Written by: Saram Maqbool
Posted on: November 22, 2024 | 
The congested Banni chowk, Rawalpindi
Ask people if they'd like to own a house or rent an apartment in the historic city centers of Rawalpindi, Lahore, or other major cities of Pakistan and most of them will say no. Contrary to that, such an opportunity would be welcomed with open arms in most European countries. This stark contrast in reactions is very understandable, albeit highly unfortunate, and stems from just how badly we've treated our historic cities in favor of all that is shiny and new.
Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy
Instead of focusing on developing and uplifting and consequently, giving more value to Pakistan’s historic city centers, we have left them to a kind of ruin and neglect, that is hard to reverse at this point in time. Just take a walk past Rawalpindi’s Banni Chowk, you are not likely to be able to take a car there in any case, and you are likely to be greeted with hordes of ugly billboards adorning the once majestic havelis that line the narrow streets. Most of these, instead of being conserved and adapted to new uses, have been turned into warehouses for the shops underneath, while others are simply left to the mercy of time. Why would anyone then want to spend their hard-earned money to actually live in such desolate, traffic-ridden and noisy areas that are frowned upon due to their low social standing.
Anarkali Bazaar in Lahore
One of the primary reasons for the underutilization of historic squares in Pakistan is the absence of strategic urban planning that emphasizes the preservation and revitalization of public spaces. European cities, particularly those with historical heritage, integrate urban planning that includes maintaining and revitalizing their city centers. For instance, city squares like Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy, and the Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium, are designed with the purpose of creating social hubs. These squares are pedestrian-friendly, surrounded by cafes, shops, and attractions that encourage daily engagement with the space. In Pakistan, however, historic squares suffer from insufficient planning and a lack of cohesive vision for these areas. Instead of prioritizing accessibility and making these spaces pedestrian-friendly, urban planning often disregards the historical value of these squares, focusing more on developing infrastructure for vehicles, roads, and commercial interests. This focus has led to a disjointed urban landscape where historic squares no longer serve as accessible or attractive public gathering spaces.
Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium
In many Pakistani cities, commercial interests frequently take precedence over the preservation of historic city squares. Urban land is often viewed in terms of its potential for high-revenue activities rather than as cultural or communal assets. As a result, historic squares are frequently surrounded by new commercial developments that encroach upon their space, and disrupt their accessibility. Additionally, many squares have been converted into parking areas or commercial zones, leaving little room for public gatherings or cultural events. European nations, in contrast, protect their historic squares with strict zoning laws that prevent over-commercialization, and focus on preserving the cultural integrity of the space. For example, the preservation of the historic squares in Prague and Paris limits commercial development in these areas, ensuring that they remain open for social, cultural and recreational activities. This regulation allows the squares to retain their original charm while encouraging both locals and tourists to use and appreciate the space.
A 1934 Haveli falling into ruin in Rawalpindi
European historic city squares are spaces where the public feels a sense of ownership and pride, largely due to regular events, festivals, and community-driven activities. These cities invest in making their squares lively with open-air markets, art exhibits, performances, and seasonal events. This emphasis on community engagement transforms the squares into active cultural hubs, fostering a strong connection between residents and their urban landscape. They are often key tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world. This tourism brings revenue that supports the maintenance and promotion of these spaces. Cities like Rome, Venice and Paris invest heavily in the tourism infrastructure surrounding their squares, recognizing the economic potential that these historic sites hold. Tourist-friendly amenities, guides, information centers, and signage ensure that visitors have a rich, engaging experience, encouraging them to linger and explore.
Amsterdam's City Center
Now, when you read all that and think about just how terribly our policymakers treat our historic centers, it's very easy to understand why the public doesn't take any pride or interest in these areas, except when they need to buy something cheap from local thrift stores or hawkers. It is sad to see just how much we've let our architectural heritage suffer over the years to a point where our city centers have been reduced to nothing but loud and hard-to-navigate spaces where nothing of much consequence takes place.
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