LAHORE  –  The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) made significant progress in preservation, restoration, and sustainable use of heritage sites during the outgoing year 2025.  According to the WCLA annual report of 2025, the preservation and restoration work was guided by scientific principles, authentic research and international conservation standards. Comprehensive restoration projects were implemented at several historical buildings and urban sites. These initiatives aimed not only to protect the original character of these structures but also to adapt them to contemporary requirements for public use. Akbari Bazaar Restoration Project with the approval of the Punjab Chief Minister, WCLA initiated a comprehensive restoration project at Lahore’s historic Akbari Bazaar/Spice Market. The project aims to preserve the city’s historical commercial heritage and boost urban economic activity. Key components of the project include: Reconstruction of the Historic Akbari Gate, establishing model Spice Market for tourism promotion and linking it with Delhi Gate trail and Shahi Hamam, improvement of market infrastructure, provision of urban facilities compatible with the historical environment. The project seeks to make Akbari Bazaar an active, safe and organized commercial hub while preserving its historical identity. The total cost is Rs 1,005.39 million, with a completion target of June 2027.

Under the Mall Road underground wiring project, WCLA launched a project to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of Mall Road, Lahore, by burying overhead electricity lines from State Bank to Hall Road signal. 

This is the first such initiative in inner-city Lahore. Previous successful projects in Shahi Gazergah, Delhi Gate and Bhatti Gate areas laid the foundation for this initiative, reflecting WCLA’s commitment to modernizing urban infrastructure while preserving historical heritage. Underground wiring project will help to clear visual obstruction against the historic Facade of Mall road, Lahore.

Circular Garden and Neela Gumbad Restoration

WCLA conducted detailed surveys of over 2,000+ shops in 12 historic gates and the Neela Gumbad area, in collaboration with private firms. 

Social mobilization teams engaged traders along with the help of District Administration to inform them about international-standard plazas and facility improvements.

The project aims to restore Circular Garden, enhancing the city center while preserving historical and cultural identity. 

WCLA’s expertise ensures the heritage is restored to its original spirit. The project will boost urban beauty, tourism and local business development, presenting Lahore as a global example of heritage conservation integrated with modern development.

This project also includes provision of underground parking for the visitors, customers and shifting of shops from Circular Garden on the basis of key-to-key model in underground plazas to be constructed inside Circular Garden to clear visual pollution as well as to improve traffic on Circular road.

Shahi Qila and Badshahi Mosque: Buffer Zone Development and Tourism Initiatives

Under an agreement with Aga Khan Trust for Culture and AFD, WCLA has initiated infrastructure upgrades around Shahi Qila and Badshahi Mosque, including:

Underground relocation of overhead electricity, telephone, and cable lines,

Replacement of water, gas, and drainage pipes on exterior walls, Restoration of basements, Akbari Gate and Summer Palace Museum setup. This project is expected to complete by 2027.

Under survey of Dilapidated Buildings in Inner Lahore, WCLA initiated a comprehensive survey to identify and protect dangerous and dilapidated buildings. 

Using digital technology and ground inspections, the survey aims to preserve heritage and safeguard lives and property. A special committee monitors illegal constructions, unauthorized demolitions, and violations of approved maps.

Under Anarkali Tomb Restoration The restoration of Anarkali Tomb, an important Mughal-era monument, continued in 2025. Work include structural stabilization, traditional plaster, fresco painting and restoration of ornamental elements. Launched in July 2024 with a cost of Rs 181 million, about 70% of the work is completed. Focus will now shift to fresco painting restoration. Completion is expected by June 2026.

Shahdara Complex and Akbari Sarai Mosque, WCLA completed the restoration of Akbari Sarai Mosque and surrounding heritage elements, reviving the Shahdara Complex as an integrated historical site. The mosque, originally from the Sur Dynasty, features a grand gate built during Shah Jahan’s reign.

Fort Lahore (Ram Market Side) Underground Wiring Project

Overhead wires were systematically removed and replaced with a modern underground utility network to preserve historical aesthetics and improve urban infrastructure.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Haveli, Gujranwala

Significant progress was made on structural strengthening, restoration of roofs and floors, conservation of wooden elements and installation of electrical and security systems. Over 50% of the work is completed.

In 2025, the Walled City of Lahore Authority demonstrated remarkable performance in heritage conservation, urban development, tourism promotion and cultural engagement. 

These efforts have safeguarded Lahore’s historical identity while providing sustainable cultural, educational, and economic benefits for local communities, tourists and future generations.