Community initiative hires painters to whitewash historic homes, install lights and greenery in walled city lane
Chaka Gali in Peshawar. Photos: Express
PESHAWAR:
In the narrow, storied streets of Peshawar’s old city walls, an elderly painter fondly called Commando dips his brush in fresh whitewash, methodically transforming the facades of decades-old homes in Chaka Gali.
Over the past month, he has single-handedly refreshed dozens of residential buildings in this historic mohalla, a labor of love overseen by a group of dedicated young volunteers determined to restore the city’s forgotten charm.
The young man behind the effort is Malik Muzammil, a volunteer with Mera Shehar Meri Zimadari (My City, My Responsibility), a community initiative founded by local activist Syed Mohsin Ali Shah, commonly known as Shah Jee. The group, made up of around 50 like-minded friends and supporters, collects personal contributions and generous donations from Peshawar residents to fund the project.
“We hired Commando to whitewash the houses here in Chaka Gali,” Muzammil explained as he carefully supervised the work. “Once the painting is complete, we will install street lights throughout the galley. Next, we will place potted plants outside the homes to add greenery and beauty.”
The initiative has already experienced remarkable support from the local community. When the volunteers first discussed reviving this historic alley, a local businessman donated all the paint needed. “People have been incredibly generous,” he added. “Our aim is to make Chaka Gali more attractive and attract visitors to experience the true essence of old Peshawar.”
Chaka Gali, located in the Karimpura area of the walled city, is one of the multi-storied mohallas that once thrived with rich Hindu merchants before partition. Elders recall that the track was originally known as Mohalla Sewadas, home to wealthy Hindu merchant families. Nearby streets bore names such as Gali Bakhshi Ram and Gali Bhola Ram, honoring the sons of a merchant named Ram Kishan. Over time, Chakkar Gali evolved into the present Chaka Gali, with popular lore associating it with chakka (yogurt), though historical accounts point to its deeper mercantile roots.
Next to Chaka Gali is Mohallah Jogan Shah, home to the 300-year-old Bhai Biba Singh Jee Gurdwara, a silent testament to the area’s multi-faith past.
Shah Jee, inspired by a recent visit to Lahore, where historic structures are being painstakingly renovated to boost tourism, decided that Peshawar deserved the same attention. “Old Lahore felt so similar to old Peshawar in architecture and spirit,” he said. “We realized that we couldn’t just complain about neglect, we had to act. That’s why we started with Chaka Gali, carefully selecting buildings that will look beautiful after restoration while respecting the elders.”
The group has focused on structures with a strong visual potential and avoids overly fragile cultural heritage sites. With the whitewash nearing completion and the lighting almost installed, the team plans to expand to other neglected mohallas in the walled city.
