Kamran Lashari Resigns as WCLA Director General
The transfer of historical sites back to the Archaeology Department and Lashari's resignation mark a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the WCLA's management of heritage sites. The LHC's decision to suspend government notifications and order action against WCLA officials has been seen as a major setback for the authority, which had been facing criticism for its handling of historical sites.
Kamran Lashari, Director General of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), has resigned from his position, citing personal reasons, after being reprimanded by a Lahore High Court (LHC) judge for holding private functions at historical monuments and protected sites.
The resignation comes after the LHC ordered action against Lashari and other officials for violating court orders by allowing private events at heritage sites, including the Lahore Fort. The WCLA had been facing pressure from traders and politicians over a project to restore the Old Wall and Circular Garden by demolishing hundreds of shops. The Punjab government had approved a Rs1.88 billion development scheme for the project, which was met with resistance from traders who formed a Mutahida Action Committee to protest the plan.
The LHC had suspended government notifications transferring the control of heritage sites to the WCLA and ordered the archaeology department to take over administrative control of the sites. The resignation of Lashari and the transfer of control of the sites to the archaeology department have been presented to the LHC, which has adjourned the hearing till next week. The Lahore Fort and other historical sites have been transferred back to the Punjab Archaeology Department from the WCLA.
The decision follows an earlier court order suspending the notifications transferring the sites to WCLA after it was revealed that private events had been held at the heritage sites in violation of court orders. The Archaeology Department was instructed to assume control of the sites, and action was initiated against WCLA officials. Lashari's resignation letter expressed his desire to project Pakistan's culture and show a positive image of the country, but was unable to continue due to personal reasons.