Friday 25 Lifestyle | Feature Friday, March 2, 2018 This photograph shows the historic Mughal-era Lahore Fort in the Pakistani city of Lahore. hore,” claims Ahmer Malik, head of Punjab’s tourism corporation, referring to Lahore’s architectural and cultural attractions. But not all are convinced. Kamil Khan Mumtaz, President of Lahore Conservation Society (LCS), an advocacy organization promoting preservation projects, says the efforts run the risk of transforming the old city into a “Disneyland” to attract tourists. “This was a pedestrian’s city. A pre-Industrial revolution modeled city. This should be conserved into that original state instead of remodeling buildings,” said Mumtaz, who is pushing for the use of traditional construction materials in restoration projects. The calls runs into fresh conflict with infrastructure plans aimed at easing the city’s traffic congestion as Lahore adds high-rise build- ings, malls, flyovers and amusement parks to its cityscape. Lahore was the first Pakistani city to unveil a metro bus serv- ice, and is now constructing an inaugural metro train that Mum- taz and fellow civil society groups say will diminish the architectural history. The city also faces fresh challenges as it opens up to tourism. Canadian visitor Usama Bilal complains: “There are gorgeous old colonial buildings, British era buildings but they are not well taken care of. There is no infrastructure Tourists prepare to board a colorful double decker bus before start their journey in Pakistan’s historic and cultural city of Lahore. Tourists visit historic Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. built for tourists.” — AFP Tourists watch colorful dance fountain at the greater Iqbal Park in the Pakistan’s historic and cultural Tourists visit the colorful “food street” in the Pakistan’s historic and cultural city of Lahore. city of Lahore..