Hazrat Ali Hajwiri, beloved Data Sahib of this ancient soil,

I write to you from the heart of Lahore, a city associated with your name for centuries. In the presence of your shrine (which itself is undergoing mega-expansion), this city has developed into a center of power, trade, devotion, art and empire. As Lahore expands into a complex urban landscape, its historic buildings confront a critical decision: to honour their rich past or face an uncertain future. These structures are not merely distant relics; they represent a living heritage that demands appreciation and attention.

Recently, Dr Kanwal Khalid presented her book, Between Light and Memory: The Glass Plate Negatives of Lahore, highlighting this profound architectural legacy. She revealed forgotten corners of the city, the domes, minarets and gateways of the past, as captured employing early photographic techniques. These visual records demonstrate that beneath centuries of dust lies an exceptional repository of craftsmanship and narrative.

The foundations of Lahore as a fully developed........

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