Lahore heritage restoration work advances at key historic sites

LAHORE: Efforts to conserve some of Lahore’s most prominent historic landmarks are moving forward as the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), working with the Aga Khan Cultural Service – Pakistan (AKCS-P), continues restoration projects aimed at preserving the city’s architectural legacy.

Lahore, widely regarded as Pakistan’s cultural centre, contains a large number of heritage sites dating back centuries. Among them are the Lahore Fort, Wazir Khan Mosque and the Shahi Hammam, all of which reflect the artistic and architectural legacy of the Mughal period. These sites feature decorative frescoes, carved jaalis and jharokas that have long been associated with the city’s historic character.

Years of neglect led to the gradual deterioration of many of these structures. In response, restoration work has been undertaken using traditional methods, with teams comprising fine artists, architects and craftspeople. Techniques including fresco, filigree and stucco work are being revived and preserved as part of the conservation process.

Review of progress and future planning

Recently, key stakeholders met to assess progress and discuss future strategies for heritage conservation in Lahore. The discussions covered achievements, challenges and opportunities linked to joint work at major sites including the Lahore Fort, Wazir Khan Mosque and Akbari Mandi. The meeting also examined ways to strengthen conservation practices and support sustainable development in the Walled City.

Work under way at Wazir Khan Mosque

At the Wazir Khan Mosque, restoration includes structural consolidation of domes, walls and foundations, as well as repairs to floors, lime plaster, rooftops and parapets. The work is not limited to the mosque building itself. The surrounding neighbourhood, described in the report as busy but deteriorated, has also undergone rehabilitation.

Historic houses on the southern side of Chowk Wazir Khan have been restored, while smaller monuments and facades in the area have also been conserved. Planned interventions include conservation of the northwest and southwest minarets, restoration of frescoes in the prayer chamber and redevelopment of the southern neighbourhood. The stated objective is to turn the mosque and Chowk Wazir Khan into a vibrant tourist hub and community space.

Conservation at Lahore Fort

At the Lahore Fort, projects supported by the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) have contributed to the revival of major sites including the Sheesh Mahal and the Picture Wall. Work at the Sheesh Mahal remains in progress.

Site assessments and emergency stabilisation have been completed there, while conservation materials were selected after laboratory testing. Skilled labour has also been trained in stucco techniques for restoration of the Palace of Mirrors. To reproduce the original mirror pieces, a closed industrial unit in Shikarpur, Sindh, was reopened and is now producing custom-made convex mirrors.

The Palace of Mirrors had developed structural voids and cracks in its walls and ceilings. Grouting is being used to stabilise the structure by filling gaps, strengthening the building and preventing water infiltration.

Meanwhile, conservation work at the Picture Wall, described as one of the world’s largest murals, is close to completion. The work includes tracing and reconstructing panel impressions, recreating brick patterns, and retracing and repainting frescoes across its many panels to match the original designs.

Scope for wider collaboration

The WCLA and AKCS-P have also pledged to broaden their cooperation to more projects and additional cities. Their discussions include possible joint initiatives aimed at strengthening heritage conservation efforts in other parts of Pakistan as well.