LAHORE (Staff Rporter): Punjab Minister for Industries Shiekh Allaudin has said that the government is serious in preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage and architects can play an important role in helping the state to fulfil this aim. While addressing the participants of IAPE-2017 seminar organised by Institute of Architects Pakistan, the minister praised the services and work of many leading architects present on the occasion. IAP (Punjab) Chairman Sajjad Kauser appealed fellow architects to throw light on the importance of preservation of historical monuments of the country in light of ongoing Orange Train project. The speakers pointed out that the architects have no problem with modern development and broadening of roads that benefit the common man. They said similar projects have been taken up around the world around centuries old structures. They said care is taken that modern development does not damage the cultural heritage of the country.

They hoped that such precautions are being taken in Pakistan while executing development work near protected heritage sites.

Architects deplored that though the law mandates that there should be a qualified architect in every TMO office but even Lahore Development Authority is functioning without an architect. They said the blames for faulty town planning and approval of flawed construction designs could not be passed on to the architects when they have no say in planning and approval.

The speakers also pointed out that there is acute shortage of housing in Pakistan and most of the existing residences are built without providing for proper ventilation and sanitation because the designs were approved by draftsmen that are not qualified for this. The claimed that liveable low cost houses could be designed by the architects if the government desires so.

IAP General Secretary Yousuf Ghauri pointed out that Lahore is very dynamic city rich with culture and vibrant architecture revealing stories from all times. As the city of Lahore moves towards mega-city scale and culture, there is a need to focus, record and preserve its heritage sites and same is true for other cities in the country.

He said Pakistani architects are making efforts to revive Bhama Stupa that is a ruined national heritage site near Haripur. Bhamala monastry is unique and different in terms of form. Dating back to 4th century it is shaped like a pyramid. The three-day exhibition showcased quality building materials from renowned companies and attracted large crowd.

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