The plan to build a floating restaurant on the Lahore canal has been challenged in the Lahore High Court.
Famous architect Dr Ajaz Anwar, along with others, filed a petition through lawyer Azhar Siddique. They objected to the floating restaurant project near Jallo Park, saying it is illegal.
The petitioners said the canal and its green areas from Jallo Park to Thokar Niaz Beg are declared a heritage park under the law. These laws do not allow any construction, development work, land digging, or cutting of trees in the area.
They argued that the project breaks heritage and environmental laws. They also said that heavy machinery has damaged the area and stopped children from using it for recreation.
The petitioners asked the court to form a joint committee to review the project and to declare the floating restaurant plan illegal.
Lahore’s first floating restaurant construction officially begins
A major development on Lahore’s first floating restaurant has taken shape as construction work officially begins along the iconic Lahore Canal, bringing fresh excitement for residents and tourists alike.
City authorities confirmed that the project has taken deep steps into its execution phase and is expected to be completed by June of the current financial year. Once finished, the floating restaurant will introduce a completely new dining and leisure experience in Lahore.
Canal upgrades underway to support the project
To support Lahore’s first floating restaurant, authorities have launched significant infrastructure upgrades along the canal and started construction. The canal’s depth showed a massive increase from seven feet to thirteen feet, while its width is going to expanded to thirty feet. So, this is ensuring the smooth and safe operation of the floating structure.
The development work is under process and HRD, with NESPAK appointed as the project consultant to work on it. Moreover, the Irrigation Department is also showing strong involvement to oversee technical and water management aspects. This is all done to ensure the project aligns with safety and environmental standards.
Three-storey floating restaurant to boost Lahore tourism
Officials from the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) revealed that the plan includes a three-storey, state-of-the-art floating restaurant designed to become a landmark recreational attraction along the Lahore Canal.
The floating restaurant will accommodate around eighty diners at a time and offer a premium dining environment combined with scenic canal views. The project aims to blend modern hospitality with urban tourism, creating a unique destination for families, visitors, and food lovers.
Read more: Punjab approves Pakistan’s first floating restaurant in Lahore Canal
PHA highlights the economic and visual impact of the floating restaurant
PHA Managing Director Raja Mansoor Ahmed kept on saying that the floating restaurant will significantly
- Enhance Lahore’s visual appeal
- Strengthen the tourism profile of Lahore
Raja emphasized that such projects is the clear manifestation of the government’s vision to promote
- Sustainable recreation
- Modern urban development
The estimated cost of Lahore’s first floating restaurant stands at approximately Rs4.9 billion. This is the clear indication of the scale and ambition of the project. Officials keep on believing that the initiative will also generate economic activity by
- attracting visitors
- creating jobs
- encouraging further development along the canal
Lahore’s urban landscape set for a new dining experience
AS the construction of a floating restaurant in Lahore is in process. Experts are of the view that Lahore’s first floating restaurant is poised to become a symbol of innovation in the city’s recreational infrastructure. Once completed, it is expected to redefine leisure dining and add a distinctive attraction to Lahore’s evolving urban landscape.