LAHORE: The closing ceremony of the capacity-building programme organised under the ongoing “Conservation and Adaptive Reuse of Ghanta Ghar Multan for Preservation of Cultural Heritage” project, was held at the University of Southern Punjab (USP) on Wednesday.

The programme aims to empower artisans and promote sustainable heritage practices in South Punjab through community engagement and skill development, says a press release.

Implemented by THAAP, in collaboration with the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), and funded by the US Mission in Pakistan, the project focuses on the conservation of Multan’s historic Ghanta Ghar (clock tower) building.

It envisions repurposing its spaces to house an Art & Craft Museum and Archive, a library, shops, a café, Sanjhok Hunarmand (Artisan Collective), and allied facilities.

This initiative emphasises adaptive reuse to safeguard and showcase the intangible cultural heritage of Multan’s artisan communities, while fostering stakeholder engagement to promote local traditions and advocate for artisan rights.

The ceremony, co-hosted by USP and organised by THAAP, was supported by partner institutions—Multan College of Arts, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Women University Multan, and Emerson University.

It brought together artisans, heritage professionals, students, and dignitaries including US Consul General Kristin K Hawkins, MNA Ms Shaista Pervaiz Malik and USP Board of Governors Chairman Mr Asim Nazir Ahmad.

THAAP CEO Prof Sajida Haider Vandal extended a traditional Southern Punjab welcome and opened the event by lighting diyas (earthen lamps) alongside the dignitaries—symbolising cultural continuity and enlightenment.

An exhibition featuring student work, archival materials and visual documentation demonstrated the powerful intersection of craft preservation, education, and community engagement.

Prof Dr Muhammad Mukhtar, Rector of USP delivered the welcome address.

Prof Vandal’s keynote emphasised the project’s community-led approach, the importance of the capacity building programme and the long-term vision for conservation and adaptive reuse of Ghanta Ghar.

On the occasion, certificates were also distributed among Ustads (master artisans), their assistants, and student trainees who participated in various workshops, including on traditional crafts such as Naqqashi (fresco and camel skin), Kashi Kari, calligraphy, Ain-e-Kari (mirror work), Pucca Chappa (block printing), and Chunri (tie and dye) reviving artisanal knowledge and connecting it with the physical restoration efforts at Ghanta Ghar.

The CBP was integrally linked to the conservation work currently underway at Ghanta Ghar, ensuring that the skills being revived are not only preserved but also practically applied within the project’s broader restoration and adaptive reuse framework.

In her address, Consul General Hawkins commended the dedication of the participants and the vision of the organisers, reaffirming the US Mission’s commitment to supporting cultural preservation efforts in Pakistan.

Prof Pervaiz Vandal, Managing Director of THAAP, delivered a vote of thanks, acknowledging the collective contributions of all stakeholders.

To commemorate her visit and continued support, Prof Sajida Vandal and Mr Asim Nazir Ahmad presented souvenirs and mementos to Consul General Hawkins on behalf of THAAP and USP.

Following the ceremony, Consul General Hawkins visited the Ghanta Ghar site, where conservation work is underway under the joint stewardship of THAAP and the WCLA.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2025