What a pleasure it is to be here at Akbari Mahal Khudukhana, which has been newly restored as a library, based on the numerous hundreds and thousands of documents that were discovered locked up in terrible shape. Unfortunately, the archaeology department spent over a century on this. I’ve spent the last few hours looking at the kind of documentation that has been organized and classified.” It’s truly remarkable that the authorities here in Lahore have taken the lead and initiative to uncover, classify, protect, and make these archives publicly accessible. As we walked through the corridors, we saw numerous documents concerning ancient civilizations, contemporary Pakistan and India, and the colonial period, which dominates a significant portion of the documentation. This is an invaluable resource waiting to be explored. I envision dozens, perhaps hundreds, of scholars piecing together information to unveil new ideas and deepen our understanding of history and heritage.What’s equally commendable is how this initiative engages the public, particularly students and younger generations, by providing open access to these historical treasures. Public spaces should indeed be unrestricted and open to all.Of course, there’s still much work to be done, including further classification, subclassification, and digitization. By leveraging newer technologies, these documents can be preserved and made accessible not only to Pakistanis but also to people in South Asia and around the world, including Europe and the US.” The civilizations we explore here are part of our shared global heritage, whether it’s in this valley, Gandhara, or other regions. The wealth of information and the range of books, particularly from the colonial era, is truly remarkable. Seeing documents that I had only read about or referenced before, and being able to physically open them and appreciate their pages, was a delightful experience. I’d like to extend my appreciation to the historian, Talla Shafiq, who’s leading this project with such passion. It’s heartening to see young people who aren’t just doing their job but are genuinely invested in preserving history, recognizing its importance to our present and lives.Kudos to the Lahore city conservation authorities, the staff, and particularly Tanu Tania, who’s now at the helm of this project, and Kamran Nasani, who’s worked tirelessly over the years to build this institution from scratch, navigating the complexities of bureaucracy. Thank you to Bhadi for showing me around. I’m looking forward to coming back, and I hope everyone gets a chance to visit this place at least once.”
