Punjab Govt Plans to Restore Original Names of Lahore’s Historic Sites and Streets

Lahore: The Punjab government has announced a comprehensive plan to restore the original names of historic areas, roads, and landmarks in Lahore, aiming to highlight the city’s rich historical identity and strengthen its cultural heritage.

Officials said the initiative is intended to revive Lahore’s historical continuity and present it more effectively as a cultural and tourist destination. The city, known for its centuries-old legacy, reflects influences from Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and British eras.

Over time, many locations were renamed due to political, religious, and administrative changes, causing several original names to fade. For instance, Krishan Nagar was renamed Islampura, Dharampura became Mustafa آباد, and Ram Gali was changed to Rehman Gali. Similarly, Mall Road was renamed Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Mohn Lal Bazaar to Urdu Bazaar, Abbott Road to Ghaznavi Road, Lahore Stadium to Gaddafi Stadium, Gol Bagh to Nasir Bagh, and Minto Park to Iqbal Park. However, some of these newer names did not gain full public acceptance.

Authorities believe such changes have partially blurred the city’s historical identity. Under the proposed plan, original names will be reintroduced to reconnect citizens with their past and restore Lahore’s cultural essence.

Secretary of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival, Kamran Lashari, said that the streets, markets, and roads of Lahore are integral to its civilizational history, and restoring their original names would promote historical awareness. He emphasized that the move is not merely about renaming but a serious effort to revive the city’s overall cultural identity, which could also boost tourism.

Experts in archaeology and history have largely welcomed the initiative but stressed the need for balance. Former Director of the Punjab Archaeology Department, Malik Maqsood Ahmad, said historical sites and names should be preserved as cultural heritage rather than viewed through religious or political lenses.

Chairman of the History Department at University of the Punjab, Dr Mehboob Hussain, noted that globally, historical names are preserved, and Lahore should follow the same principle. He pointed out that names like Ganga Ram Hospital, Lakshmi Chowk, and Lawrence Garden remain part of public memory, reflecting the importance of historical continuity.

Researchers have also cautioned that public awareness campaigns and improvements in urban infrastructure will be necessary to ensure the plan’s success. Meanwhile, some citizens have expressed concerns, arguing that not all name changes would be appropriate—especially those associated with national figures—as such moves could spark unnecessary controversy.

The government has not yet released a final list, but consultations are underway with experts, community representatives, and relevant institutions. Officials said the process will be carried out in phases to ensure both heritage preservation and social harmony.