LAHORE, JAN 26 /DNA/: historic monuments at Lahore Fort, the Sikh-era Hammam, the Athdara Pavilion, and the Loh Temple, were officially inaugurated following extensive conservation work funded by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). The restoration was carried out by Aga Khan Cultural Service – Pakistan (AKCS-P) in partnership with the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA).
The unveiling is part of a broader initiative, “Preservation and Promotion of Cross-Cultural Edifices of Lahore Fort,” which aims to safeguard and celebrate the Fort’s rich heritage. Previously, two other historic sites, the Sikh-era Tempe and the Imperial Zenana Mosque, were restored under the same program. Together, these projects cover seven key monuments within the Fort, reflecting its layered history of Mughal, Sikh, Hindu, and British influences.
The Loh Temple complex, near the Alamgiri Gate, includes interconnected chambers that contain ritual features indicative of Hindu practices, alongside elements associated with the Sikh Era. The Athdara Pavilion, located in the northwest precinct of the Shah Jahan Forecourt Quadrangle, was built during the Sikh period and historically functioned as a public court. The Sikh Hammam, situated at the northeast corner of the Sheesh Mahal Quadrangle, was originally constructed during Emperor Shah Jahan’s reign and later adapted as a hammam during the Sikh era.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the Shah Burj Forecourt, was presided over by Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs in Punjab, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, as the Chief Guest. Sandeep Paul, Public Affairs Officer of the U.S. Consulate in Lahore, was the guest of honour. The event brought together a diverse group of guests from academia, government, and the arts community. Opening remarks were delivered by Tausif Khawaja, CEO of AKCS-P, followed by speeches from Public Affairs Officer Sandeep Paul of the U.S. Consulate and Najamus Saqib, Director General of WCLA, highlighting the cultural significance of the Fort and the importance of its preservation.
Speaking on the occasion, Sandeep Paul highlighted the strategic partnership between the United States and Pakistan, noting heritage conservation as a key area of collaboration.
“Preserving the past is not about nostalgia; it is about investing wisely in the future. These restored monuments will attract visitors, create economic opportunities, and stand as lasting symbols of what we can accomplish together,” he remarked.
CEO AKCS-P, Tausif Khawaja, stressed the cultural and historical importance of the sites.
“The cross-cultural edifices of the Lahore Fort embody cross-cultural harmony. The Loh temple, which is being inaugurated today, is a historically important monument and a sacred one that visitors from across the border come to visit. Similarly, the Athdara Pavilion may appear to be a simple structure, but of great significance within the Sikh community as Maharaja Ranjit Singh would hold his court here. Behind this structure is the Sikh Hammam made during the Sikh period, which has exquisite and delicate oil paintings visible on its surfaces,” he said.
The conservation process was highlighted in a presentation delivered by Wajahat Ali, Director of Conservation and Design at AKCS-P, detailing the initial condition of the sites, challenges encountered, and techniques used.
Director General Walled City of Lahore Authority, Najamus Saqib, described the Lahore Fort as a representation of notable periods of history, spanning the Mughal era and the British era with strong footprints of every time-period. “We, along with our partners, are working to preserve all these footprints so that generations to come can understand the importance of each era, which is distinct in its own way.”
Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs in Punjab, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora reflected over the history of Punjab’s inclusivity, which the restored sites signified.
“This project is significant not only for the conservation of the historic structures but also for what it represents: the recognition and protection of Punjab’s pluralistic heritage. It stands as a powerful reminder that Lahore has long been a shared civilization of people of different faiths and cultures.”
The programme included ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the Loh Temple, Sikh Hammam and Athdara Pavilion, followed by site visits. The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the attending dignitaries by Luis Monréal, General Manager, Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC).
