Pakistan's premier world heritage site built by Mughals in 1560s, Lahore Fort, is in a shambles as the Punjab Archaeology Department is yet to start a major conservation plan.

As per different sources, the fort is 1,400 feet long and 1,115 feet wide and in 1981, it was inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site along with the Shalamar Gardens. Different kinds of pollution especially industrial and vehicle emissions are the major threats being faced by the fort.

Hundreds of people local and foreigners daily visit this grandeur of Mughal era and witness different stages of neglect on the part of the authorities. Fort's main attractions are Sheesh Mahal, (Palace of Mirrors), Diwan-i-Aam (Court for the Commons), lawns, old wells, Hathi Paer (Steps for Elephants), Mughal and Sikh museums, Khalwat Khana, Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Special Audience), Naulakha Pavilion, Daulat Khana-i-Jehangir, Khawabgah (a dream place or sleeping area), Shahi Hamam (bath), Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) and Alamgiri Gate.

Constructed in a typical Mughal architectural style, the outer walls, which were once decorated with blue kashi tiles of Persian origin have become 'dens' of drug addicts and vendors as many have displayed their products on them.

Jahangir's Quadrangle inside fort, Dewan-i-Aam, Daulat Khana, Khark Sing Hawali, Akbari Mahal, Dewan-i-Khas, Khawabgah Shahjahan, Kala Burj, Lal Burj, basement of Fort, Haveli Mai Jindan, Ladies mosque inside Fort, Alamgiri gate, Loh Mander, Moti Masjid Makatib Khana, Musamman Darwaza, North East Burj and Suit Jahangir's Quadrangle, Royal bath, Paien Bagh Area, Shish Mahal Surrounding, Arz Gha, Wooden Bridge, Western Suit, Floor of Akbari Gate, Second Storey of Sheesh Mahal, PIATR Area, Old Wells and Picture Wall are in a very bad condition and need immediate conservation.

Contemporary to the Agra Fort in India, Lahore Fort is also facing a big problem of encroachments around it. According to the original map of 1846 and wooden model of 1925 lying at Albert Victoria Museum London, there was a boundary wall around this monument which included Circular Road, areas of historical Badshahi Mosque, Marhi Ranjeet Singh, Lady Willington hospital, Ali Park, Rim Market and Tibi City area. This boundary wall does not exist now and its recovery or new built is also a difficult task.

Director General Punjab Archaeology Department Oriya Maqbool Jan said that the monument would wear a new look very soon as a new master plan of Rs 300 million had been made for its preservation. "The amount would be spent in eight years for the preservation of various places and giving a new green look to the lawns of fort," he said.

He said that conservation work on the historical Sheesh Mahal was under way. To question about the deteriorated paintings and flower work on the walls, he said as per international rules, the walls could not be repainted. "We can only conserve them in the state they are," Oriya said.

Various basements in the forts were restored, but were not open for public due to security reasons, he said adding that only 12 security guards were present to guard the monument. He urged the media to raise awareness in the public about the historical monuments.