Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has said that provincial government was spending a substantial amount to take care of historical places and cultural heritage of Lahore. Addressing a function at Lahore Fort on Tuesday.
The CM said the provincial government in collaboration with World Bank had evolved a plan to restore cultural grandeur of the city. He disclosed that government would be spending Rs 25 billion on this endeavour. He added that restoration of old places and areas of cultural importance would enhance tourism. Dilating on history of the city fort, he said that in the period of Mahmood of Ghazna, Governor of Lahore Nawab Ayaz laid foundation of this historic place. He said Lahore Fort was a heritage of all mankind.
The Chief Minister further speaking on efforts for Lahore Fort said Unesco was helping in restoration of Shish Mahal to original grace. In order to restore old buildings of the city a technical committee would be formed, he said, adding that they were grateful of Norwegian government for its assistance towards revival effort of the Fort. He said concrete efforts were taking place to renovate mausoleums of Sufi saints here.
Provincial Minister of Culture Shaukat Ali Bhatti, Secretary Information Taimur Azmat Usman, Principal Officer US Consulate Brian Hunt, Director General Archaeology Oria Maqbool were present on the occasion.