Experts are being hired from India for the preservation of highly precious paintings of renowned artist Saadqain in Lahore Museum's Saadqain Gallery under a project to cost Rs 40 millions. Punjab Minister for Culture and Youth Affairs Dr Tanvir-ul-Islam stated this while presiding over the monthly review meeting of development projects of culture and youth affairs departments.
According to a hand out on Wednesday, the minister directed the officers to take all the necessary steps for timely completion of ongoing projects so that the cost might not escalate. Deputy Secretary Planning IC&YA department Shakil Ahmed, Deputy Secretary Budget Misbah-u-Sharif, Executive Director Punjab Council of the Arts (PUCAR) Ghulam Mustafa, ED Lahore Arts Council Abid Baloch, DG PILAC Dr Liaqat Niazi, officers of Archeology Department and Lahore Museum attended the meeting.
The meeting reviewed the pace of work of the construction of Gujranwala, Multan, D G Khan, Sargodha and Murree Arts Councils, and Information and Cultural Complex Rawalpindi. Similarly, 10 schemes of Archaeology Department were also discussed and the meeting was informed that the necessary funds have been released for these schemes. The ongoing work on restoration and conservation of Shalimar Gardens, Lahore Fort, Kalar Kahar and ancient Katas Raj temples and historic wall of Shujaabad also came under discussion in the meeting.