Nawaz Sharif Appointed Patron-in-Chief of Lahore Heritage Authority

Nawaz Sharif has been appointed as the patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival, overseeing the restoration of colonial-era buildings in Lahore. His appointment was met with criticism from the opposition, who questioned his role following a significant electoral defeat. Sharif has expressed a strong commitment to preserving Lahore’s cultural heritage.

In a recent development, Nawaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been appointed as the patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR), under the government led by his daughter, Maryam Nawaz. This new role involves overseeing the restoration of numerous colonial-era buildings within Lahore. The Punjab administration has officially announced this appointment to enhance the old city’s heritage.

The opposition party, headed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has openly criticized this move. They mocked the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) by remarking on Sharif’s new “government job” after his party’s defeat in the 2024 elections. Senior leader Shaukat Basra stated that following the loss, Sharif was living a retired life but is now engaged in a project that can positively impact his health by participating in restoration efforts for Lahore’s historical structures.

Basra expressed his skepticism regarding Sharif’s political comeback, noting that despite returning from London in 2023 with intentions to serve as Prime Minister again, his younger brother, Shehbaz Sharif, was selected instead, illustrating a perceived lack of support for Nawaz within the military establishment. He cynically mentioned that Sharif would now be seen supervising the preservation of Lahore’s heritage.

Currently, the government has designated over 100 structures as historical heritage sites. In his new capacity, Nawaz Sharif has requested a detailed restoration plan from the Walled City Authority of Lahore, recognizing the beauty of old Lahore and its vital need for preservation. He emphasized that preserving this lost heritage is a national obligation.

Nawaz Sharif’s new appointment as patron-in-chief of LAHR marks his transition from a former prime minister to a role focused on heritage preservation. While his involvement has received criticism from the opposition, Sharif has voiced his commitment to restoring Lahore’s historical architecture, reflecting on the importance of cultural heritage in Pakistan.

Original Source: indianexpress.com