The Shalamar Gardens and Lahore Fort are masterpieces of art and architecture dating back to the Mughal period, which was at its height during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658). The structures within the Lahore Fort include marble palaces and mosques decorated with mosaics and gilt. The elegance of the Shalamar Gardens, built near the city of Lahore on three terraces with lodges, waterfalls and ornamental ponds, is unequalled.

Unfortunately, the hydraulic system of the Gardens built around 375 years ago was destroyed in June 1999 to widen the road which borders the gardens on their South side. Around the same time, there was a real risk that Shish Mahal ceiling might collapse. In view of the damage observed and the threat facing the two sites, the World Heritage Committee decided to inscribe the Lahore World Heritage site in the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger.