LAHORE (The Thursday Times) — Lahore Fort’s Akbari Gate, closed during British rule, has been restored, and a ticket office is planned so that it can serve as a full entrance for visitors and give Walled City residents easier access to the fort.
A soft launch was held on Wednesday for the gate and the Curator’s House, a British-era building that first housed the fort’s guards, was later used for administration and until recently had been divided into two homes. It will become an eatery.
Najmus Saqib, Director General of the Walled City of Lahore Authority, said the work was meant to improve access to historic sites, draw more visitors and create economic opportunities. He said reopening the gate would reconnect the Walled City with the fort.
The work is part of a project launched in 2022 with support from the French Development Agency and carried out with Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan. The gate dates from the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar and is commonly dated to 1566. Work continues at Akbari Mahal, Kala Burj and the British barracks.
No date was given for the ticket office, so it is not yet clear when the public will be able to walk through.
