Nawaz Sharif, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been appointed patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR) by his daughter Maryam Nawaz. He will oversee the restoration of colonial-era buildings in Lahore. The appointment has garnered criticism from the opposition, who mock his new role as a mere job after his political defeat in 2024. Nawaz has highlighted the importance of preserving Lahore’s heritage.
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has secured a new position within the government of his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, in Pakistan’s Punjab province. He has been appointed as the patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR), where he will supervise the restoration efforts of numerous colonial-era structures in Lahore. This role highlights his involvement in preserving the city’s historical architecture and cultural identity.
The Punjab administration officially announced Nawaz Sharif’s appointment to oversee initiatives aimed at revitalizing the older sections of Lahore, which include over 100 designated historical heritage sites. This responsibility comes after his withdrawal from active politics following the electoral defeat of his party in 2024.
In response to this appointment, the opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, characterized it as a mockery. Senior leader Shaukat Basra remarked on Nawaz’s need for tasks that promote mental well-being, suggesting that engaging in heritage restoration work is suitable for a retired politician. He sarcastically predicted that Nawaz would be seen managing the restoration of Lahore’s walled city, engaging in a role lacking political power following his failure to reclaim the premiership.
Furthermore, Nawaz Sharif has requested the Walled City Authority Lahore to develop a comprehensive strategy for restoring the city’s heritage. He emphasized the importance of preserving Lahore’s unique historical charm for future generations, stating, “Preserving our lost heritage is a national duty.”
Nawaz Sharif’s newly appointed role as the patron-in-chief of LAHR underscores a significant shift in his political activity following the 2024 elections. While the opposition has criticized this appointment, it also presents an opportunity for preservation of Lahore’s historical sites. His commitment to restoring the city’s cultural heritage reveals a dedication to maintaining Pakistan’s historical identity, although the context of his return to political life remains contentious.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
