To save the dilapidating heritage and culture of the Walled City of Lahore, the World Bank along with the Government of Punjab launched the project ‘Sustainable Development of Walled City Lahore Project in 2006. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) was brought on board in 2007 for its execution and technical assistance. The legal framework for an authority was part of this project and the legislation formed the Walled City of Lahore Authority Act. This Act was approved by the provincial cabinet in 2012 and resulted in the formation of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA).
The WCLA was established in order to preserve, conserve and administer the Walled City and to restore its historical and cultural identity. The objectives of WCLA are to preserve heritage buildings, conduct business and commercial activities to enhance the lives of the residents and to promote tourism for the Walled City, both locally and internationally.
Headed by Kamran Lashari as the Director General, he has done wonderful conservation & restoration works. He brought in Aga Khan Trust for Culture for the conservation, restoration and documentation of the Walled City of Lahore. Illumination of the conserved Royal Trail ( Delhi Gate – Chowk Kotwali), development of Royal Kitchen inside Lahore Fort and development of Master conservation plan for the Walled City of Lahore are eminent projects. The WCLA Team consists of departments overseeing Administration, Conservation, Planning & Building Control, Land Record Property Transfer, Engineering & Infrastructure, Marketing & Tourism and the Social Mobilization Wing.
