Recently WCLA’s Key projects for minorities include the conservation of a Sikh-era temple (Naag Mandir) in Lahore Fort and the Loh Temple, supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). Additionally, the WCLA is restoring Haveli Kharak Singh inside Lahore fort and Haveli Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Gujranwala, along with St. Mary Magdalene Church in Lahore Cantt. These initiatives reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region and the authority’s commitment to preserving it.
Significant preservation projects of minorities have been formerly completed in previous years by the Walled City of Lahore Authority at various locations includes, the Presbyterian Church (Naulakha) on Nicholson Road, Cathedral Church on Mall Road, Sacred Heart, Cathedral Church on Lawrence Road, Catholic Church Saint Francis Asiaticus Saho Wala in Sialkot, Shivala Temple in Sialkot , Saint Mary De Virgin Cathedral Church in Multan Cantonment , and Christ Church on Jinnah Road, Rawalpindi Cantonment, Christ church Janjua Road Rawalpindi, Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Lal Kurti Rawalpindi and Christ Church ,Okara .
Najam u Saqib, Director Conservation and Planning, Walled City of Lahore Authority, said, “For the Walled City of Lahore Authority, historical monuments of minorities are as important as others because they have been a significant element of our shared cultural and historical legacies. Therefore, the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has given utmost priority to the restoration of minorities’ heritage sites. Moreover, we are also planning to create better opportunities for the tourists to explore these sites as they have been not attracted the mainstream attention. Similarly, we are taking more projects on board so that we become able to conserve every aspect of the national heritage of this country”.
Kamran Lashari, Director General, Walled City of Lahore Authority, also expressed his opinions on the restoration projects of heritage sites of minorities. He said, “Historical and cultural heritage of any nation transcends the boundaries of religions. This is why old and historical monuments of Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity are also an important part of this region’s history. Moreover, we also aim to aware the public about the national heritage extending it beyond the conventional heritage sites. We believe that the restoration of heritage sites of minorities will not only help in enhancing the scope of tourism but, it will create a soft and positive image of our country in the international diplomacy”.
Report
by : Ali Imran Chattha, Special Reporter, Lahore (International Desk)