Beautiful ruins

Driven by the inherent ‘Lahori’ fervour, I recently took my family and some visitors from abroad to the Walled City of Lahore. The idea was to reminisce the nostalgic childhood days spent there besides enlightening the visitors about the glorious past of this historical city. However, contrary to the bygone decades, there was nothing to write home about. The scene was utterly disenchanting as the entire neighborhoods were strewn with raw garbage, overflowing drains, and an unbearable stench. This milieu of absolute apathy left me heartbroken.

I consider both the municipal authorities as well as the current residents responsible for this mess; the municipality for its absence and the citizens for being oblivious of their environs. I appeal to the dwellers to conserve what is left of this inimitable ‘masterpiece’. The least they can do is to help maintain it for their own sake and for the sake of our future generations. At the same time, the chief minister must pay an unannounced visit inside the walled city to see for himself the merciless ruination of our invaluable heritage by neglect of the concerned authorities. Let us all do our bit to save this great city for the sake of posterity.

Abid Hameed Chughtai

Lahore