaction that under Walled City of Lahore Project,
historical buildings from Dehli Gate to Chowk Purani Kotwali
were restored while work was also started on the second phase
of the project from Chowk Kotwali to Masti Gate.
He said that besides Lahore, there were a number of historical buildings and sites in Multan, Bhera and other cities and the setting up of
the Authority of Punjab Walled Cities for handing over the
control of such historical places in other cities to Walled
City Authority should also be considered. He said that a plan
should be evolved for solid waste management in the Walled
City of Lahore. He said that it would improve sanitation system
in the Walled City and provide a better atmosphere to the
visitors.
The Chief Minister also directed to constitute a high level
committee for resolving various issues of Walled City of Lahore
and directed that short, medium and long term measures should be
proposed for this purpose. He directed Director General to
arrange cultural activities for Lahorites and visitors in the
Walled City such as folk music and Mushairas.
He also appreciated the assistance of Aga Khan Heritage
Foundation and other institutions with regard to restoration
of historical heritage.
Director General Walled City of Lahore Kamran Lashari gave
a detailed briefing on the project of restoration and conservation
of historical heritage in its original form.
Secretary Local Government, Secretary Finance, Yousaf
Salahuddin, Commissioner Lahore Division, DCO Lahore, Chairman
Chief Minister’s Taskforce on Information & Culture Muhammad
Malak, DG LDA and concerned authorities attended the meeting.
