Nawaz Sharif Appointed Patron-in-Chief for Lahore’s Heritage Revival:

Pakistan’s three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has taken on a new role in the Punjab government, led by his daughter Maryam Nawaz, as patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR). His new responsibility involves overseeing the restoration of colonial-era and historic buildings in Lahore, a city known for its rich architectural heritage.

The Punjab administration officially notified Nawaz Sharif’s appointment, stating that he will supervise the conservation of Lahore’s old city and work towards restoring its historical beauty.

Opposition Mocks Nawaz’s New Role

The move has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, particularly from Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The party was quick to ridicule the appointment, calling it a "government job" for the former premier.

Shaukat Basra, a senior PTI leader, sarcastically remarked, "Nawaz Sharif was living a retired life after his party’s humiliating defeat in the 2024 elections. Imran Khan's mandate was stolen and handed over to Nawaz and Zardari’s parties—PML-N and PPP. Now, Nawaz’s daughter has given him some work to keep him busy."

Basra further taunted that Nawaz had returned from London in 2023 with ambitions of becoming prime minister again, only to be sidelined in favor of his younger brother, Shehbaz Sharif, who was reportedly chosen by the military establishment.

"Now, Nawaz Sharif will be seen monitoring old buildings in Lahore instead of leading the country," Basra quipped.

Preserving Lahore’s Architectural Heritage

Despite the political criticism, Nawaz Sharif has expressed a strong commitment to his new role. Under his leadership, the Punjab government has classified over 100 buildings as historical heritage sites in need of restoration.

Sharif has directed the Walled City Authority Lahore to develop a comprehensive restoration plan. Emphasizing the importance of preserving Pakistan’s cultural identity, he stated, "Old Lahore is incredibly beautiful and must be restored to its original form. Preserving our lost heritage is a national duty."

A Political Move or Genuine Effort?

While the initiative aims to protect Lahore’s heritage, political observers see it as an attempt to keep Nawaz Sharif engaged in governance after he was denied a fourth term as prime minister. The decision has also sparked debates over dynastic politics, with critics accusing the PML-N of creating government positions for family members.

Regardless of the political drama, Lahore’s historic landmarks stand to benefit from this renewed focus on conservation. Whether Nawaz Sharif’s involvement will lead to tangible results remains to be seen.