LAHAR push gains pace as CM Maryam fast-tracks revival of old Lahore

• Punjab CM chairs special meeting, approves bridge to link Jahangir’s Tomb with main road

• Says full restoration for Lahore Fort’s 26 monuments planned, with Walled City facelift and overhead wiring to be removed

 LAHORE: A special meeting on the Lahore Heritage Areas Revival (LAHAR) project, jointly chaired by Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, reviewed progress on the restoration and revitalisation of historic and heritage sites across the provincial capital.

The meeting approved the construction of a bridge to directly link the Tomb of Jahangir with the main road, with a completion deadline set for the project. Progress on the restoration of the Tomb of Nur Jahan and the Tomb of Asif Khan was also reviewed.

Participants agreed to fully restore all sections of the Lahore Fort to their original historic condition. Spread over 40 acres, 26 monuments within the fort complex will be revived in their authentic form.

A principled decision was taken to impose a ban on all kinds of protest gatherings and rallies on Mall Road to preserve its heritage character.

The meeting considered a proposal to establish a dedicated wing within the Tourism Department for the restoration and maintenance of historic buildings. It was agreed to restore Kharaak Singh Haveli and old servant quarters for conversion into a heritage hotel to promote tourism.

The chief minister directed immediate steps to remove electricity and other overhead wiring from the entire Walled City of Lahore. Restoration projects from Tollinton Market to Lahori Gate, and from Katchery Chowk to Neela Gumbad were reviewed. Work to restore uniform historic façades from Shah Alam Market to Rang Mahal Chowk was also discussed.

A report was presented on the Nasir Bagh underground parking project, the rehabilitation of Railway Station Chowk and the revival of Misri Shah. Approval was granted for an aesthetically enhanced exterior design to restore the traditional and historic character of Pak Tea House.

The meeting also reviewed proposals for the restoration of a cricket ground and a traditional akhara at Minto Park, reaffirming the government’s resolve to blend heritage conservation with modern urban planning under the vision of a renewed old Lahore.

CM extends Holi greetings to Hindu community

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz extended warm greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and across the world on the occasion of Holi.

In her special message, she said the festival of colours symbolises the arrival of spring and carries a message of hope — a hope that heralds a better and brighter future. She added that the Punjab government was ensuring equal provision of education, healthcare, employment and other facilities to minority communities.

The chief minister said the government was striving to build a Punjab where every citizen feels secure, empowered and equal as a Pakistani, noting that arrangements were also being made to celebrate the religious and cultural festivals of minorities at the official level.

She observed that the Hindu community in Punjab is an integral part of society. The chief minister said a grant of up to Rs15,000 has been allocated for the religious festivals of minority communities, while financial assistance of Rs10,500 is being provided to deserving minority families through the Minority Card.

Reaffirming her commitment to inclusivity, she said the government would continue to promote harmony, equality and mutual respect among all communities.