Imperial Zenana Mosque and Sikh-era temple restored in Pakistan
US-backed project restores Islamic and Sikh-era sites in Lahore Fort, aiming to boost heritage tourism and interfaith harmony
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — Two historic monuments within Lahore Fort — the Imperial Zenana Mosque and a Sikh-era temple — have been restored under a major cultural preservation initiative, reflecting Pakistan’s renewed focus on heritage and interfaith coexistence.
According to The News, the restoration was funded by the United States government in partnership with the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) and the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (AKCSP).
The initiative is part of a broader conservation plan encompassing seven key sites within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lahore Fort.
The project was officially inaugurated on Tuesday by US Consul General in Lahore, Kristin K. Hawkins, who praised the effort as a symbol of enduring cultural ties and community resilience.
“Preservation work strengthens communities, builds a sense of belonging, contributes to economic development, and educates future generations about the tremendous heritage that has existed here for centuries,” she said during the ceremony.
The US Mission described the project as part of a wider partnership with Pakistan, covering areas such as education, innovation, and cultural preservation. Officials emphasized that heritage conservation not only protects architectural legacy but also fosters interfaith harmony and economic opportunity through tourism and skilled craftsmanship.
Since 2001, the United States has supported 35 cultural preservation projects across Pakistan, investing nearly $8.4 million in efforts ranging from Gandhara-era archaeological sites to Mughal monuments.
A joint statement from project partners highlighted the symbolic value of restoring sites that reflect Pakistan’s pluralistic past. “These restored sites—bearing Islamic, Sikh, and colonial histories—serve as powerful reminders of the rich and diverse heritage that defines Lahore’s cultural fabric,” it said.
Officials from WCLA and AKCSP underscored the importance of historical research and community engagement in the success of the project. With the reopening of the two restored sites, authorities hope to attract both domestic and international visitors, injecting new energy into heritage tourism and contributing to the local economy.
The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the sites, where guests were briefed on the restoration process and the significance of preserving Pakistan’s multi-layered history.
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