Community initiative hires painter to whitewash historic homes, install lights and greenery in city walled lane
Chaka Gali in Peshawar. Photos: Express
PESHAWAR:
In the narrow, history-filled lanes of the ancient walled city of Peshawar, an elderly painter affectionately known as Commando dips his paintbrush in fresh lime, methodically transforming the facades of decades-old houses in Chaka Gali.
Over the past month, he has single-handedly 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 town’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, widely known as Shah Jee. The group, made up of around 50 like-minded friends and supporters, pools personal contributions and generous donations from Peshawar residents to fund the project.
“We hired Commando to whitewash the houses here in Chaka Gali,” explained Muzammil while carefully supervising the work. “Once the painting is completed, we will install street lights throughout the Gali. Then we will place potted plants outside the houses to add greenery and beauty.”
The initiative has already received remarkable community support. When volunteers first discussed 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, inspiring 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 thrived with wealthy Hindu merchants before Partition. Elders recall that the lane was originally known as Mohalla Sewadas, where wealthy Hindu trading families lived. Nearby streets had names like Gali Bakhshi Ram and Gali Bhola Ram, honoring the sons of a merchant named Ram Kishan. Over time, Chakkar Gali evolved into today’s Chaka Gali, with popular tradition linking it to chakka (yogurt), although historical accounts emphasize its deeper commercial roots.
Next to Chaka Gali is Mohallah Jogan Shah, the home of the 300-year-old Bhai Biba Singh Jee Gurdwara, a silent testament to the region’s multi-faith past.
Shah Jee, inspired by a recent visit to Lahore where historic structures are being meticulously renovated to boost tourism, decided Peshawar deserved the same attention. “Old Lahore was so similar to old Peshawar in terms of architecture and spirit,” he said. “We realized that we couldn’t complain about neglect, we had to act. That’s why we started with Chaka Gali, carefully selecting buildings that will look good after restoration while respecting the oldest ones.”
The group focused on structures with strong visual potential, avoiding heritage sites that were too fragile. With whitewashing almost complete and lighting almost installed, the team plans to expand to other neglected mohallas in the walled city.
