LAHORE: The Punjab government, in a major decision, has finalised a plan to restore the “Old Memories of New Lahore” and heritage conservation steps.
A meeting on the Lahore Heritage Areas Revival project was held under the chairmanship of Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz and PMLN President Nawaz Sharif in which key decisions were taken to restore the historical identity and cultural heritage of the provincial capital.
A comprehensive review of ongoing restoration projects of heritage buildings across Lahore was conducted, including visual progress assessments.
The meeting approved the restoration of original names of roads, streets and historical government colleges that were later upgraded to universities. It was decided that the term “university” would be removed and institutions would revert to their historical names. Key decisions included the development of a Convent Garden behind the Tollinton Market, along with an Everything Organic Cafe. The garden will feature semi-covered areas, shops and a two-storey underground parking facility.
The meeting reviewed plans for a New Museum Block where world-class galleries — featuring ancient weapons, coins and Chinese and Sikh heritage —will be established, along with interactive digital screens for visitors. The session also approved converting the route from Shah Alam Gate to Rang Mahal Chowk into a pedestrian walkway. Additionally, eight historical routes within the Walled City will be restored, including areas around Bhati, Mochi, Akbari, Yaki, Masti and Delhi Gates.
A tourist information office will be established at the Akbari Gate, while restoration projects for Mochi Gate, Yaki Gate and Masti Gate were also presented. The meeting agreed to restore the walls of Lahore Fort to their original condition in phases. Emphasis was placed on maintaining uniform historical architecture on the exterior of old buildings. Encroachments at Shah Alami Chowk will be cleared to restore Baoli Bagh, while the historical structure adjacent to Neela Gumbad will be rehabilitated in line with heritage design. An underground parking facility and a themed cafe are also planned at the site.
Progress on the expansion project of Data Darbar was reviewed. It was decided that 18-kanal of land would be acquired for expansion, with directions to ensure compensation to affected individuals at market rates.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expressed gratitude over the issuance of 5G spectrum licence and congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his team.
In a statement on Thursday, she said, Pakistan is moving ahead in the fast-paced global race of digital technology. She said the launch of 5G would not only benefit students but also promote the IT sector and businesses. The Punjab Artificial Intelligence roadmap has already been introduced and that the province is moving towards establishing the world’s first AI delivery unit. The rollout of 5G will help accelerate implementation of the AI roadmap, she added.
