Punjab’s government has approved a plan to restore several of Lahore’s original, pre-Partition street and place names as part of a drive to revive the city’s historical and cultural heritage. The proposal was advanced by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who leads the Lahore Heritage Areas Revival project, and the decision was taken at a Punjab Cabinet meeting chaired by Maryam Nawaz.
Over time many British-era and Hindu-linked names in Lahore were replaced with names honoring Islamic, Pakistani or local figures. The restoration program reverses a number of those changes. Announced restorations include:
– Sunnat Nagar → Sant Nagar
– Maulana Zafar Ali Khan Chowk → Lakshmi Chowk
– Mustafaabad → Dharampura
– Sir Aga Khan Chowk → Davis Road
– Allama Iqbal Road → Jail Road
– Fatima Jinnah Road → Queens Road
– Bagh-e-Jinnah → Lawrence Gardens
– Islampura → Krishan Nagar
– Hameed Nizami Road → Temple Street
– Nishtar Road → Brandreth Road
– Rehman Gali → Ram Gali
– Babri Masjid Chowk → Jain Mandir Road
– Ghaziabad → Kumharpura
– Jeelani Road → Outfall Road
– Shahrah-i-Abdul Hameed bin Badees → Empress Road
Officials say the changes are meant to restore historical toponyms that were altered over the decades. In addition to street-name restorations, Nawaz Sharif has proposed reviving three historic cricket grounds and a traditional akhara (wrestling arena) inside Minto Park, now called Greater Iqbal Park — a suggestion some observers view as part of broader efforts to address criticism about heritage management.
The move has drawn attention for its cultural and political significance as Lahore balances preservation of its multi-layered past with contemporary identity and governance priorities.
