LAHORE: A delegation from the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), led by Director General Kamran Lashari, held a meeting with Capital City Police Officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana at his office to discuss protection, security and restoration of archaeological sites in Lahore.

Director (Administration) Shahid Nadeem, Faizah Shah, Asghar Hussain and Yasser Arafat of the WCLA as well as SP City (Investigation) Raza Tanveer, SP Cantt (Operations) Ovais Shafiq and others were also present.

During the meeting, various issues related to the preservation of Lahore’s historical and cultural heritage were discussed.

Both the WCLA DG and the CCPO shared ideas on enhancing security to combat drug abuse, mobile snatching and theft in the areas surrounding the Jahangir’s Tomb, Shalimar Gardens and Lahore Fort.

Mr Lashari expressed concerns at encroachments in the walled city, unregulated high-rise buildings and unauthorised basement constructions. He mentioned that under the WCLA, 10pc of the walled area had been transformed into a state-of-the-art international model. This project encompasses a world-class water and sanitation network, as well as an underground electricity system, he said.

Mr Lashari announced that restoration work has already begun at Bhatti Gate and would progress towards Taxali Gate and Lahore Fort. Additionally, under the buffer zone plan, Taxali Gate would be integrated with Ali Park, and the road would be diverted from the second side.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2023