Provision of maximum facilities to tourists ordered

LAHORE: Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique directed the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) DG to provide maximum facilities to domestic and foreign tourists.

He issued this direction during his visit to the WCLA here on Thursday. WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari briefed the minister about the affairs of authority. The provincial minister said that protecting the historical heritage of old city is very important and to introduce this valuable cultural heritage to rest of the world, famous vloggers should be invited to visit the historical places of the walled city. He said that currently work is underway on four packages for the restoration of the historical heritage of Lahore under the Walled City Authority.

He said that Punjab chief minister has directed the Walled City Authority to be more active. He said that encroachments should be removed from inside the walled city and near the historic gates and special care should be taken that the archeology is not damaged. The minister appreciated the authority for doing the cleaning work and removing unnecessary poles and wires in the inner city. He expressed his satisfaction that the major project of restoration of Lahore Fort has been completed with the help of French organisation AFD. “Renovation of the historical Huzuri Bagh is also being ensured”, said the minister.

Lashari said that shops around Wazir Khan Mosque have been given an alternative location. He said that the work done for the restoration of old city Lahore is considered as international model. “Restoration of ancient buildings is being done in phases and the work of protecting the ancient heritage of Lahore city is being appreciated at the international level,” said Lashari.