Pakistan Restores Pre-Partition Names in Lahore, Islampura Becomes Krishan Nagar Again
The historical landscape of South Asia is witnessing a fascinating cultural shift as Pakistan revives pre-partition names in Lahore . In a recent high-level government meeting, the Punjab provincial cabinet officially approved a comprehensive urban plan to restore the original, historical identities of numerous streets, squares, and roads across the city.This major decision means that several familiar modern areas are transitioning back to their roots, with the famous neighborhood of Islampura now Krishan Nagar once again. Spearheaded by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif under the Lahore Heritage Areas Revival Project, this move aims to actively honor the multi-religious, diverse history of the region.
Over the decades following the 1947 Partition, many of Lahore’s historic neighbourhoods and busy roads were systematically renamed after Islamic, nationalistic, or local political figures. Under the new cabinet directive, however, some of these changes are being reversed to restore and celebrate the city’s original identity. For example, Santnagar - which had been modified to Sunnat Nagar and Dharampura, previously known as Mustafabad, will reclaim their original pre-Partition titles. Similarly, Ram Gali, which was altered to Rehman Gali, and the commercial hub of Brandreth Road (renamed Nishtar Road) will return to the names local residents used for generations.
The sweeping heritage project also targets major public intersections and colonial-era pathways that define the heart of Lahore. The iconic Laxmi Chowk, famously renamed Maulana Zafar Ali Khan Chowk, is set to officially regain its historic title.Additionally, the well-known Jain Mandir Road which was changed to Babri Masjid Chowk following geopolitical tensions - will have its original name restored. Historical colonial streets are also part of the plan: Queen’s Road will shift back from Fatima Jinnah Road, Jail Road will transition from Allama Iqbal Road, and Lawrence Road will drop its title of Bagh-i-Jinnah Road.
Beyond just updating street signs, the revival project is being widely viewed as a crucial form of political and cultural damage control. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has pushed for the complete restoration of three historic cricket grounds and a traditional akhara (wrestling arena) located at Minto Park, which is currently known as Greater Iqbal Park.This initiative comes after heavy public criticism faced by his brother, current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who ordered the demolition of these iconic sports clubs in 2015 during his own tenure as Punjab Chief Minister to make way for rapid urban development.
The decision to rebuild these specific sports spaces carries immense emotional weight for sports fans across both India and Pakistan. Before Partition, legendary Indian cricketer Lala Amarnath trained at these very grounds, even returning in 1978 to spend time with his old club members. Iconic Pakistani cricketers, including former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, also spent their early formative years practicing at these Minto Park clubs.Furthermore, the destroyed wrestling arena once hosted legendary undefeated icons like Gama Pehalwan and Imam Bakhsh, making the restoration a highly anticipated victory for the preservation of the city's golden sporting era.
Restoring the Identity of Famous Neighborhoods
Over the decades following the 1947 Partition, many of Lahore’s historic neighbourhoods and busy roads were systematically renamed after Islamic, nationalistic, or local political figures. Under the new cabinet directive, however, some of these changes are being reversed to restore and celebrate the city’s original identity. For example, Santnagar - which had been modified to Sunnat Nagar and Dharampura, previously known as Mustafabad, will reclaim their original pre-Partition titles. Similarly, Ram Gali, which was altered to Rehman Gali, and the commercial hub of Brandreth Road (renamed Nishtar Road) will return to the names local residents used for generations.
Reversing Colonial and Religious Rebranding
The sweeping heritage project also targets major public intersections and colonial-era pathways that define the heart of Lahore. The iconic Laxmi Chowk, famously renamed Maulana Zafar Ali Khan Chowk, is set to officially regain its historic title.Additionally, the well-known Jain Mandir Road which was changed to Babri Masjid Chowk following geopolitical tensions - will have its original name restored. Historical colonial streets are also part of the plan: Queen’s Road will shift back from Fatima Jinnah Road, Jail Road will transition from Allama Iqbal Road, and Lawrence Road will drop its title of Bagh-i-Jinnah Road.
Undoing Past Damage to Sporting Heritage
Beyond just updating street signs, the revival project is being widely viewed as a crucial form of political and cultural damage control. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has pushed for the complete restoration of three historic cricket grounds and a traditional akhara (wrestling arena) located at Minto Park, which is currently known as Greater Iqbal Park.This initiative comes after heavy public criticism faced by his brother, current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who ordered the demolition of these iconic sports clubs in 2015 during his own tenure as Punjab Chief Minister to make way for rapid urban development.
A Nod to Legendary Sports Icons
The decision to rebuild these specific sports spaces carries immense emotional weight for sports fans across both India and Pakistan. Before Partition, legendary Indian cricketer Lala Amarnath trained at these very grounds, even returning in 1978 to spend time with his old club members. Iconic Pakistani cricketers, including former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, also spent their early formative years practicing at these Minto Park clubs.Furthermore, the destroyed wrestling arena once hosted legendary undefeated icons like Gama Pehalwan and Imam Bakhsh, making the restoration a highly anticipated victory for the preservation of the city's golden sporting era.
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