A major section of the historic Khilwat Khana Subterranean Chambers, located beneath the Shah Burj forecourt and Khilwat Khana Quadrangle of Lahore Fort, has been officially inaugurated.
This unique underground maze of more than 33 interlinked rooms, passages, and stairs has long remained hidden from public view.
The inauguration marked the completion of a significant phase of conservation works, undertaken as part of the Heritage and Urban Regeneration: Tourism Development in Lahore Fort and its Buffer Zone (HURL) Project. The initiative has been led by the Aga Khan Cultural Service - Pakistan (AKCS-P) in partnership with the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and supported by the Government of Punjab.
The event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque outside the chambers. Guests were then taken on a guided tour of the restored structure, which showcased its historical significance and key conservation measures, including rerouting water drainage and stabilizing foundations.
Carefully placed lighting revealed the ancient remains, while a soundscape of flowing water and muffled voices evoked the historic ambience of the chambers.
Historical records indicate that the subterranean chambers served multiple purposes during the Mughal era, including storage, ventilation, and imprisonment. They also reinforced the foundations of the Fort, protecting it from the powerful currents of the nearby River Ravi.
After the tour, guests assembled at the Fort’s Arz Gah, where remarks were shared by the French ambassador to Pakistan, the country director of AFD, the director general of WCLA, and the CEO of AKCS-P. Before the speeches, a short film was screened, showcasing a conservation training program supported by the French Embassy. The program provided hands-on instruction in preservation techniques to recent graduates, students, and unskilled workers, giving them practical experience at both the Lahore Fort and the Wazir Khan Mosque.
French Ambassador Nicolas Galey congratulated all involved and highlighted the broader value of heritage preservation.
“We are not only happy, but also proud to be part of this effort to restore the Khilwat Khana chambers and make the monument more accessible and visitor-friendly," he stated. “Heritage conservation is an ongoing process that strengthens cultural identity, much like efforts in France and Egypt, where I previously served.”
AFD Country Director Marc-Antoine Leclercq described the project as “very special due to its long-term impact”, particularly in the context of heritage preservation, tourism, and culture.
AKCS-P’s CEO Tausif Khawaja highlighted how partnering with the WCLA has enabled more effective and expedited conservation work. “This collaboration has consistently delivered results -- strong in the past and even stronger today,” he said.
WCLA Director General Maleeha Rashid also underscored the importance of joint efforts: “When institutions and communities work together, they can preserve an impressive past. I sincerely thank the artisans, experts, and AFD, whose dedication, commitment, vision, and mission have revived this historic monument.”
The Khilwat Khana Subterranean Chambers will be opened to the public later this year, offering visitors an unprecedented underground experience of Lahore Fort’s historical legacy.
