The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (AKCS-P) to restore selected structures of Lahore’s historic spice market.
Situated near Akbari Gate in the Walled City, this market is one of the largest spice markets in Asia. Named after Mughal Emperor Akbar, the wholesale spice market is approximately 500 years old, making it one of the oldest hubs for trading hundreds of different spices.
On the occasion, WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari reiterated his commitment to preserving Lahore’s cultural heritage.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with AKCS-P. Together, we have achieved significant milestones in restoring some of Lahore’s most iconic historic sites,” he stated.
Case studies of ancient spice markets in Morocco and Turkey were presented and discussed during the meeting as references for the restoration project.
AKCS-P CEO Tausif Ahmad highlighted that the longstanding collaboration with WCLA had enabled seamless restoration efforts, involving skilled craftsmen, artists, and architects.
“The spice market is a vibrant hub in Lahore’s walled city, attracting thousands of visitors daily,” he said, adding that they aimed to restore the market’s former glory under the MoU’s guidelines, allowing tourists and residents to enjoy the historic site in all its splendor.
For nearly two decades, WCLA and AKCS-P have jointly worked on restoring Lahore’s historical landmarks, including the Lahore Fort, Shahi Hamam, and Wazir Khan Mosque.
