LAHORE: In a bid to conserve historical buildings, assets and national heritage, the government has decided to restore Bhati Gate (Lahore) and Qila Kuhna Qasim Bagh (Multan),

“The plan has been finalised for the restoration of Lahore Bhati Gate and Multan Qila Kuhna Qasim Bagh. The work would be started soon on the project,” Local Government & Community Development Department Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch said while presiding over a meeting held here on Thursday.

The officers concerned on the occasion briefed the secretary and other participants about the salient features of Qila Kuhna Qasim Bagh and Bhati Gate conservation project.

The participants unanimously decided to establish a coordination board for the administrative affairs of Qila Kuhna Qasim Bagh, appointing the Multan deputy commissioner as focal person in this regard.

“A sum of Rs500 million has been allocated out of which Rs350m have been released for the current financial year,” Mr Baloch added.

He further said after upgrade of Qila Kuhna in consultation with the architects of the Walled City of Lahore Authority, the facilities related to parking, tuck shops, public toilets and others would be provided.

“Qila Kuhna and the surrounding historical buildings are the hallmark of this region. Historical buildings are our valuable assets and the Punjab government is using all resources to protect them,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2022