Restoration breathes life into heritage sites

US consul general inaugurates cultural preservation projects at Wazir Khan Mosque

LAHORE:

Consul General Kristin Hawkins inaugurated four US-funded restored cultural heritage sites at the southern side of the Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore. These sites include the 17th-century tomb of Imam Gammu, six hujras, a central pavilion and the outheast minaret.

"These structures, dating back to the 17th century, are vital pieces of Lahore's Mughal Heritage. However, neglect and local neighbourhood development have caused significant damage over time," states the plaque dedicated to the citizens of Lahore and the inhabitants of the Walled City.

The preservation projects, branded under the US Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), were completed by the Aga Khan Foundation Cultural Services Pakistan (AKFCP) and the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), with a funding of $200,000.

Kristin Hawkins expressed hope that the restoration work at the Wazir Khan Mosque would symbolise the partnership between Pakistan and the United States, demonstrating the US's respect for Pakistan's rich cultural and religious heritage, as well as its people.

She highlighted that the Wazir Khan Mosque and Chowk area have benefited from four grants totalling approximately $1.6 million from AFCP and the US Mission Pakistan since 2002.

"During my tour today at the Wazir Khan Mosque, I had the opportunity to hear from some of the interns of the US-funded programme who have participated in the cultural preservation projects here. We are pleased to witness our cultural preservation initiatives opening up new opportunities for young Pakistanis to acquire skills that will benefit their future careers," remarked the US consul general.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2024.