Muhammad Saleem

The Punjab government has planned to restore Lahore’s famous Gawalmandi Food Street to attract more tourists, support local shop owners, and create new business opportunities in the provincial metropolis.

Aurangzeb Butt, who has been running a Baqarkhani shop in Gawalmandi for many years, expressed his happiness over the government’s decision to revive the food street. However, he said that such steps would benefit shopkeepers only when the government also resolves other related issues.

He said that he regularly received gas bills, but there was no gas supply, forcing him to rely on cylinders. “The anti-encroachment operation launched by the administration has also badly affected our businesses.”

He pointed out that the food street attracted people’s attention in the past, but now, due to record inflation, high electricity bills, lack of gas, and broken roads, people do not find it suitable to visit the place.

Aurangzeb appealed to the government to take comprehensive steps for the revival of the food street. He stressed that gas and electricity supply should be ensured, utility rates be reduced, and prices of essential food items be brought down to revive the food street in true sense to attract customers and boost local economy.

Katab Hussain, a food enthusiast, told Wealth Pakistan that the revival of Gawalmandi Food Street could be a gift for both tourists and denizens as it would surely boost Lahore’s economy and tourism. However, he said that a mechanism must be put in place to ensure it is managed properly, with adequate support for shopkeepers.

The revitalized food street is set to draw crowds—especially families—seeking safe, inviting spaces to gather and enjoy, he added. He said that attention must be given to cleanliness and safety so that tourists can enjoy themselves comfortably. He said that Gawalmandi Food Street is a historical place, reflecting the old civilisations, surrounded by buildings constructed about a century ago.

“The revival of the food street will boost the businesses of locals who have set up various shops in front of their homes, and this initiative will be a matter of survival for them. Scores of families depend on these small shops,” he explained.

“If the government executes the plan properly, the food street will help improve the local economy,” he said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk