LAHORE (Dunya News) – Several heritage restoration projects launched under the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival, are facing funding shortages and slow progress.
According to details 22 projects were initiated to restore historic areas including the Walled City, Circular Road Lahore, and Mall Road Lahore. However, documents show that only 2 out of the 22 projects have received full funding.
According to sources, projects at Neela Gumbad and Mochi Gate have been fully funded, while the remaining 20 projects are facing financial constraints and delays.
Among the slowest-moving initiatives are restoration works in Anarkali, the historic trail, and Mall Road, where funds have been released but utilization remains minimal.
The restoration of the spice market from Delhi Gate to Akbari Gate is underway at a cost of over Rs 1 billion but is progressing slowly. Similarly, the first phase of the Shahdara Complex restoration has not gained momentum despite allocated funds.
Additional works at Lahore Fort and the restoration of the old city walls have also seen limited progress despite substantial funding. The rehabilitation of Shalimar Gardens is likewise delayed.
Funds allocated for the restoration of Anarkali, Jain Mandir, Pan Gali, and Bakhshish Market remain largely unused, with only a fraction released so far, causing work to nearly halt.
Other projects, including the restoration of the Pani Wala Talab and an underground parking project near Tollinton Market, are also moving at a slow pace.
On the other hand, uplift work in the Neela Gumbad area and construction of an underground plaza are progressing relatively faster.
Meanwhile, critical infrastructure upgrades—such as underground electricity and telecom systems, sewerage, drainage, water supply, and road improvements—have either slowed down or have yet to begin despite allocated budgets.
Projects aimed at restoring historic buildings and havelis to promote tourism have also not received funding so far. Similarly, restoration work around Pak Tea House and nearby landmarks has stalled due to limited fund disbursement.
Authorities stated that restoration projects are technically complex, which can make progress appear slow. They denied any major issues in fund allocation and expressed confidence that all projects will be completed according to set targets.
Officials, including Shakil Ahmad Mian, reiterated their commitment to completing the projects within the planned timelines.