The historic Neela Gumbad is once again visible to the thousands who pass through Anarkali and its surrounding markets each day, as the long-delayed uplift project gains new momentum. With fresh teams of labourers working around the clock, authorities have accelerated the restoration to revive the area’s original charm and enhance public access.

The revival of Neela Gumbad and other heritage sites comes under the proactive leadership of Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, whose vision for preserving Lahore’s historical identity has been widely appreciated. Her administration’s strong focus on cultural preservation and urban renewal has ensured that these centuries-old monuments are not just maintained but restored to their former glory.

Punjab’s senior minister, Maryam Aurangzeb, has called an urgent progress meeting today to push for early completion of the project. The initiative includes the restoration of Neela Gumbad along with three adjoining heritage sites: the Deori passage leading to the Gumbad, the former First Bank of India building, and FC College’s historic Ewing Hall hostel.

LDA Director General Tahir Farooq highlighted that Neela Gumbad is now fully visible after Tepa removed structures that had concealed the monument for decades. He emphasized that the Walled City of Lahore Authority, in coordination with the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival, will oversee the façade restoration. Today’s review meeting will focus on the restoration timeline, parking plaza progress, and remaining demolition works, reflecting the government’s commitment to preserving Lahore’s rich historical legacy.