New law amendment to expand Walled City of Lahore Authority’s jurisdiction

Initially, it will be expanded to Multan, Bhera, north and south regions of Punjab

LAHORE: Provincial departments concerned have been directed to finalise draft law for the expansion of Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) allowing to extend its jurisdiction to the entire province.

Initially, the WCLA would be expanded to cities of Multan and Bhera, north and south regions of the province and for this purpose, amendments would be made to the in Walled City of Lahore Authority Act 2012.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar had recently issued orders for the expansion of the WCLA at the province level. Speaking at a meeting at the Civil Secretariat on Friday, Chief Secretary Punjab Yousaf Naseem Khokhar said that many cities in Punjab have historical importance and restoration of the historic buildings to their original form would help promote tourism in the province.

He also ordered the authorities to identify cities for further expansion of the WCLA.



The chief secretary mentioned that the government was taking concrete steps for the promotion of tourism, adding that historical and cultural heritage is a national asset and its preservation is a collective responsibility.

He asked the relevant departments to work hard for ensuring the protection of sites of archaeological, historical and cultural importance and seek the help of international institutions and experts for this purpose. He said there was a need to enhance awareness among people regarding the preservation of buildings, sites and objects of historical importance.

WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari gave a detailed briefing about the steps taken for the preservation and restoration of historical buildings. The meeting was attended by administrative secretaries of different departments including local government, law, Auqaf, archaeology, tourism, representative of Agha Khan Trust for Culture and officers concerned.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2019.