Pakistan bows to extremists? Lahore’s Hindu-Sikh heritage restoration on hold after backlash

The Punjab government had earlier considered reinstating several Hindu and Sikh-era names in Lahore as part of an initiative to preserve the city’s historical identity.

Government Takes U-Turn

However, the move reportedly faced sharp criticism from hardline groups, prompting the authorities to reconsider the proposal.

According to a report published by Pakistan’s leading daily Dawn, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Capt. R. Muhammad Ali Ijaz said no final decision has been taken on the matter so far.

“The matter is still under discussion,” Ijaz said.

Proposal Sparks Debate

The proposal had triggered debate in Pakistan, with supporters calling it an effort to acknowledge Lahore’s multicultural pre-Partition history, while extremist groups opposed the move.

Lahore, once home to vibrant Hindu and Sikh communities before the 1947 Partition, still retains several historical landmarks linked to its diverse cultural past.

The Punjab government had approved a plan to restore several pre-Partition street and locality names in Lahore, including the historic Krishan Nagar, which was renamed Islampura after the creation of Pakistan.

The initiative had sought to restore the original names of roads, streets and neighbourhoods in Lahore and nearby areas in order to preserve the city’s historical and cultural identity.

The project was proposed by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is leading the Lahore Heritage Areas Revival Project. The cabinet endorsed his recommendations last week.

Restoring Lahore’s multicultural legacy

Before 1947, Lahore was home to thriving Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Jain communities.

Its neighbourhoods, temples, chowks and markets reflected the city’s diverse social fabric.

Names such as Krishan Nagar, Laxmi Chowk and Jain Mandir Road stood as reminders of that shared history.

The Punjab government had said restoring these names will help preserve Lahore’s historic character and recognise the city’s pluralistic past.

Alongside the renaming initiative, Nawaz Sharif has proposed rebuilding three historic cricket grounds and a traditional akhara at Minto Park, now known as Greater Iqbal Park.

The move had followed criticism faced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his tenure as Punjab chief minister in 2015, when several sporting facilities and a wrestling arena were demolished as part of an urban redevelopment project.

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq trained at the cricket clubs once located in the park.

Before Partition, Indian cricket legend Lala Amarnath also played there.

During India’s tour of Pakistan in 1978, he revisited Lahore and met players of the Crescent Cricket Club, where he had played in his youth.

Minto Park was also home to a famous wrestling arena that hosted legendary wrestlers such as Gama Pehalwan, Goonga Pehalwan and Imam Bakhsh.

Before Partition, the park also served as a venue for Dussehra celebrations organised by Lahore’s Hindu community.