Business Recorder
LAHORE: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) celebrated World Heritage Day by organising a series of activities across its major heritage sites, including Shalimar Gardens, Shahdara Complex, and the Walled City of Lahore. The Punjab government is eager to raise public awareness about the importance of safeguarding and preserving our cultural heritage, as stated by WCLA. One of the key highlights of the celebrations was a seminar held at Shalimar Gardens, centred on the theme ‘Preserving the Past for a Sustainable Future’. This seminar brought together distinguished experts and professionals who discussed the significance of heritage conservation and sustainable preservation practices. The panel included Sajida Vandal, an architect from the Trust for History, Art, and Architecture of Pakistan (THAAP); Pervaiz Vandal, architect and former Pro Vice Chancellor of IAC; MNA Shaista Pervaiz Malik; Khawaja Tausif Ahmad; Neelam Naz, a professor of architecture at UET; and Umer Farooq, an architect and professor at BNU. Additionally, a small exhibition showcasing the work of artisans from various crafts was set up at Shalimar Gardens, featuring ‘kashi Kari’ (tile work), red sandstone lattice (‘jali’) work, fresco paintings, and more. WCLA emphasised its commitment to supporting artisans and preserving traditional arts, noting that such initiatives foster public awareness to respect our heritage and support both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. In the Walled City of Lahore, WCLA organised engaging activities for children, including art competitions aimed at promoting awareness about cultural heritage. At the historic Wazir Khan Mosque courtyard (Chowk Wazir Khan), a painting competition was held for students from the College of Tourism and Hotel Management, where participants illustrated the architectural splendour of the mosque. Prizes were awarded to the top entries, with the event judged by renowned painting teacher Maqsood Ahmed. Furthermore, calligraphy and essay writing competitions were organised at the historic Shahi Hammam, encouraging students to express their appreciation for heritage through art and literature. A photo-walk was also arranged at Jahangir’s Tomb within the Shahdara Complex, attracting around 100 photographers and members of the public. This activity aimed to capture and celebrate the architectural beauty and historical significance of the site. To further engage young visitors, WCLA distributed gift hampers to children visiting various heritage sites on the occasion of World Heritage Day. On this occasion, WCLA Director General Najmussaqib emphasised that preserving cultural heritage is a shared responsibility. He highlighted the vital role of such initiatives in raising awareness among the public, especially the younger generation, about the significance of safeguarding historical assets for the future. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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