Lahore restores pre-Partition identity
Nearly eight decades after Partition, Pakistan’s cultural capital Lahore is witnessing a dramatic reversal of decades-old Islamisation, with authorities restoring several pre-Partition Hindu, Sikh, Jain and colonial-era names across the city.
Official signboards have already begun changing in parts of Lahore. Islampura is once again being referred to as Krishan Nagar, Babri Masjid Chowk has reverted to Jain Mandir Chowk, and Rehman Gali is being restored as Ram Gali.
Over the last two months, at least nine locations have officially regained their older names, while several more are reportedly set to follow under a large-scale heritage revival initiative.
Punjab government approves renaming plan
Pakistan’s Punjab government recently approved the restoration of several historic street and locality names in Lahore as part of the Lahore Heritage Areas Revival (LHAR) project.
A Punjab government official said the proposal received approval during a cabinet meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
“The decision has been taken to revive the cultural identity and heritage of this historical city,” the official said.
The project is being spearheaded by former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and is estimated to cost around 50 billion Pakistani rupees.
Many British-era road names such as Queen’s Road, Lawrence Road and Empress Road are also under review.
Minto Park restoration plan sparks debate
As part of the heritage drive, Nawaz Sharif has also proposed restoring three historic cricket grounds and a traditional wrestling arena at Lahore’s Minto Park, now known as Greater Iqbal Park.
The move is widely being seen as an attempt to counter criticism over the demolition of these facilities during Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure as Punjab chief minister in 2015.
Several prominent cricketers, including former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, trained at clubs in Minto Park.
Before Partition, legendary Indian cricketer Lala Amarnath also played and trained there. The wrestling arena once hosted famous wrestlers including Gama Pehalwan and Imam Bakhsh. Historically, the park was also known as a major venue for Dussehra celebrations before Partition.
Why Pakistan is reviving old names
The renaming drive has triggered wider political and diplomatic discussions inside and outside Pakistan.
Analysts believe the restoration effort is aimed at projecting Pakistan as a more tolerant and culturally inclusive nation after decades of criticism over minority rights, extremism and religious intolerance.
Pakistan has long faced scrutiny over issues including:
- Treatment of Hindu and Sikh minorities
- Forced religious conversions
- Encroachment on minority properties
- Demolition of temples and heritage sites
- Terror financing allegations
The revival of Lahore’s pre-Partition heritage is being viewed by many as an attempt to improve Pakistan’s global image, particularly before international financial and diplomatic institutions.
Economic and diplomatic angle
Pakistan remains heavily dependent on international financial support, particularly from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Observers believe the cultural revival initiative is also designed to reassure foreign investors and global institutions that Pakistan is moving away from radicalism and towards moderation and heritage tourism.
The country had previously faced major financial pressure after being grey-listed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) over terror financing concerns.
By reviving Lahore’s multicultural history, Islamabad appears keen to promote an image of stability, openness and cultural preservation.
Heritage tourism push
The Lahore Heritage Areas Revival project aims to restore the city’s architectural and cultural landscape after decades of neglect and rapid urbanisation.
Officials say the project draws inspiration from European cities that preserve historic identities rather than erase them.
The initiative is also expected to boost heritage tourism and generate revenue for Pakistan’s struggling economy.
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