Lahore Fort

Lahore, with its glorious past, has historically played the role of one of the most vibrant and colorful cities of South Asia. Today Lahore maintains its identity as the cultural capital of Pakistan. The Walled City of Lahore is the living cultural hub nucleus of Pakistan with Asia’s largest markets, World Heritage Sites, Landmark Monuments, Traditional Bazaars, Enticing Food and Cuisines, Havelis and Museums. Amidst the narrow winding streets and the koochas of the Walled City there is a great hustle and bustle of life. It’s the City that never sleeps. To save the dilapidating heritage and culture of the walled city of Lahore, the World Bank with the Government of Punjab launched a project “Sustainable Development of Walled City Lahore Project” in 2006 and Agha Khan Trust for Culture was brought on board in 2007 for its execution and technical assistance.

The legal framework for an authority was a part of the project and the legislation was formed as Walled City of Lahore Authority Act. This ACT was approved by the provincial cabinet and was published in the gazette on 18th April 2012. Thus, the Walled City of Lahore Authority, an autonomous body, was established in 2012 by the Government of Punjab, to work for the preservation, conservation and administration of the old city.

Objective of WCLA:

Establish a comprehensive legal framework and specialized institutions for conserving the heritage (tangible and intangible) of the Walled City of Lahore. Enhance the quality of life for residents by streamlining business activities and commercial operations. Promote tourism and highlight the unique aspects of the Walled City of Lahore.

Lahore Fort

Lahore Fort has been inscribed on the World Heritage List of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1981 of UNESCO. Inscription on the World Heritage List, first confirms the outstanding universal values of cultural heritage site, which deserves protection for the benefit of mankind.

According to available historical sources, the origin of Lahore Fort is obscure. Traditionally the foundation of Lahore and its Fort is attributed to “LOH” son of Rama Chandra of the epic age (200-80 BC). However, during the archaeological excavation conducted in the year 1959, the remains of pre-muslim period as well as a gold coin of Mehmood of Ghazna, dated (A.H.416-1025 AD) were unearthed. These excavations confirm that habitation here existed long before the advent of Muslims in Lahore. Further reference to the Fort is traceable in connection with Shahab ud Din Ghori’s successive invasion of Lahore from 1186 A.D. It was destroyed by Mangols in 1241 A.D., and was rebuilt by Bulban in 1267 A.D. Later on again destroyed by Amir Timur’s army in 1398 A.D., and reconstructed in mud by Sultan Mubarik Shah Syed in 1421 A.D. In 1432 A.D., Sheikh Ali of Kabul carried out repairs of the Fort Mughal Emperor Akbar rebuilt the Fort in burnt brick masonry in about 1566 A.D., on its earlier foundation and extended its area towards the river Ravi, which then was flowing along its fortification on the north.

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