Preserving history: No construction in Walled City without WCLA’s approval: LHC

Petitioner had challenged construction of a plaza.

LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday issued a verdict prohibiting the construction and demolition of all buildings in the Walled City without the prior permission of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA).

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah was hearing a petition filed by Asif Ali Mirza, a resident of Kashmiri Bazaar.

Mirza had challenged the construction of a plaza next to his house, saying that this would damage an old imambargah standing next to his house. He said digging for the plaza basement had caused cracks in the wall of the imambargah.

The court also directed the capital city police officer (CCPO) to take notice of any ongoing construction activity in the Walled City. He was asked to coordinate with the WCLA for the purpose.

WCLA legal adviser Khurram Chughtai told the court that permission for the plaza construction was obtained through the town municipal authority. He said the Lahore Development Authority also bore responsibility for approving construction maps.

WCLA Communication Director Tania Qureshi told The Express Tribune the court’s decision would make it easier for the authority to protect heritage sites.

She said the verdict applied to both commercial and residential properties. It would help the WCLA remove encroachments that had taken set up over the years.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2015.