Restoring Lahore's timeless beauty

Considered the cultural hub of Pakistan, Lahore is home to numerous heritage sites that span centuries, connecting the city's rich past with its vibrant present.

Historic structures such as the Lahore Fort, Wazir Khan Mosque, and the Shahi Hammam stand as enduring symbols of the opulence synonymous with the Mughal Empire, which left behind an enchanting legacy of intricate art and architecture.

From delicate frescoes adorning majestic buildings to finely carved lattice screens (jaalis) and elegant overhanging balconies (jharokas), these aesthetic elements conjure vivid images of romance, spirituality, and imperial grandeur.

Years of neglect, however, have caused the gradual decay of these majestic symbols. The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), in collaboration with the Aga Khan Cultural Service – Pakistan (AKCS-P), has launched restoration efforts using traditional techniques.

The mammoth task of restoring these sites—built with diverse materials and employing a range of architectural and artistic methods—is led by a versatile team of experts, including fine artists, architects, and craftspeople.

Traditional techniques such as fresco, filigree, and stucco work are not only being revived but actively preserved. Recently, key stakeholders convened to review progress and discuss strategies for the city's heritage conservation.

The discussions focused on achievements, challenges, and opportunities related to joint efforts at major sites, including the Lahore Fort, Wazir Khan Mosque, and Akbari Mandi, while exploring strategies to strengthen conservation practices and promote sustainable development in the Walled City.

Restoration work at the Wazir Khan Mosque includes structural consolidation of domes, walls, and foundations, along with repairs to floors, lime plaster, rooftops, and parapets.

Efforts extend beyond the mosque itself to the surrounding neighbourhood. The busy yet deteriorated area has been rehabilitated, with historic houses along the southern side of Chowk Wazir Khan restored and smaller monuments and facades conserved.

Planned interventions include conserving the northwest and southwest minarets, restoring frescoes in the prayer chamber, and redeveloping the southern neighbourhood. The aim is to transform the mosque and Chowk Wazir Khan into a vibrant tourist hub and community space.

Other projects, funded by the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD), at the Lahore Fort have supported the revival of treasured sites, including the Sheesh Mahal and the Picture Wall.

Work at the Sheesh Mahal is ongoing. Site assessments and emergency stabilisation have been completed, conservation materials selected after laboratory testing, and skilled labour trained in stucco techniques, applied to restore the Palace of Mirrors.

Mimicking the original mirror pieces required reopening a closed industrial unit in Sindh's Shikarpur district, which now produces custom-made convex mirrors.

The once-glimmering Palace of Mirrors had developed structural voids and cracks in its walls and ceilings. Grouting—a process in which fluid material is injected to fill gaps, strengthen structures, and prevent water infiltration—is being applied to stabilise it.

At the Picture Wall, renowned as one of the world's largest murals, conservation work is nearing completion. Efforts include tracing and reconstructing panel impressions, recreating brick patterns, and carefully retracing and repainting frescoes across its countless panels to match the original designs.

The WCLA and the AKCS-P have vowed to expand their collaboration to additional projects and cities. Their discussions include the potential for joint initiatives to enhance heritage conservation efforts across Pakistan.