The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) and Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (AKCSP) will complete the preservation of Mughal-era Arzgah by September 2024 located alongside the Picture Wall of the Lahore Fort.
“This building is set to be used as a conference hall in the future, making it ideal for government and corporate meetings. It will be equipped with the state-of-the-art furniture and facilities for the meetings and clients,” WCLA Director Conservation Najam-us-Saqib said.
“The building had been in a dilapidated condition for many years and was used as a warehouse. The Walled City of Lahore Authority with collaboration of AKTC took up the task to preserve it and highlight its historical importance. The repair and restoration work of the Arzgah began in 2023,” he added.
The WCLA Director General, Kamran Lashari, revealed that the conservation project for the Arzgah building cost approximately 2.9 million Pakistani Rupees, and involved the dismantling of the decayed kankar lime terraced flooring and installation of a new one, restoration of Ghalib Kari, consolidation of cracks, waterproofing of the roof, and reviving the washroom facilities
He stated that the repair and maintenance work is scheduled for completion by September 2024, after which the building will be opened to tourists, and the WCLA also plans to use it for literary activities such as book launches and poetry recitals, as the Arzgah holds significant historical importance among the restored structures of the Lahore Fort, and the Authority’s primary objective is to conserve and open up each corner of the fort for visitors to experience rich heritage.
It is situated next to the world’s largest picture wall and behind the Diwan-e-Khaas. Arzgah was a place where the wealthy and noble members of the royal court would gather each morning. Here, they would receive the Emperor’s instructions and directives for the day’s tasks and decisions.
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According to historical records and research by the WCLA, during the Sikh era, this building was referred to as the Arzgah. However, British travelers and observers at the time called it the Arz Begi, a term indicating an officer who would read letters and petitions to the King.
