Pakistan Reopens Lahore Fort’s Historic Akbari Gate After British-Era Closure

LAHORE: Pakistan has restored Lahore Fort’s historic Akbari Gate after it remained closed since British rule, reviving a historic entrance to the centuries-old Mughal fortress and paving the way for renewed access between the fort and Lahore’s Walled City.

The restoration of the gate and the nearby Curator’s House was marked by a soft launch and ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by officials from the Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority (PWCA), Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (AKCS-P) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

Lahore Fort has welcomed two restored historic landmarks, Akbari Gate and the Curator’s House, following a soft launch ceremony held on Wednesday.

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The initiative forms part of a broader heritage conservation project aimed at preserving Lahore’s historic landmarks, improving public access, attracting tourists and creating economic opportunities for local communities.

Heritage restoration to boost tourism and public access

The conservation work was undertaken under the Heritage and Urban Regeneration: Tourism Development in Lahore Fort and its Buffer Zone (HURL) project, launched in 2022 with support from AFD.

The initiative is being implemented by the PWCA’s Project Management Unit in collaboration with AKCS-P.

PWCA Director General Najmus Saqib said the restoration of Akbari Gate would reconnect the Walled City with Lahore Fort, improve public access to historic sites and attract more visitors.

He said the authority also planned to repurpose the Curator’s House as an eatery, providing another attraction for tourists and visitors.

Five key highlights of the restoration:

Historic entrance restored: Akbari Gate, one of Lahore Fort’s main entrances, has been conserved after remaining closed since British rule.
Walled City connection revived: The reopening will restore direct access between the Walled City and Lahore Fort, benefiting residents and visitors.
Ticketing facility planned: Authorities will install a ticketing booth to make the restored gate fully operational as an entrance for visitors.
Curator’s House to become an eatery: The British-era building, previously used as a guard room and later for administrative and residential purposes, will be converted into a visitor dining facility.
Wider heritage conservation underway: The HURL project is also supporting preservation work at other historic structures, including Akbari Mahal, Kala Burj and the British Barracks.

Curator’s house gets a new lease of life

The Curator’s House, built during the British period, originally served as a guard room to protect the fort against potential threats. It was subsequently used for administrative and residential purposes.

After Decades Behind Closed Doors, Lahore Fort’s Historic Gate Restored

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Over time, the historic structure was divided into two residential units, with additional walls and alterations introduced inside its rooms. Its conservation aims to restore its architectural character while giving the building a new public purpose.

AKCS-P Chief Executive Officer Tausif Khawaja said the conservation work reflected the organisation’s commitment to preserving historic structures as symbols of Pakistan’s cultural heritage.

He said the project combined technical expertise and community engagement to ensure that restoration efforts also benefited local residents and supported economic activity.

International collaboration for Lahore’s heritage

The soft launch ceremony was attended by AFD Project Team Manager for Urban Development Juliette Le Pannerer, Urban Development Expert Ahsan Paracha and PWCA Project Director Tanveer Sahoo.

AKCS-P representatives included CEO Tausif Khawaja, Director Conservation and Design Wajahat Ali, Head of Conservation and Planning Shukurullah Baig and Manager Conservation and Urban Design Naheed Iftikhar.

Following the inauguration, the delegation visited Akbari Mahal, Kala Burj and the British Barracks to review ongoing conservation work.

The restoration of Akbari Gate and the Curator’s House forms part of broader efforts to preserve Pakistan’s architectural legacy, revive historic public spaces and strengthen Lahore’s cultural tourism potential.