LAHORE: The proposed construction of a floating restaurant on the canal has been challenged before the Lahore High Court.

Renowned architect Dr Ajaz Anwar along with others filed a petition through their counsel, Azhar Siddique, raising objections to the floating restaurant project.

The petitioners pointed out that the project to build a floating restaurant on the canal near Jallo Park has been initiated, which is not legally valid.

Relying on the Lahore Canal Heritage Park Act, 2013 and the Parks and Horticulture Authority Act, 2012, the petitioners said the city canal and its greenbelts from Jallo Park to Thokar Niaz Beg have been declared a “heritage park,” with a prohibition-first regime that bars construction, infrastructure development, land-breaking and any cutting or damaging of trees.

They argued that the project violates the law and is also in conflict with environmental laws.

The petitioners further stated that due to the movement of heavy machinery, recreational activities for children have been brought to an end.

They sought formation of a joint team to review the proposal and asked the court to declare the project contrary to the law.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2026