LAHORE, April 11: There is a commonality between Chacha F.E. Chaudhry and Dr Ajaz Anwar – the former preserved Old Lahore through lens and the latter with brush.

The celebrated photojournalist had also been the ‘Chacha’ to Dr Ajaz’s illustrious father -- cartoonist Anwar Ali -- as both were colleagues at The Pakistan Times.

Putting some 35 or so images of ‘disappearing Old Lahore’ in watercolours by Dr Ajaz on display was primarily aimed at paying a tribute to Chacha Chaudhry and to introduce the new generation to the heritage that is no more. The exhibition would continue till Friday (today) evening.

“Lahore survived a number of invasions but the ongoing spate of greed in the garb of trade may prove fatal to its heritage,” said Dr Ajaz at the inauguration ceremony of the display at the Lahore Press Club on Thursday.

He also called for an effective law for checking the demolition of buildings in Old Lahore.

Walled City Project Director-General Kamran Lashari formally inaugurated the exhibition and expressed interest in each image, especially of the buildings that no more exist. He was all praise for Dr Ajaz for documenting Old Lahore.

“Old Lahore is unique in its heritage. There is no such beauty but perhaps there is no such ugly place (today’s Lahore) now anywhere in the world. We take pride in its beauty and we are ashamed of its disorder and indiscipline,” said Mr Lashari.

“Lahore cannot be Gulberg, M.M. Alam Road or any other new posh locality. Lahore is and will be known for the structures within the walled city. Of the 12 walled city gates only half have survived. I have revived my romance with Lahore. I may not accomplish the task but someone will complete reconstruction of Old Lahore,” said the director general.

Mr Lashari was unhappy with the media for not playing any effective role in educating society. The focus of the media had been political matters and not social issues, he said.