Lahore: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) is set to launch an extensive anti-encroachment operation to restore the beauty of the Mariam Zamani Masjid, Lahore’s oldest Mughal-era masjid.
WCLA officials claim the masjid is encroached upon by Rim Market and is currently surrounded by heaps of iron rims. Past efforts to rescue the monument proved futile for multiple reasons, including the lack of political will, stated a news source.
According to WCLA Director Najam us Saqib, the masjid is not even properly visible to citizens today. Rim Market, which was established there because of the Lorry Adda, must be moved somewhere else, he said.
Saqib confirmed that the cleanup operation would begin soon and the rehabilitation of the masjid, including repair work on its fresco façade, would also be undertaken.
Local residents told a news source they would gladly welcome any such anti-encroachment drive.
Mariam Zamani Masjid was constructed by Mughal Emperor Jahangir in honour of his mother Mariam Zamani, popularly known as Jodha Akbar, the wife of Emperor Akbar.
