UNESCO has praised the completion of the conservation work on the northern section of Lahore Fort’s historic Picture Wall, calling it a milestone in heritage preservation and one of Pakistan’s most ambitious restoration projects.
The Picture Wall, renowned as one of the largest and most detailed mural walls globally, extends nearly half a kilometre along Lahore Fort. It narrates a 400-year-old story through roughly 2,000 decorated panels arranged in three tiers.
Built during the 17th century under Mughal emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, the wall depicts a variety of motifs including flora, fauna, royal processions, hunting scenes, angels, demons, birds, animals, and geometric as well as floral patterns inspired by Indo-Persian folklore.
The intricate decorations were crafted using traditional methods such as Kashikari glazed tile mosaics, fresco painting, marble and red sandstone jali work, and terracotta relief.
This conservation effort involved collaboration among several stakeholders including the Aga Khan Cultural Service-Pakistan (AKCS-P), the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), UNESCO, and international donors. Institutional support came from the Punjab government via WCLA, while funding was provided by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the German Federal Foreign Office through its embassy, and the United States Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.
The AKCS-P managed the onsite conservation and restoration throughout the project’s duration. UNESCO’s Country Representative to Pakistan, Fuad Pashayev, described the project’s completion as a powerful example of scientific conservation combined with international partnership. He emphasized that the restoration strengthened the Outstanding Universal Value of this exceptional World Heritage site and encouraged Pakistan to continue this exemplary model.
Initiated in 2015 and formally launched in 2018, the conservation was carried out in phases and concluded in April this year. Prior to restoration, the Picture Wall faced severe deterioration including structural cracks, moisture damage from poor drainage, fungal growth, surface dirt, and loss of decorative elements due to detachment.
The restoration team prioritized preserving the wall’s authenticity rather than redesigning damaged parts. The process involved removing later plaster additions, treating biological growth, consolidating tile mosaics and glazes, reintegrating frescoes, and applying compatible plaster to restore visual harmony while maintaining historical integrity. Excavations were also conducted beneath the wall to uncover the original ground level.
Before physical restoration began, experts conducted comprehensive documentation using advanced technologies such as 3D laser scanning, Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM), and high-resolution ortho-rectified photography. This marked the first heritage conservation project in Pakistan to employ such extensive scientific research and analysis prior to restoration.
The project also played a significant role in building local conservation expertise by training a new generation of Pakistani conservators, architects, engineers, artists, and craftsmen. Notably, women participated extensively as conservation architects, archaeologists, chemists, ceramists, and skilled artisans.
Traditional crafts like Kashikari tilework and Naqqashi fresco painting were revitalized through apprenticeship programs and specialized workshops, enhancing long-term conservation capacity in Lahore and beyond.
AKCS-P Chief Executive Officer Tausif Khawaja highlighted the Picture Wall’s importance as a core element of Lahore Fort’s UNESCO World Heritage status. He affirmed that the project demonstrated that world-class heritage conservation is achievable in Pakistan, with each panel undergoing careful consideration regarding what to restore and what to preserve untouched.
To mark the completion of this significant conservation project, AKCS-P and WCLA intend to hold a grand opening ceremony, inviting visitors and dignitaries from Pakistan and abroad.
