LAHORE: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) and Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan will complete the renovation of the Mughal-era Arzgah/complaint centre, located alongside the Picture Wall, by September 2024.

The conservation project for the Arzgah’s building will cost Rs2.9 million and includes various works such as dismantling the decayed kankar lime terraced flooring and installing a new terraced floor, restoring Ghalib Kari, consolidating cracks, waterproofing the roof, and reviving the washroom. The repair and maintenance of the warehouse are scheduled for completion in September 2024. Once the renovation is finished, the building will be opened to tourists.

WCLA Director of Conservation Najam Saqib said this building will be used as a conference hall in the future, making it ideal for government and corporate meetings. He mentioned that the building will be equipped with state-of-the-art furniture and facilities for meetings and clients.

Mr Saqib said that the building had been used as a warehouse and had been in a dilapidated condition for many years. He said the authority, in collaboration with AKTC, took up the task to preserve it and highlight its historical importance, with the repair and restoration work of the Arzgah beginning in 2023.

The building is located alongside the world’s largest Picture Wall and is close behind the Diwan-i-Khaas. This Arzgah was the place where the affluent, or nobles of the royal court, gathered in the morning to receive the Emperor’s commands for day-to-day tasks and decisions.

According to history and research by the WCLA, in the Sikh period map, this building is referred to as Arz Gah, while British travellers called it the Arz Begi, a term denoting an officer who would read letters and petitions to the King.

WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari stated that the Authority also plans to use this building for literary activities such as book launches and mushairas.

“This building holds significant importance among the restored structures of the Lahore Fort, and preserving it for future generations is a primary objective of the authority. It had been closed to the public for ages and was made a warehouse. WCLA aims to conserve each corner of the fort and open it up for tourists and visitors, so that they can have an extensive experience of the fort,” Mr Lashari added.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2024