Facing increasing political pressure and concerns over public backlash, the Punjab government has temporarily halted its plan to restore the historic names of roads and streets in Lahore. This initiative, previously approved during a meeting of the Lahore Heritage Areas Revival (LHAR), was co-chaired by PML-N president Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The project aimed to reinstate the pre-partition names of various roads and neighborhoods to revive the city’s cultural and historical identity.
Officials have clarified that no final decision on implementation has been made. Lahore Deputy Commissioner retired Capt. Muhammad Ali Ijaz confirmed that the matter remains under discussion and denied that any formal order for execution has been issued. The pause follows criticism from social media users and vloggers, who framed the move in religious terms, intensifying debate and prompting caution within the provincial administration.
Prior to the controversy, LHAR conducted a consultative session involving historians, architects, urban planners, and civil society representatives to collect feedback on the proposal. The majority of participants agreed that Lahore’s multi-layered historical identity is a valuable cultural asset that should be preserved for future generations. Many supported restoring original road names as a way to reconnect the city with its pre-partition heritage and reinforce cultural continuity.
Despite this support, the increasing political sensitivity surrounding the issue has slowed progress. Lahore has experienced several renaming campaigns over the years, replacing colonial-era or pre-partition names with those honoring national figures or Islamic references. Examples include Queen’s Road becoming Fatima Jinnah Road, Jail Road renamed Allama Iqbal Road, and Lawrence Road changed to Bagh-i-Jinnah Road.
Officials emphasize that consultations are ongoing and any final decision will carefully consider public opinion, political ramifications, and heritage preservation. The government remains committed to balancing these factors before moving forward with the renaming plan.
