Punjab

Orange Line Metro: Shahbaz Sharif refutes reports on Chauburji demolition

Punjab CM says it is Punjab government's 'principled decision' that no historical site would be harmed

Web Desk November 02, 2015

A view of Chauburji, a historical site in Lahore. PHOTO: SHAHBAZ SHARIF FACEBOOK PAGE

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has dispelled reports on the demolition of Lahore’s famous historical monument ‘Chauburji’ as many believed the heritage site would be affected to make the way for Orange Line Metro.

“I am seeing a lot of rumours circulating about the proposed demolishing of some historical places for Orange Line Metro Train. I would officially like to declare such rumours as baseless and part of a propaganda," said the chief minister in a Facebook post on Monday.

Shahbaz said it was Punjab’s government “principled decision” that no site of historic and cultural heritage significance – including Chauburji, GPO and Saint Andrews Church – would be harmed.

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“I have personally presided over a number of meetings to ensure all such landmarks are protected and preserved in their actual condition as they define the culture and heritage of Lahore,” he added.

The 27-kilometre track of Lahore Orange Line Metro Train is estimated to cost $1.65 billion, which according to the Punjab CM will revolutionise the transport culture in Pakistan.

On October 29, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in a session in Lahore took up the cases of several heritage sites, which were at risk, including Chauburji, Shalamar Gardens and the General Post Office (GPO), along the route of the Orange Line Metro Train.

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Without naming, the Punjab chief minister also alleged that leader of a political party was behind spreading the misinformation.

“I believe that national leaders must confirm facts before spreading a word because they influence and shape public opinion. We all must act responsibly as honourable citizens of Pakistan,” he said.

COMMENTS (3)

two dwon | 9 years ago | Reply @Shakil Ahmed: Take it easy. Chauburji junk does not do anything but facilitate drug dealers, addicts, and block traffic. Had it been a natural treasure, I would have said otherwise.

Shakil Ahmed | 9 years ago | Reply It equals to demolition if you build a concrete structure that dwarfs and hide the historical building altogether. When you build public infrastructure, you need to be respectful to heritage buildings, this is the prime reason people build underground metro trains, not always hanging eyesores in a historic city like Lahore. This is what you exactly done to Government College Lahore, Central Model School historic buildings on lower mall with Rapid Bus(called metro)

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