The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has announced the near completion of the restoration project for the renowned Badshahi Mosque, one of the most significant historical landmarks in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province and Pakistan’s second-largest city after Karachi.
The project, estimated at around 350 million Pakistani Rupees, aims to preserve the mosque’s unique architectural heritage. Badshahi Mosque, currently the second-largest mosque in Pakistan and the fifth-largest in the world, was constructed in the late 17th century, specifically between May 1671 and April 1673, involving a workforce of 1,000 laborers.
The mosque features a prayer hall that can accommodate over 5,000 worshippers, along with a vast courtyard capable of holding approximately 95,000 people. Over the years, the mosque faced structural degradation and neglect in maintenance, prompting the WCLA to initiate the restoration project in 2022 under the auspices of the Auqaf Department.
The initial phases of the project involved detailed documentation and structural assessments. So far, 75% of the roof repairs have been completed, while the mosque’s domes, minarets, and façade have been illuminated, creating a stunning nighttime appearance.
Special attention has been given to preserving the mosque’s iconic red sandstone flooring, an integral part of its architectural legacy, and rebuilding its deteriorated washroom facilities.
The project is expected to be fully completed by June.
