Nawaz Sharif has been appointed as the patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR) under the government of his daughter Maryam Nawaz. His role will focus on the restoration of colonial-era buildings in Lahore. The appointment has been mocked by opposition figures, highlighting political rivalries following the 2024 elections.
Nawaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been appointed to a new role within the government of his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, who is the Chief Minister of Punjab. He will serve as the patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR), focusing on restoring numerous colonial-era buildings in Lahore. This official notification from the Punjab administration highlights his new responsibilities regarding this cultural initiative.
This appointment has elicited mockery from Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which has criticized the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and congratulated Sharif for his new position. PTI senior leader Shaukat Basra suggested that Nawaz, who had been living a quiet life after his party’s defeat in the 2024 elections, might benefit from remaining active in this role. He remarked humorously that it would be more constructive for Sharif’s health to engage in restoring old buildings than remaining idle as a retired politician.
During his tenure, which was briefly interrupted after his return from London in 2023, Nawaz did not secure the Prime Minister role as expected; that position went to his brother, Shehbaz Sharif, leading to further criticism from the opposition. Basra cynically noted that Sharif’s new job would have him managing the historical restoration of Lahore’s old buildings.
The Punjab government has designated over 100 buildings as historical heritage sites, and Nawaz has requested a thorough restoration plan from the Walled City Authority Lahore. He has emphasized the importance of reviving the beauty of Old Lahore, stating that preserving their heritage is a vital national responsibility as it must be returned to its original glory, showcasing its inherent beauty.
Nawaz Sharif’s new government role as patron-in-chief of LAHR marks a significant shift from his previous political position. The appointment is met with criticism from opposition parties, highlighting political tensions and disagreements. Nevertheless, Sharif expresses commitment to restoring Lahore’s historical sites, framing it as a national duty to preserve cultural heritage. This development signifies not just personal implications for Nawaz but also reflects the ongoing political dynamics in Pakistan.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
