Historical names of streets to be restored

Nawaz, Maryam chair meeting on heritage revival

LAHORE:

The original names of roads, streets, and historic government colleges in Lahore will be revived.

The decision was approved in a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to restore the historical identity and cultural heritage of Lahore. It was decided that the word "university" would be removed from the names of upgraded historic colleges and they would revert to their original names.

Progress on the ongoing restoration projects of heritage buildings across Lahore was reviewed.

Key decisions taken in the meeting included the development of a garden behind Tollinton Market along with an "everything organic café". The garden will feature semi-covered areas, shops, and two-storey underground parking.

Plans for a new museum block were also reviewed, where world-class galleries featuring ancient weapons, coins, Chinese and Sikh heritage will be established, along with interactive digital screens for visitors.

The participants approved a plan to convert the route from Shah Alam Gate to Rang Mahal Chowk into a walkway.

Additionally, eight historic routes within the Walled City will be restored, including areas around the Bhati, Mochi, Akbari, Yaki, Masti, and Delhi Gates.

A tourist information office will be established at Akbari Gate, while restoration projects for Mochi Gate, Yaki Gate, and Masti Gate were also presented.

It was agreed to restore the walls of the Lahore Fort to their original condition in phases. Emphasis was placed on maintaining uniform historical architecture on the exterior of old buildings.

Encroachments at Shah Alami Chowk will be cleared to restore Baoli Bagh, while the historic structure adjacent to Neela Gumbad will be rehabilitated in line with heritage design. An underground parking facility and a themed café are also planned at the site.

Progress on the expansion project of Data Darbar was reviewed. It was decided that 18 kanal of land will be acquired for the expansion, with directions to ensure compensation to affected citizens at market rates.

Chairing another meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to ensure foolproof security arrangements at bus stands, commercial centres and markets across the province.

Chairing a review of security measures, the chief minister ordered the deployment of additional personnel in bazaars on Chand Raat. She also ordered women police squads to carry out patrolling to prevent harassment, stressing that protection of women and children in public places must be ensured at all cost.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered the use of drone cameras and night-vision devices for surveillance in business areas. She ordered strict monitoring to curb one-wheeling.

The chief minister also instructed authorities to enhance security and patrolling around ATMs and banks. Police and transport officials were directed to maintain continuous monitoring at wagon stands and bus terminals.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasised that fare lists must be prominently displayed on the windscreens of buses and vans to ensure compliance with notified rates.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz congratulated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and his team over the issuance of the 5G spectrum licence.

In a statement, she said Pakistan is moving ahead in the fast-paced global race of digital technology. She said the launch of 5G would not only benefit students but also promote the IT sector and businesses.