Community initiative hires painter to whitewash historic houses, install lights and greenery on walled city street
Chaka Gali in Peshawar. Photos: Express
PESHAWAR:
In the history-steeped narrow alleys of the ancient walled city of Peshawar, an elderly painter affectionately called Commando dips his brush in fresh lime, methodically transforming the facades of decades-old houses into Chaka Gali.
Over the past month, he alone has renovated 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 this initiative 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, widely known as Shah Jee. The group, made up of around 50 like-minded friends and well-wishers, gathers 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 completed, we will install street lights throughout the gali. Next, we will place potted plants outside the houses to add greenery and beauty.”
The initiative has already had notable community support. When volunteers first talked about revitalizing 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, attracting visitors to experience the true essence of old Peshawar.”
Chaka Gali, nestled in the Karimpura area of the walled city, is one of the many historic mohallas that once prospered with wealthy Hindu merchants before partition. Elders remember that the street was originally known as Mohalla Sewadas, home to prosperous Hindu merchant families. Nearby streets bore names like Gali Bakhshi Ram and Gali Bhola Ram, after the sons of a merchant named Ram Kishan. Over time, Chakkar Gali evolved into today’s Chaka Gali, and popular tradition links it to chakka (yogurt), although historical accounts point to its deeper mercantile roots.
Adjacent to Chaka Gali is Mohallah Jogan Shah, home of the 300-year-old Bhai Biba Singh Jee Gurdwara, a silent testament to the area’s multi-religious past.
Shah Jee, inspired by a recent visit to Lahore, where historic structures are being meticulously renovated to boost tourism, decided that Peshawar deserved the same attention. “Old Lahore was very similar to old Peshawar in architecture and spirit,” he said. “We realized that we couldn’t just complain about neglect, but had to act. That’s why we started with Chaka Gali, carefully selecting the buildings that would look beautiful after restoration, while respecting the oldest ones.”
The group has focused on structures with strong visual potential, avoiding overly fragile heritage sites. With whitewashing nearing completion and lighting almost installed, the team plans to expand to other abandoned mohallas in the walled city.
