Lahore: Nearly eight decades after the Partition of India, Pakistan’s cultural capital Lahore is witnessing a historic move to reconnect with its pre-Partition roots. The Punjab government has approved a plan to restore several old Hindu, Sikh, and British-era names of roads, neighbourhoods, and landmarks in the city, replacing names that were changed after 1947 in favour of Islamic or political identities.
The initiative is part of the “Lahore Heritage Areas Revival” project backed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz . Officials say the decision is aimed at preserving Lahore’s historical identity and multicultural legacy.
According to Pakistani media reports, several historically significant names are under consideration for restoration. Among them are:
- Krishan Nagar, later renamed Islampura
- Dharampura, renamed Mustafabad
- Ram Gali, renamed Rehman Gali
- Mall Road, renamed Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam
- Lawrence Road, renamed Bagh-i-Jinnah Road
- Queen’s Road, renamed Fatima Jinnah Road
Many of these original names reflected Lahore’s Hindu, Sikh, and colonial-era heritage before Partition. Following the creation of Pakistan in 1947, several names were changed as part of a broader effort to strengthen Islamic national identity.
Speaking about the initiative, Nawaz Sharif reportedly said, “European countries preserve their historical names and identity. Lahore’s old names are part of its history and should not be erased.”
Maryam Nawaz also defended the move, stating, “The history of Lahore defines the soul of the city. These old names and heritage buildings are memories of our civilisation.”
Historians note that before Partition, Lahore was one of undivided Punjab’s most diverse cities, where Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs lived together and contributed to its cultural life. Areas such as Lakshmi Chowk, Krishan Nagar, and Jain Mandir Chowk were deeply associated with the city’s non-Muslim communities.
Interestingly, even after official renaming, many local residents reportedly continued using the older names in everyday conversation, reflecting the lasting cultural memory attached to them.
The restoration project goes beyond renaming roads and localities. The Punjab government has also announced plans to conserve more than 100 heritage structures across Lahore. Historic areas around Delhi Gate, Tollinton Market, and sections of the old walled city are being renovated, while electrical wiring in heritage zones is being shifted underground to preserve the city’s traditional appearance.
The conservation of Sikh gurdwaras and Hindu temple remnants is also reportedly part of the larger heritage initiative. Restoration work at sites such as Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi has already attracted international attention among heritage conservationists.
The decision is being viewed by many historians and political observers as a significant shift in Pakistan’s approach toward its pre-Islamic and pre-Partition past. For decades, critics argued that Pakistan largely distanced itself from its Hindu and Sikh heritage in public discourse. The latest move is seen as an acknowledgment of Punjab’s pluralistic cultural history.
However, the initiative has also sparked criticism from some conservative religious groups, who argue that restoring old names weakens Pakistan’s Islamic identity. Despite the criticism, the Punjab government insists that the project is about preserving history rather than changing ideology.
Observers say the restoration of Lahore’s historic names could become one of the most symbolic cultural decisions in recent Pakistani history, reviving memories of a shared past that existed before Partition divided the region in 1947.
