THE historical metropolis of Lahore is dotted with a galaxy of world-renowned heritage sites. In our younger days, we witnessed hordes of overseas tourists, scholars and luminaries, gravitating to this unique hub of culture and civilisation attracted byits spectacularsights,sounds, smells, culinary delights and, above all, the hospitality, warmth and cerebral stimulation that the city offered.
In those days,an aura ofpeace, quiet dignity and awesome ambience captivated thelocalandinternationalvisitors alike.
This magical spell of the city was further enhanced by its exquisite upkeep and immaculate maintenance by those entrusted with the task.
Sadly, the images of Lahore’s heritage sites, still deeply etched in my memory, were agonisingly shattered during a recent visit to the Greater Iqbal Parl( Complex.
My ordeal started from the very outset at the parking lot where, despite a prominently displayed legitimate parking fee,the duty staffinsisted on being paid more. Similarly, the horse-driven carriages and golf carts were available at unrealistically exorbitant fares per ride. No organised arrangement had been put in place to regulate and monitor all these activities.
On the pathway from the parking area to the entrances of the Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque, there was a plethora of unruly, small-time vendors, selling a litany of wares, ranging from food snacks (visibly unhygienic and unpalatable) to antiquated souvenirs and the like. Besides being an obstruction for the pedestrians, they presented a chaotic picture of utter disarray and mismanagement. One literally felt like passing through a remote countryside fair. It would be better if these vendors could be accommodated in custom-built 1(iosl(s, or, at least, be provided with standardised carts, the 1(ind given to roadside sellers by the Punjab government.
There was yet another unsavoury shocl( in store atthe entrance to the Badshahi Mosque. The shoe-handlers deployed there were seen fleecing the visitors withimpunity by charging a prohibitive amount for the service. Inside the mosque itself, the grand courtyard presented a desolate lool(, with dust and litter everywhere.
Thelaxstandard ofcleanliness,general maintenance and routine upkeep of the premises spoke volumes about the negligent and indifferent attitude of those assigned with this vital task. The once pristine central pond now lies empty, cordoned off by a hideous razor wire. The majestic sandstone floor of the courtyard has chipped off at many places, needing urgent repairs.
The relevant authorities should take immediate steps to restore the glory of our landmark heritage sites. These are not only the pride of Lahore, but also a source of immense charm for the visiting local and foreign tourists. Let us do everything we can to ensure that a visit to these places is a cherished, hassle-free and enjoyable experience for one and all.
Abid Hameed Chughtai Lahore