The Punjab government has decided to ban protest gatherings and rallies on Lahore’s historic Mall Road, citing heritage preservation and ongoing restoration work under the Lahore Heritage Areas Revival (LAHAR) project.
According to a report by The Nation, the decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore, where officials reviewed progress on several heritage restoration initiatives across the provincial capital.
Authorities said the restriction aims to protect the historic corridor and ensure that restoration work can continue without disruptions.
Restoration Work Behind the Decision
Mall Road is considered one of Lahore’s most important heritage corridors, surrounded by historic buildings, educational institutions, and government offices.
During the meeting, officials briefed participants on plans to restore key heritage sites across the city. This includes the restoration of the Lahore Fort complex, which spans around 40 acres and contains 26 monuments scheduled for conservation work.
Officials also discussed several urban restoration measures, including:
- Removal of overhead electricity wiring across heritage areas
- Restoration work from Tollinton Market to Lahori Gate
- Facade rehabilitation from Shah Alam Market to Rang Mahal Chowk
- Rehabilitation of Railway Station Chowk and revival of the Misri Shah area
The government is also considering creating a dedicated heritage restoration wing within the tourism department to oversee long-term preservation of historic buildings.
Concerns Over Large Gatherings
Authorities told the meeting that large demonstrations and rallies on Mall Road could disrupt restoration activities and create security and logistical challenges in the heritage zone.
Mall Road has historically served as a central location for political demonstrations and civil society protests in Lahore. However, officials say frequent sit-ins often cause traffic congestion and affect daily movement across the city.
What Happens Next
The government has not yet announced alternative locations for protests or rallies. Further details regarding enforcement and implementation are expected to be clarified in the coming weeks.
For now, the move signals the government’s focus on preserving Lahore’s historic heritage corridor while major restoration projects continue across the city.
Get instant — follow PakWheels on Google News.
Comments are closed.