Nawaz Sharif, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has taken on the role of patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR), tasked with overseeing the restoration of colonial-era buildings in Lahore under the government of his daughter, Maryam Nawaz. The appointment has faced ridicule from opposition parties, yet Sharif has emphasized the importance of preserving the city’s cultural heritage.
Nawaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has received a new appointment as the patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR) within the provincial government led by his daughter, Maryam Nawaz. This role entails overseeing the restoration of numerous colonial-era structures in Lahore. The Punjab administration formally announced this position, focusing on the revitalization of the old city of Lahore.
The appointment has drawn criticism from the opposition, particularly from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which has ridiculed the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president for gaining a government position after previously living a retired life. Senior PTI leader Shaukat Basra highlighted that following the PML-N’s significant defeat in the 2024 elections, Nawaz Sharif had returned from London in 2023, only to see his younger brother, Shehbaz Sharif, appointed instead.
Basra wittily remarked that keeping Nawaz Sharif engaged in overseeing the restoration of historical buildings might be beneficial for him in his retirement as a politician. The Punjab government has identified over 100 buildings categorized as historical heritage sites, emphasizing the importance of preserving them.
Nawaz Sharif has requested a detailed restoration plan for these heritage sites from the Walled City Authority of Lahore and expressed his belief that restoring the beauty of old Lahore is essential. He stated, “Preserving our lost heritage is a national duty,” signifying his commitment to the project.
In summary, Nawaz Sharif has transitioned from former Prime Minister to a governmental role focused on heritage restoration under the leadership of his daughter, Maryam Nawaz. Despite criticism from opposition parties regarding his appointment, Sharif has expressed a strong dedication to preserving Lahore’s historical buildings, indicating his intent to contribute positively to the cultural heritage of the region.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
