Tollinton Market Lahore: A Historic Marketplace Reborn into Asia’s Largest Chicken Hub

Lahore, a city defined by its history, culture, and heritage, boasts a vibrant marketplace with a fascinating past: Tollinton Market. What began as a grand building near the Lahore Museum in 1864, constructed for the first Punjab Exhibition to showcase agricultural, industrial, and artistic achievements, later transformed into a hub of commerce.

In the 1920s, Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram gave the building a new identity, converting it into a formal market selling meat, fish, vegetables, spices, and other daily necessities, alongside restaurants and bakeries. For decades, Tollinton Market in Anarkali remained a central point for Lahore’s residents.

However, due to changing needs, the market was relocated in 1992 to Jail Road, becoming Tollinton Market Shadman. Shopkeepers were provided new ownership rights with financing from Punjab Bank, though this transition brought challenges, leading many to abandon their businesses as the new location struggled to attract customers.

A significant turning point came after 2010. Customer footfall increased, closed shops reopened, and the chicken business grew rapidly, transforming the market into Asia’s largest chicken hub, selling 400,000 to 500,000 kilograms (4 to 5 lakh kg) of broiler chicken daily.

Despite this growth, the market faced decline due to poor infrastructure – clogged sewerage and dilapidated roads resulted in inadequate cleanliness and an unhygienic environment, which deterred domestic customers and confined business primarily to wholesale.

Recognizing its importance, in early 2025, upon the request of the Tollinton Market Traders Welfare Association, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, decided to undertake a major renovation. Immediate orders were issued to the DG LDA to begin beautification. The rehabilitation work included laying new floors, enhancing lighting, improving drainage, and creating a clean and welcoming environment.

The market’s transformation has been widely praised. It now offers high-quality chicken, mutton, fish, and frozen products, along with a pleasant atmosphere that even attracts children with a variety of love birds. Shopkeepers are satisfied, and customers can now enjoy shopping in a greatly improved setting. This renovation marks a rare instance where government funds were allocated to enhance a private property.

Prominent figures such as the Chief Minister of Punjab, the DG LDA, and the DC Lahore are all credited with driving this remarkable transformation. Most notably, it was the visionary leadership of Maryam Nawaz Sahiba that made this revitalization possible. Beyond government efforts, the shopkeepers themselves played a crucial role by investing in tiling, ceiling, and marble work within their own shops. This not only complemented the official renovation but also enhanced the overall beauty of the market far beyond the initial project scope.

Looking ahead, there are plans to build a dedicated slaughterhouse at the front of the market to ensure the hygienic processing and display of chicken. Additionally, there is an ambitious plan to launch an online marketplace, “tollinton.pk,” designed to closely replicate the vibrant experience of the physical market.

Today, Tollinton Market is regarded as a model marketplace, offering affordable, hygienic, high-quality products in a clean, welcoming environment. It is no longer just a site for transactions but a vibrant, living heritage that reflects Lahore’s progress and helps restore public confidence. The stakeholders, including Punjab Poultry Traders Association Chairman Tariq Javed and President Javed Iqbal, express immense gratitude for the collective efforts that have brought about this remarkable transformation.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the beautifully renovated Tollinton Market for an improved shopping experience.