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Chief Secretary Punjab Yousaf Naseem Khokhar directed that draft law for expansion of Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) be finalized in consultation with relevant departments at the earliest.
He stated that while chairing a meeting at Civil Secretariat in Lahore on Friday.
During the meeting Kamran Lashari, the director general of WCLA, gave detailed briefing about the steps taken for preservation and restoration of historical buildings.
The Chief Secretary said that many cities in Punjab have historical importance and restoration of historical building to their original form would help promote tourism in the province.
He said initially, the WCLA would be expanded to cities of Multan and Bhera, north and south regions of the province, and for these purpose amendments would be made in Walled City of Lahore Authority Act 2012.
The Chief Secretary said that the Chief Minister Punjab had issued orders for expansion of the WCLA at province level. He also ordered the authorities to identify cities for further expansion of WCLA.
The Chief Secretary said that the government is taking concrete steps for promotion of tourism and historical and cultural heritage is a national asset and its preservation is a collective responsibility.
He asked the relevant departments to work hard for ensuring protection of sites of archeological, historical and cultural importance and seek help of international institutes and experts for this purpose.
Yousaf Naseem Khokhar said that there is a need to enhance awareness among people regarding the preservation of buildings, sites and objects of historical importance.
Source: Radio Pakistan