The Punjab Archaeology Department and Shahi Qila administration have partially closed the museum after threats of theft of paintings and artifacts.

The visitors are allowed to visit only one section of the museum where Sikh- and British-era weapons, portraits and sculptures of Sikh rulers, paintings of wars between Sikhs fighters and British soldiers were put on display.

Sources told The News that the three-storey museum was partially closed a few months ago. The only open floor of the museum is called Sikh Armour Gallery where weapons used by the Sikhs and the Britishers in the 19th century wars are displayed.

The gallery also contains a huge portrait of the then Sikh ruler Raja Ranjit Singh and an effigy of his horse.

It contains daggers, swords, bows, arrows, riffles and light artillery used by Sikh warriors. It also contains portraits, sculptures and paintings depicting battles Sikhs fought with the British army at Lahore, Multan, Jalianwalla, Moodkee.

The sources told The News that the closed sections of the museum contained rare art collection once owned by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his son Maharaja Dalip Singh. Most of the rare paintings depict colourful festivals and activities of Sikh era, they added.

Punjab Archaeology Department Director-General Shahbaz Khan told The News that some sections of the museum were closed due to fear of theft and wear and tear.

He said the sections were not permanently closed but were open for VIP visitors only. He said the air-conditioners installed in the building were in working condition but sometimes they had to be switched off due to low voltage and electricity problems.