Historical heritage is an asset of a nation : Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore : Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that historical heritage is an asset of a nation and its conservation and maintenance is a collective responsibility. He said that conservation and restoration of historical heritage in its original form promotes tourism and creates awareness in the new generation about its history. He said that Punjab government is implementing a comprehensive programme for the restoration and upkeep of historical heritage and efforts of Walled City Authority in this regard are 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 is historical and cultural center of Pakistan and there are historical buildings and monuments of Mughal era in the city. He said that there are a number of historical buildings in the Walled City but no attention was paid to their maintenance in the past due to which they have 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 has 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 restoration of cultural heritage promotes tourism as well as cultural activities.

Shahbaz Sharif said that it is a matter of satisfaction that under Walled City of Lahore Project, historical buildings from Dehli Gate to Chowk Purani Kotwali have been restored while work has also been started on the second phase of the project from Chowk Kotwali to Masti Gate. He said that besides Lahore, there are 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 will 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 said that it will not only provide recreational facilities to the citizens but also create awareness about folk heritage.

The Chief Minister appreciated Director General Kamran Lashari and his team for commendable progress on Walled City of Lahore project and said that the services of Walled City Authority are laudable with regard to conservation of historical heritage. 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. He said that the project has promoted tourism and a large number of local and foreign tourists including ambassadors of different countries have visited these sites and appreciated the measures taken for restoration of cultural heritage.

He also apprised the Chief Minister of various cultural activities in the Walled City. 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.