Historic Shahi Fort conservation receives international attention

Portuguese ambassador visits site, lauds architectural beauty

LAHORE:

The Aga Khan Cultural Service has announced its commitment to complete the conservation and restoration of significant sections of the historic Shahi Fort within the next five years.

This endeavour includes the establishment of a new museum within the Shahi Fort premises.

Restoration work in a buffer zone is also set to commence shortly, while 75 per cent of the world's largest picture wall has already been restored.

The ongoing conservation efforts also focus on the Summer Palace.

The Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, Fredrico Silva, visited the fort on Friday. He explored various sections of the fort, including the picture wall, Royal Kitchen, Summer Palace, Akbari Gate, Sheesh Mahal and Nolakha Pavilion.

Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan Chief Executive Khawaja Tauseef Ahmed, Conservation Director Wajahat Ali Khan, Archaeologist Makhdoom Rashid and other experts gave a comprehensive briefing on the conservation and restoration initiatives.

The Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, Fredrico Silva, visited the Shahi Fort. PHOTO: EXPRESS

The conservation and planning director emphasised the longstanding collaboration between the Aga Khan Cultural Service and the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) since 2007. He highlighted that the restoration of the passage from Delhi Gate was completed in the initial phase. Since 2015, the focus has shifted to the preservation of the fort.

Notably, the restoration and embellishment of the Royal Kitchen have been accomplished, while significant progress has been made on the restoration of the world's largest picture wall, with 75% of the work completed. The restoration work on the Summer Palace and Sheesh Mahal is underway.

Wajahat Ali Khan also expressed optimism about collaborating with the Portuguese government to restore other world heritage sites in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2023.