Bureau Report
Lahore: Punjab Auqaf Secretary Dr. Ehsan Bhutta visited the Alamgiri Badshahi Mosque and inspected the Quran Gallery, where rare historic manuscripts are receiving specialized cleaning and preservation for the first time in eight years. Experts from the Directorate General of Archaeology Punjab and Lahore Museum are removing dust and treating silverfish damage on the silk pages.
The collection comprises 30 Paras, handwritten by master calligraphers with gold and silver embellishment. Work on it began in 1966, and it has been displayed at the mosque since 1976.
Dr. Bhutta stressed that international museum conservation standards must be followed. He directed that display showcases be upgraded with better lighting, controlled temperature and humidity, and dust protection, and be redesigned to enhance the visitor experience.
He also reviewed conservation work by the Walled City of Lahore Authority, urging faster progress and lasting fixes for roof leakage and dome maintenance. He ordered timely completion of painting and renovation in the Quran Gallery and adjoining block, and visited the new Sacred Relics Gallery.
Dr. Bhutta said the department is also setting up Quran Mahals across Punjab for respectful handling of worn-out Quranic pages.
