Lahore Fort's Akbari Gate Reopens After Decades, Heritage Tourism Set to Boost

The historic Akbari Gate at Lahore Fort has been restored and reopened after remaining closed since the British colonial period, marking a significant step in reconnecting the Walled City with the centuries-old fort. Authorities plan to install a ticketing booth to make the gate operational for both visitors and residents of the Walled City.

A soft launch ceremony was held to commemorate the restoration of Akbari Gate along with the Curator's House, another heritage structure within the fort complex. The Curator's House, a British-era building once used as a guard room and later for administrative and residential purposes, will be converted into an eatery for visitors.

The restoration work was carried out under the Heritage and Urban Regeneration: Tourism Development in Lahore Fort and its Buffer Zone (HURL) project, which was launched in 2022 with financial support from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). The project is being implemented by the Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority (PWCA) in partnership with the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (AKCS-P).

PWCA Director General Najmus Saqib said the restoration would improve public access to historic sites, attract tourists, and create economic opportunities for local communities. He noted that the project reflects a broader effort to preserve Punjab's architectural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism.

AKCS-P CEO Tausif Khawaja said the conservation work was designed to protect Lahore's cultural heritage while simultaneously supporting local communities and economic activity. The partnership model, he added, balances preservation goals with the practical needs of the people living around the fort.

The reopening of Akbari Gate is expected to enhance the visitor experience at one of Pakistan's most prominent UNESCO World Heritage sites. By restoring access routes and repurposing historic buildings, the project aims to strengthen Lahore's position as a leading cultural tourism destination and generate livelihood opportunities in the surrounding Walled City area.