Lahore, January 3, 2025 — The Punjab government has announced a major initiative to renovate 75-year-old school buildings in Lahore as part of its commitment to preserving historical heritage and improving educational infrastructure. The School Education Department (SED) has directed all education authorities to submit detailed data, including at least five photographs of these historical institutions, within three days.
Among the schools identified for renovation are Victoria Girls High School, Inside Bhati Gate; Government St. Francis Boys High School, New Anarkali; and Government Central Model School, Lower Mall. These schools, which have been serving the community for decades, are not only educational landmarks but also cultural treasures of Lahore.
According to SED officials, the decision to restore these institutions is driven by the need to address their dilapidated conditions, which have significantly impacted enrollment rates. Once restored, these schools will also be opened to the public, creating an opportunity to showcase Lahore's educational legacy while encouraging more students to enroll in government schools.
Educationist Muhammad Amin Saqib praised the initiative, emphasizing that Lahore's schools have historically played a pivotal role in shaping professionals in fields such as IT, medicine, and engineering. “This move will preserve the historical significance of these institutions while fostering education in a city with a literacy rate of 64%,” Saqib stated.
Conservation Efforts Extend to St. Mary Magdalene Church
In a parallel effort to preserve Lahore’s rich cultural and religious heritage, the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has begun conservation work on the Gothic-designed St. Mary Magdalene Church, located on Abid Majeed Road. Funded by the Punjab government through the Human Rights and Minority Affairs Department, the project includes both interior and exterior renovations.
The interior renovations focus on structural consolidation, woodwork, and altar area improvements, while the exterior phase includes restoring verandahs, towers, roofs, and façade treatments. Electrical and drainage systems will also be upgraded to make the church more functional for worship and visitors. The project’s interior phase is expected to be completed by June 2025, with the exterior phase slated for December 2025.
Pastor Akram Gill expressed his gratitude for the government’s efforts and shared that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is expected to attend the opening ceremony of the restored church. “This project reflects the government’s dedication to preserving both historical and religious sites for future generations,” Gill said.
A Broader Mission of Heritage Preservation
The WCLA has also successfully completed the restoration of the St. Francis Assisi Church in Sialkot, employing techniques such as sandblasting, chemical treatments, and woodwork restoration. These efforts align with the authority’s objectives to conserve Lahore’s tangible and intangible heritage, enhance the quality of life for residents, and promote tourism by highlighting the unique aspects of the city’s historic landmarks.
These initiatives underscore the Punjab government’s dual commitment to education and cultural preservation, fostering a future that respects and celebrates Lahore’s rich history while paving the way for progress and inclusivity.
