The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has been held completely responsible for the wedding ceremony that took place at the Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila) on Jan 8.
A report was submitted to Punjab Chief Secretary Azam Suleman Khan regarding the matter. Assistant Commissioner Tabrez Malik also visited the place. The report stated that the WCLA was responsible for the event as they showed negligence on it.
Report further stated that the senior officials of the WCLA batted an eye on the ceremony as they were aware of it. The Royal Kitchen was apparently given to a private group for the function, and allowing a private group to conduct business activities was also legally invalid.
The commissioner’s report recommended action against the concerned authorities. It read that WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari briefed the media in an ill way. It added that WCLA chairman and others were responsible for taking actions against the law.
On Jan 8, the Shahi Qila (Lahore Fort) was turned into a wedding hall for a walima ceremony as the ancient historic and international heritage site was installed with sound systems and chandeliers. Three and a half hundred people attended the dinner party on Wednesday night. The Royal Kitchen was installed with powerful sound systems, fancy canopies and other decorative materials.
It is to be noted that the Lahore Fort is included in the international heritage list. According to its rules, no ceremony can be held at the Shahi Qila. The building of the Shahi Qila is in danger of getting severly damaged owing to the ceremony whereas the heap of garbage was witnessed the next morning at the recognized place.
Sources told that the WCLA along with Lahore Fort’s administration gave permission for the event in exchange for a millions of rupees bribe and political pressure.
Walled City DG said that no wedding took place in the Sheesh Mahal but the Royal Kitchen. “There was a Mehndi ceremony that happened but the security officer and other concerned officers were suspended while taking action against them,” he added.
