Lahore to restore historic college and road names under heritage revival plan

Decision taken in high-level meeting chaired by Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz: Route from Shah Alam Gate to Rang Mahal Chowk to be converted into pedestrian walkway: Everything Organic Café at Tollinton Market and a Convent Garden to be developed behind it: New museum block with Chinese, Sikh galleries to be established: Old drainage system around Walled City, Baoli Bagh, First India Bank, Evening Hall and Pak Tea House to be restored: Govt to acquire 18-kanal piece of land for expansion of Data Darbar: Affectees to be compensated at market rates

Published: 12:47 PM, 19 Mar, 2026
Topics, Education, Latest, Pakistan
Lahore to restore historic college and road names under heritage revival plan
Caption: TV grab

A principled decision has been taken to restore the original names of government colleges in Lahore, removing the “university” suffix added in recent years, as part of a broader initiative to revive the city’s historic identity.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the decision was made during a meeting of the Lahore Heritage Areas Revival (LAHR) programme chaired by Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday.

During the meeting, a detailed report on restoration projects for Lahore’s ancient and historic buildings was presented, along with a visual review of progress on ongoing schemes.

Proposals for the restoration of Mochi Gate, Akbari Gate, Yaki Gate and Masti Gate were also discussed, while a report on 36 historic Guzar (pathways) in the Walled City, named after traditional craftsmen, was reviewed.

Under the decision, government colleges will revert to their original names, removing the university designation to preserve their historical identity.

The meeting also agreed to establish an “Everything Organic Café” at Tollinton Market, while a "Convent Garden" will be developed behind the market, featuring a semi-covered area, shops and a two-storey underground parking facility for cars and motorcycles.

Participants were briefed on the New Museum Block project, which will feature world-class galleries, including sections dedicated to ancient weapons, coins, Chinese heritage and Sikh history. Interactive screens will also be installed to enhance the visitor experience.

The revival plan includes restoring eight historic routes within the Walled City, including the Bhati, Mori, Mochi, Shah Alam, Yaki, Masti and Delhi Gate areas, preserving their original grandeur.

A key decision was taken to convert the route from Shah Alam Gate to Rang Mahal Chowk into a pedestrian walkway, while electric carts will be introduced for tourists along the royal trail.

A tourist information office will also be established at Akbari Gate, and Baoli Bagh at Shah Alami Chowk will be cleared of encroachments and restored.

The meeting further agreed to restore the historic walls of the Lahore Fort to their original condition, along with the preservation of the Mariam Zamani Mosque and other heritage structures.

Under the plan, the perimeter wall from Taxali Gate to Bhati Gate will be reconstructed in the first phase, followed by the Yaki Gate to Masti Gate section in the second phase.

Participants also reviewed proposals to restore the old drainage system around the Walled City and suggested the creation of a special wing under the “Suthra Punjab” initiative for the maintenance and cleanliness of historic buildings.

It was decided to restore the historic gateway near Neela Gumbad in line with its original architectural style and to establish a café for tourists at the site. In addition, landmarks including First India Bank, Evening Hall and Pak Tea House will be restored to their historic form.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the expansion project of Data Darbar, for which 18 kanals of land will be acquired. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed that affected individuals be compensated at market rates.

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