Nawaz Sharif has been appointed patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival under his daughter Maryam Nawaz7s government. He will oversee the restoration of colonial-era buildings in Lahore. His appointment has drawn criticism from the opposition, while Sharif emphasizes the importance of preserving historical sites as a national duty.
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been appointed the patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR), which is managed by his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, in Punjab province. This new role will involve overseeing the restoration of colonial-era buildings throughout Lahore. The Punjab administration has made this appointment official, marking a transition for Nawaz from politics to heritage conservation.
In response to this appointment, members of the opposition, particularly from Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, have criticized the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. Senior leader Shaukat Basra commented on Nawaz’s previous retirement and mentioned that the recent government job granted to him by his daughter may be beneficial for his well-being, allowing him to remain active in the restoration effort.
Basra also reflected on Nawaz’s political past, stating that following a significant defeat in the 2024 elections, he had returned to Pakistan for a potential fourth term as Prime Minister. However, the military establishment favored his brother, Shehbaz Sharif, instead. He remarked that Nawaz would now be engaged in managing the restoration of historic buildings in Lahore, presenting a somewhat ironic twist to his storied political career.
As part of his duties, Nawaz Sharif has emphasized the importance of restoring over 100 buildings classified as historical heritage sites. He has requested a comprehensive restoration plan from the Walled City Authority Lahore, asserting, “Old Lahore is incredibly beautiful and must be restored to its original form. Preserving our lost heritage is a national duty.”
In summary, Nawaz Sharif’s new role as patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival signifies a shift from his political endeavors to preserving the historical heritage of Lahore. This appointment has sparked mixed reactions, particularly from opposition parties, highlighting his complex political legacy. Nevertheless, Sharif’s commitment to restoring the beauty of Lahore’s colonial-era buildings underscores the importance of heritage conservation as a national priority.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
