Punjab Official Calls for Joint Efforts to Safeguard Cultural Heritage
By Staff Reporter Muhammad ShahzadLAHORE: Secretary of Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Punjab, Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, has called for stronger collective efforts to preserve Punjab’s cultural and architectural heritage, emphasizing that collaboration across institutions and communities is vital for long-term conservation. Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Exploring Sheikhupura’s Heritage: A Tapestry of History and Architecture”…
By Staff Reporter Muhammad Shahzad
LAHORE: Secretary of Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Punjab, Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, has called for stronger collective efforts to preserve Punjab’s cultural and architectural heritage, emphasizing that collaboration across institutions and communities is vital for long-term conservation.
Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Exploring Sheikhupura’s Heritage: A Tapestry of History and Architecture” at the Lahore Museum, Dr. Bhutta outlined a three-pillar strategy focused on conservation, tourism, and collaboration, saying, “Teamwork is essential—together we can achieve more.”
Organized by the Lahore Museum History Society, the event gathered experts and officials from the archaeology, tourism, and museum sectors. Panelists included Assistant Commissioner Sheikhupura Saif-ul-Islam Khattak, Director Punjab Archaeology Muhammad Iqbal Manj, Former Director Muhammad Hassan, and Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) General Manager Farhat Hussain. The session was moderated by Rabia Basri and Zainab Sabri, Museum Educators at the Lahore Museum.
The discussion highlighted Sheikhupura’s historic landmarks, including Hiran Minar and Sheikhupura Fort, exploring their significance and ongoing preservation initiatives. Khattak lauded Dr. Bhutta’s leadership in strengthening heritage conservation, while Manj and Hassan shared updates on restoration and documentation projects. TDCP’s Farhat Hussain outlined tourism programs such as double-decker sightseeing tours connecting Lahore to key heritage sites.
Attendees, including students and researchers, praised the government’s recent conservation initiatives, noting that Sheikhupura’s heritage traces back to the Indus Valley Civilization.
The Lahore Museum, Pakistan’s oldest and largest cultural institution, continues to serve as a cornerstone for heritage preservation and education. Housing more than 60,000 artifacts, it remains a major platform for promoting cultural awareness and historical research across Pakistan and beyond.
