LAHORE: On Sunday, several historical monuments at Lahore Fort — including the Sikh-era Hammam, the Athdara Pavilion, and the Loh Temple — were officially inaugurated after the completion of extensive conservation work funded by the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).
The restoration was implemented by the Aga Khan Cultural Service–Pakistan (AKCS-P) in close partnership with the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), marking another major milestone in heritage preservation efforts at the Fort.
The unveiling formed part of a broader initiative titled “Preservation and Promotion of Cross-Cultural Edifices of Lahore Fort,” which seeks to safeguard, restore, and celebrate the Fort’s diverse and layered heritage. Earlier, two other important historic sites — the Sikh-era Temple and the Imperial Zenana Mosque — were also restored under the same programme. Collectively, these conservation projects now cover seven significant monuments within the Fort, reflecting its rich architectural and cultural legacy shaped by Mughal, Sikh, Hindu, and British influences over centuries.
The Loh Temple complex, located near the iconic Alamgiri Gate, comprises a series of interconnected chambers containing ritual features associated with Hindu religious practices, alongside architectural elements linked to the Sikh era. The Athdara Pavilion, situated in the northwest precinct of the Shah Jahan Forecourt Quadrangle, was constructed during the Sikh period and historically served as a public court. Meanwhile, the Sikh Hammam, positioned at the northeast corner of the Sheesh Mahal Quadrangle, was originally built during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan and was later adapted into a hammam during Sikh rule.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Shah Burj Forecourt and was presided over by Punjab Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora. Sandeep Paul, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Lahore, was the guest of honour. The event brought together a diverse gathering of participants from academia, government institutions, and the arts community. Opening remarks were delivered by Tausif Khawaja, CEO of AKCS-P, followed by addresses from Sandeep Paul and Najamus Saqib, Director General of WCLA, who highlighted the Fort’s cultural importance and the need for its continued preservation.
Sandeep Paul underscored the strategic partnership between the United States and Pakistan, identifying heritage conservation as an important area of collaboration. “Preserving the past is not about nostalgia; it is about investing wisely in the future. These restored monuments will attract visitors, create economic opportunities, and stand as lasting symbols of what we can accomplish together,” he remarked.
AKCS-P CEO Tausif Khawaja emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the restored sites. “The cross-cultural edifices of the Lahore Fort embody harmony among civilizations. The Loh Temple being inaugurated today is not only historically significant but also a sacred site visited by people from across the border. Similarly, the Athdara Pavilion may appear to be a simple structure, yet it holds great importance within the Sikh community, as Maharaja Ranjit Singh held his court here. Behind it stands the Sikh Hammam from the Sikh period, featuring exquisite and delicate oil paintings still visible on its surfaces,” he said.
The conservation process was explained in detail through a presentation by Wajahat Ali, Director of Conservation and Design at AKCS-P, who outlined the initial condition of the monuments, the challenges faced during restoration, and the specialized techniques employed to preserve their authenticity.
WCLA Director General Najamus Saqib described Lahore Fort as a living representation of multiple historical periods, spanning from the Mughal era to the British period, with strong imprints of every time frame. “Together with our partners, we are committed to preserving all these historical footprints so that future generations can understand the importance of each distinct era,” he said.
Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora reflected on Punjab’s long-standing tradition of inclusivity, which the restored monuments symbolize. “This project is significant not only for conserving historic structures but also for what it represents — the recognition and protection of Punjab’s pluralistic heritage. It is a powerful reminder that Lahore has long been a shared civilization of people belonging to different faiths and cultures,” he stated.
The programme included ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the Loh Temple, the Sikh Hammam, and the Athdara Pavilion, followed by guided site visits. The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the attending dignitaries by Luis Monréal, General Manager of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC).
