LAHORE: Details sought under the Transparency and Right to Information Act have raised questions about the performance of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), an institution that claims to promote tourism across the country.
According to official information obtained through the law, the authority has acknowledged in writing that it does not employ any historians or archaeologists.The information was requested regarding the recruitment of historians and archaeology experts, their qualifications, benefits, and research work. In its written response, the authority stated that it has no such professionals on its staff, adding that it is functioning as a repair and restoration body.
The disclosure has prompted concerns over several of the authority’s projects, including heritage-related initiatives such as events at historical sites and the tourist guide system.Citizens have questioned how restoration and conservation work on heritage sites is being carried out in the absence of qualified historians or archaeology experts. Questions have also been raised about ongoing and planned projects, including work related to historical gates and the rehabilitation of city walls.
