Nawaz Sharif has been appointed as the patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival, where he will oversee the restoration of colonial-era buildings in Lahore. This role becomes significant as it follows his political career’s recent downturn. Opposition parties have mocked the appointment, yet Sharif has stated the importance of preserving Lahore’s heritage.
Nawaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has taken on a new role in the government led by his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, in Punjab. He has been appointed as the patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR), where he will be responsible for overseeing the restoration of numerous colonial-era buildings in Lahore. This appointment has been officially confirmed by the Punjab administration.
Sharif’s new job comes after a period of relative retirement following the defeat of his party in the 2024 elections. His opposition, led by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, reacted by mocking this appointment, suggesting it was merely a consolation for Sharif, who had previously returned from London in hopes of resuming a more prominent political role.
Senior leader Shaukat Basra stated that, despite Sharif’s ambitions, he was overshadowed by his brother, Shehbaz Sharif, who was preferred by the military as prime minister. Basra remarked that it might benefit Sharif’s health to engage in the restoration of historical buildings rather than staying inactive.
The Punjab government has designated over 100 structures as historical heritage sites in need of preservation. In his role, Nawaz Sharif has expressed a desire for a thorough restoration plan, emphasizing that preserving Lahore’s beauty is a national responsibility and a crucial aspect of cultural heritage.
In conclusion, Nawaz Sharif has transitioned from politics to his new role overseeing heritage restoration in Lahore under his daughter Maryam Nawaz’s administration. This appointment has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from opposition figures, suggesting that it serves as a means to keep Sharif occupied post-defeat. Nonetheless, Sharif remains committed to the preservation of Lahore’s historical identity, as evidenced by his emphasis on the need for a comprehensive restoration plan.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
