Special Correspondent
Lahore:A closing and certificate distribution ceremony was held at the University of Southern Punjab (USP) to celebrate the successful completion of the Capacity Building Program (CBP) under the ongoing “Conservation and Adaptive Reuse of Ghanta Ghar Multan for Preservation of Cultural Heritage” project. The program aims to empower artisans and promote sustainable heritage practices in South Punjab through community engagement and skill development.Implemented by THAAP in collaboration with the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) and funded by the U.S. Mission in Pakistan, the project focuses on the conservation of the historic Ghanta Ghar building. It envisions repurposing its spaces to house an Art & Craft Museum and Archive, Library, Shops, Café, Sanjhok Hunarmand (Artisan Collective), and allied facilities. This initiative emphasizes adaptive reuse to safeguard and showcase the intangible cultural heritage of Multan’s artisan communities, while fostering stakeholder engagement to promote local traditions and advocate for artisan rights.The ceremony, co-hosted by USP and organized by THAAP, was supported by partner institutions—Multan College of Arts, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Women University Multan, and Emerson University. It brought together artisans, heritage professionals, students, and dignitaries including Consul General Kristin K. Hawkins, Member National Assembly Ms. Shaista Pervaiz Malik, and Chairman USP Board of Governors Mr. Asim Nazir Ahmad.Prof. Sajida Haider Vandal, CEO of THAAP, extended a traditional Southern Punjab welcome with salaras and opened the event by lighting diyas alongside the dignitaries—symbolizing cultural continuity and enlightenment. An exhibition featuring student work, archival materials, and visual documentation demonstrated the powerful intersection of craft preservation, education, and community engagement.The formal proceedings began with welcome remarks by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Rector of USP. Prof. Vandal’s keynote emphasized the project’s community-led approach, the importance of the Capacity Building Program, and the long-term vision for conservation and adaptive reuse of Ghanta Ghar.A major highlight of the event was the distribution of certificates to Ustads (master artisans), their assistants, and student trainees who participated in a series of hands-on Core and Specialized Workshops. These included traditional crafts such as Naqqashi (Fresco & Camel Skin), Kashi Kari, Calligraphy, Ain-e-Kari (Mirror Work), Pucca Chappa (Block Printing), and Chunri (Tie and Dye) reviving artisanal knowledge and connecting it with the physical restoration efforts at Ghanta Ghar.The CBP was integrally linked to the conservation work currently underway at Ghanta Ghar, ensuring that the skills being revived are not only preserved but also practically applied within the project’s broader restoration and adaptive reuse framework.In her address, Consul General Kristin K. Hawkins commended the dedication of the participants and the vision of the organizers, reaffirming the U.S. Mission’s commitment to supporting cultural preservation efforts in Pakistan. Prof. Pervaiz Vandal, Managing Director of THAAP, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the collective contributions of all stakeholders.To commemorate her visit and continued support, Prof. Sajida Haider Vandal and Mr. Asim Nazir Ahmad presented souvenirs and mementos to Consul General Hawkins on behalf of THAAP and USP.Following the ceremony, Consul General Hawkins visited the Ghanta Ghar site, where conservation work is actively underway under the joint stewardship of THAAP and the WCLA. Her visit underscored the strong international backing for this cultural heritage initiative and the tangible progress being made toward preserving Multan’s architectural and artisanal legacy.The event concluded with group photographs of Ustads, assistants, students, university representatives, and project partners symbolizing the unity, shared vision, and successful outcomes of this transformative heritage conservation effort.
