United States Ambassador Anne W. Patterson stressed the need for guarding the treasures of the past during her visit to Lahore Fort's Alamgiri gate on Thursday.
Punjab Archaeology department Director General Shahbaz Khan gave a briefing on the historical significance of Alamgiri gate to the senior American diplomat. She was accompanied by Principal Officer US Consulate Bryan D Hunt and other officials.
The American Ambassador remarked that since its construction in 1674, the Alamgiri gate of the Fort has projected an image of power and grandeur. "The cultural significance of the Fort is unmistakable".
She said a 31,834 dollars grant under the US Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation would help restore the facade of the Alamgiri gate, using architectural techniques and materials similar to the original.
The American diplomat hoped that through such cultural projects there could be better understanding between the two countries. "The US assistance reflects the value that the people of the United States have in common with the people of Pakistan in preserving Pakistan's cultural heritage".