US envoy inaugurates restored mosque and temple at Lahore Fort

LAHORE: US Consul General in Lahore, Ms. Kristin K. Hawkins, on Tuesday inaugurated the restored Imperial Zenana Mosque and the Sikh-era temple at the historic Lahore Fort, marking another milestone in the enduring cultural partnership between the United States and Pakistan.

The restoration of the two heritage sites was funded by the US government in collaboration with the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) and the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (AKCSP).

These structures are part of a broader conservation effort encompassing seven major sites within the Lahore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Hawkins emphasized that heritage conservation extends far beyond preserving physical structures. “Through this US-Pakistan partnership, the preservation project has gone well beyond stones and mortar,” she said. “Preservation work strengthens communities, builds a sense of belonging, contributes to economic development, and educates future generations about the tremendous heritage that has existed here for centuries.”

The US Mission termed the project a reflection of wider bilateral cooperation that includes trade, innovation, education, and cultural preservation. Officials noted that such initiatives not only foster interfaith harmony and community resilience but also generate economic opportunities through tourism and skilled heritage conservation.

Since 2001, the United States has invested approximately $8.4 million in 35 cultural preservation projects across Pakistan, ranging from Gandhara archaeological sites to Mughal-era monuments—underscoring what the US Mission calls its “enduring commitment” to Pakistan’s cultural legacy. A joint statement from project partners highlighted the symbolic importance of conserving sites that represent the region’s pluralistic past.

“These restored sites—bearing Islamic, Sikh, and colonial histories—serve as powerful reminders of the rich and diverse heritage that defines Lahore’s cultural fabric,” it read. Officials from WCLA and AKCSP praised the initiative, stressing that extensive research and community involvement were crucial to the project’s success. The newly restored monuments are now expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, giving a fresh boost to heritage tourism and local economic activity in the Walled City.

The event concluded with a guided tour of the restored structures, where guests were briefed on the conservation process, the historical significance of the sites, and the challenges encountered during restoration.

This initiative comes amid a growing global recognition of cultural preservation as a tool for soft diplomacy, sustainable development, and international collaboration. Observers note that such projects are vital in fostering mutual understanding and lasting partnerships.