Restoring Lahore's Heritage: Streets and Stories Rediscovered

The Punjab government has embarked on a significant cultural project to restore the original names of streets in Lahore, aiming to revive the city's pre-Partition heritage. This initiative was recently approved during a Punjab Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, as stated by an official source on Monday.

Over the decades, several historic roads and alleys in Lahore were renamed, swapping out British-era or Hindu-associated names for those reflecting Islamic or Pakistani figures. The restoration effort, spearheaded by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, aims to reclaim the city's cultural identity by reinstating names like Queen's Road and Lawrence Road.

Sharif, leading the Lahore Heritage Areas Revival project, has also proposed the restoration of three historic cricket grounds and a traditional wrestling arena at Minto Park. His brother, Shehbaz Sharif, faced criticism for their demolition during an urban development plan. This project is seen as a cultural rejuvenation to preserve Lahore's historical legacy.

(With inputs from agencies.)