Desk : Pakistan’s Punjab government has approved a proposal to restore several historical names of localities, roads, and squares in Lahore as part of an initiative aimed at reviving the city’s cultural and historical identity. Under the plan, Islampura is set to regain its old name “Krishna Nagar,” while Mustafabad will once again be called “Dharmapura.”
According to media reports, the proposal was approved during a recent Punjab cabinet meeting chaired by Maryam Nawaz. The provincial government stated that the move is intended to preserve Lahore’s pre-partition heritage and multicultural history.
The initiative will reportedly go beyond renaming areas and will also focus on the restoration and preservation of historical buildings, parks, and cultural landmarks. The project is being carried out under the “Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival” programme, which seeks to reconnect the city with its historical roots. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is also said to be associated with the campaign.
Reports suggest that several localities and landmarks in Lahore had their names changed after the partition of India. Krishna Nagar was renamed Islampura, Dharmapura became Mustafabad, and Jain Mandir Chowk was renamed Babri Masjid Chowk. The latest decision aims to restore these historical identities.
Observers believe the move reflects an effort to acknowledge Lahore’s diverse cultural legacy, including its Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, and colonial-era heritage. However, the proposal is also expected to trigger political and social debate within the country.