Punjab Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan on Thursday directed the Walled City Lahore Authority (WCLA) to take steps to further promote night tourism in and around the walled city of Lahore and preservation of national heritage. He issued these directions while chairing a meeting here on Thursday. The Punjab Local Bodies Secretary, the Commissioner Lahore Division, the Deputy Commissioner Lahore and the WCLA Director General were present along with other high ranking officers.
He added that such heritage projects will be initiated in other cities of Punjab, like Multan, Bhera, Kasur and Chakwal. He said that there is still a scope for promotion of tourism in and around the walled city, and for this purpose awareness should be created among masses so that they can put their share in the national service. "International companies should be invited to contribute towards promotion of better entertainment," he added.
The Minister further directed the Authority to take further steps for removal of all kind of encroachments in the walled city and ensure that all government land is evacuated. "In the light of the court's directions there should be no relaxation to anybody in this regard and strict compliance should be ensured," he added. He also directed that cleanliness work around the walled city should also be completed on priority basis and garbage dumping site in front of Data Darbar should be removed and it should be converted to a park.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner briefed the Minister about the ongoing encroachment drive. WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari told the meeting that with the collaboration of UNESCO and other international institutions a number of steps have been taken for the rehabilitation of Shahi Qila and other buildings of inside the walled city. "By the end of March 2019, three major projects will be ready to be inaugurated, which will promote tourism.