Culture: Italy to provide Rs850m for Walled City’s rehabilitation

Italy’s Ambassador to Pakistan compared Multan to Milan; both cities contained historical architectural monuments.

MULTAN:

Italy’s Ambassador to Pakistan Mr Vincenzo Prati on Thursday compared Multan to Milan and said that both cities contained historical architectural monuments.

He was speaking at a ceremony to mark the signing of an agreement between Italy and Multan Beautification Committee under which the former would provide financial support worth Rs850 million for the Walled City Rehabilitation Project.

The project to be completed in two phases would cover the region between Pak Gate and Haram Gate.

The Italian ambassador said his country was interested in a long-term partnership with the city.

He said the democratic government in Italy and the prime minister were deeply interested in the project and wanted to continue support for rehabilitation of Multan’s cultural heritage.

Beautification Committee Chairman Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani said work on the first phase would cost Rs170.973 million and that on the second phase Rs679.027 million.

The brief of the project consists of five components: a livelihood improvement programme, a living conditions improvement programme, a revitalisation of physical assets, establishment of Pakistan -Italian Resource Centre, Italian collaboration for training and capacity building and project implementation and management support.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2011.