Rehman Gali Is Now Ram Gali: Pakistan Brings Back Old Names Of These Historic Lahore Places
Rehman Gali Is Now Ram Gali: Pakistan Brings Back Old Names Of These Historic Lahore Places Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 17:07 IST
Rehman Gali Is Now Ram Gali: Pakistan Brings Back Old Names Of These Historic Lahore Places Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 17:07 IST Nearly 79 years after Partition, at least nine locations across Lahore have officially reverted to their historical names. The renaming drive is part of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR), a massive urban conservation initiative launched in 2025. Pakistan’s Lahore is witnessing an unusual restoration of its pre-Partition identity, with authorities replacing Islamised signboards with older Hindu, Sikh and colonial-era names as part of a sweeping heritage revival project backed by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Nearly 79 years after Partition, at least nine locations across Lahore have officially reverted to their historical names over the past two months. Areas once renamed during decades of Islamisation are now reclaiming identities tied to Lahore’s multicultural past. The renaming drive is part of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR), a massive urban conservation initiative launched in 2025 by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Estimated to cost nearly 50 billion Pakistani rupees, the project aims to restore Lahore’s historic architecture, roads, gardens and cultural landmarks. Read more: Who Is Helle Lyng? Norwegian Journalist Who Questioned PM Modi At Oslo Joint Presser Nawaz Sharif’s ‘Old Glory’ Vision According to officials associated with the project, Nawaz Sharif personally pushed for restoring Lahore’s original names and identity. Director-General of Walled City Lahore and LAHR secretary Kamran Lashari said Nawaz Sharif believed historic names should not be erased simply because political circumstances had changed. “The entire thing is part of revival or restoration," Lashari said, adding that many residents continued using the old names informally despite official changes over the years. Recalling a meeting with Nawaz Sharif, Lashari said the former premier spoke emotionally about restoring Lahore “to its original glory" and told him: “If not now, then never." Read more: Meet The Democrats Eyeing A 2028 White House Run After Trump List Of Lahore Names Restored Here are some of the major Lahore locations that have reverted to their older identities Islampura → Krishan NagarOne of Lahore’s best-known neighbourhoods has officially returned to its Hindu-era name.
Babri Masjid Chowk → Jain Mandir ChowkThe area is once again being identified with its historic Jain heritage. Sunnatnagar → SantnagarAuthorities restored the locality’s original Sikh-associated name. Maulana Zafar Ali Khan Chowk → Lakshmi ChowkThe iconic Lahore intersection and food hub is reclaiming its historic identity. Mustafaabad → DharampuraThe neighbourhood has reverted to one of Lahore’s oldest names. Sir Aga Khan Chowk → Davis RoadColonial-era nomenclature has been restored in this central area. Allama Iqbal Road → Jail RoadThe road is once again being referred to by its older British-era name. Fatima Jinnah Road → Queens RoadAuthorities have restored the colonial-era title. Bagh-e-Jinnah → Lawrence GardensThe historic Lahore garden is reclaiming its colonial association. The broader revival effort also includes restoration of churches, temples, gurdwaras and Sikh-era buildings associated with the empire of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Among the projects underway are the rehabilitation of the Kharak Singh Haveli, restoration of a painting of Princess Bamba Sutherland at Lahore Fort and conservation work at gurdwaras near the Badshahi Mosque.
News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Pakistan First Published: May 19, 2026, 16:38 IST News world Rehman Gali Is Now Ram Gali: Pakistan Brings Back Old Names Of These Historic Lahore Places Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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