The Walled City Authority (WCA) has initiated major conservation and cultural revival projects across South Punjab, marking a historic milestone in Pakistan’s heritage management and tourism development.
For the first time in the country’s history, comprehensive heritage preservation initiatives have been launched in both Multan and Bahawalpur to protect historic landmarks, boost tourism, and create local employment opportunities.
In Multan, the Authority is executing two major undertakings — the Haram Gate Heritage Trail and the Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh Conservation and Renovation Mega Project — aimed at restoring the city’s centuries-old urban fabric and strengthening its tourism appeal.
In Bahawalpur, conservation work is underway at the Wali Muhammad Mosque, the Jain Temple, and the historic Freed Gate, while a new Food Street is being developed to showcase the region’s cuisine, culture, and hospitality. These initiatives are designed not only to revive architectural heritage but also to position culture as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.
Assistant Director Walled City Project, Umair Ghazanfar, said the Authority is also introducing guided tours, organizing cultural events, hosting the annual “Dekh Lo Multan” festival, and arranging photo walks to encourage public engagement with local heritage. Traditional music, crafts, and performing arts are being promoted to strengthen community identity and generate livelihoods.
He noted that the initiative is inspired by successful international heritage models — such as in Egypt and neighbouring countries — where cultural assets have been transformed into engines of economic prosperity. “By preserving our past, we can build our future,” he stated, emphasizing that heritage tourism can play a defining role in Pakistan’s economy if pursued with strategic vision.
With global tourism contributing nearly 10 percent of the world’s GDP — over 10 trillion dollars — Pakistan’s rich history, from Indus Valley sites to Mughal monuments and living crafts, remains an underutilized economic resource. The WCA’s projects in Multan and Bahawalpur demonstrate how heritage can serve both as a marker of identity and a tool for inclusive growth.
By combining preservation, tourism promotion, and community participation, the Walled City Authority is setting a national example of how cultural wealth can be converted into a sustainable economic asset — ensuring that Pakistan’s past becomes a foundation for its future prosperity.
