Mochi Bagh: the forgotten cradle of political movements

Neglect, urban encroachments overshadow legendary gathering place

LAHORE:

Mochi Bagh, once the vibrant heart of Lahore's political and cultural gatherings, where iconic leaders such as Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif, Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Qazi Hussain Ahmad, and renowned poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Shorish Kashmiri addressed enthusiastic crowds, now lies in a state of neglect and decay.

This historic venue was not just a ground but a cradle of political movements and revolutionary ideas.

From pre-independence rallies led by the All India Muslim League to the anti-dictatorship campaigns of the MRD and ARD, Mochi Bagh resonated with passionate speeches, thunderous slogans, and poetry that stirred the soul of the nation.

The slogans and chants that originated here became rallying cries for change, capturing the headlines of newspapers and the hearts of millions.

Mochi Bagh was synonymous with political and social awakening.

The ground hosted historic rallies, from movements against colonial rule to protests for democratic restoration.

Leaders and activists, poets and intellectuals, all found a platform here to inspire and mobilize the masses.

The rhythmic beats of drums, energetic dances, and electrifying chants characterized its gatherings. It was here that Allama Iqbal recited his stirring poetry and Faiz Ahmed Faiz delivered verses that ignited hope and resilience.

Today, this legendary space is a pale shadow of its former self. The once-proud stage and its stairs are broken and crumbling.

The walls, once adorned with banners and flags, are now blackened by soot from fires.

The ground that echoed with the voices of history-makers is littered with garbage and pools of stagnant, foul-smelling water.

Surrounding the venue, commercial encroachments have emerged, and children now use the once-sacred space to play cricket.

The neglect is emblematic of a broader shift in how political and social engagement takes place in Pakistan.

The rise of digital and electronic media has replaced traditional rallying grounds like Mochi Bagh. Political campaigns and protests now unfold on social media platforms or streets and crossroads, leaving iconic venues like this one to fade into oblivion.

Mochi Bagh is more than a relic; it is a witness to the evolution of Pakistan's political and social fabric.

It deserves preservation and restoration to honour its role in shaping history.

Ensuring that future generations understand the significance of this venue requires urgent action from both the government and political parties.

Questions linger about whether today's political entities—such as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan Peoples Party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam—will recognise its historical importance and revive its legacy.

The restoration of Mochi Bagh is not just about preserving a site; it is about reconnecting with a past where collective voices mattered and monumental movements took shape.