Bridging the gap. Walled cities: Peshawar and Lahore

Abstract

Walled cities of Peshawar and Lahore shares both architectural characters and decaying patterns. This research is based on the historical background of both cities, their architectural and spatial evolution through various ruling regimes and the nature of conservation efforts. The aim of this research is to understand the similarities and relatable developments over the period of time as both share a dramatic similarity in many disciplines. While British rulers built their own cantonment outside of the cities, Post-independence times saw massive commercialization of walled city and destruction of historical buildings. In year 2006, Lahore launched a conservation effort to restore the Royal Trail in assistance with the World Bank. The success of this project led to the enactment of Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA). In Peshawar the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government has launched a successful Heritage Trail in Walled city as a pilot project. This paper will compare the strategies and institutional frameworks present in both the cities along with the future direction for the conservation of Peshawar walled city.