Pakistan’s Revival of Pre-Partition Hindu and Sikh Place Names Sparks Debate on Heritage, Tourism and UNESCO Potential
Can Cultural Restoration Help Pakistan Build a Global Heritage Economy?
By Suman Munshi, Chief Editor, IBG NEWS
In a development attracting international attention, authorities in parts of Pakistan — particularly in the historic city of Lahore — have reportedly begun restoring several pre-Partition Hindu and Sikh-era locality names as part of a broader heritage and urban conservation initiative.
The move has triggered discussions across South Asia on cultural identity, historical preservation, tourism diplomacy and the possible role of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in supporting such heritage-driven initiatives.
Among the names reportedly being revived are:
- Krishan Nagar,
- Ram Gali,
- Sant Nagar,
- Jain Mandir Chowk,
- Laxmi Chowk,
- Dharampura.
These neighbourhoods were historically associated with Lahore’s once diverse Hindu, Sikh and Muslim population before the Partition of India in 1947 dramatically altered the demographic and cultural landscape of the region.
“Pakistan is not in love with Hindus or Sikhs. It is the back door to get funding in the name of heritage, a modern way for classical begging. If the place gets its original name, all will be treated as a heritage place. So this newfound love for Kafirs~Suman Munshi,Chief Editor,IBG NEWS”
A Return to Historical Identity
For decades after Partition, many Hindu- and Sikh-associated names across Pakistan were renamed under changing political and ideological circumstances.
Examples included:
- Krishan Nagar becoming Islampura,
- Ram Gali renamed Rehman Gali,
- Sant Nagar changed to Sunnat Nagar.
Now, heritage activists and urban conservationists in Pakistan argue that restoring older names represents an attempt to preserve the authentic historical character of old Lahore rather than a political or religious shift.
The initiative is increasingly being linked with:
- cultural preservation,
- heritage tourism,
- urban branding,
- international image-building,
- and recognition of Pakistan’s multicultural pre-Partition history.
Lahore’s Global Heritage Importance
Lahore is already one of South Asia’s most historically significant cities and houses several major heritage monuments, including:
- Lahore Fort
- Shalimar Gardens
- Mughal-era mosques,
- Sikh-period structures,
- colonial architecture,
- traditional bazaars and historic neighbourhoods.
Several of these sites are already linked to UNESCO heritage recognition frameworks.
Experts believe that preserving historic neighbourhood names may strengthen the historical continuity and authenticity of Lahore’s urban heritage narrative.
Can This Bring UNESCO Funding?
Heritage experts note that merely restoring historical names does not automatically qualify a city or country for UNESCO funding.
However, if integrated into a serious conservation and heritage-management strategy, such efforts can improve the credibility of broader restoration projects.
Under the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, UNESCO and related international bodies support:
- monument conservation,
- heritage management,
- archaeological preservation,
- museum development,
- cultural documentation,
- sustainable tourism,
- educational projects,
- and digital heritage initiatives.
The World Heritage Fund generally prioritises projects demonstrating:
- Outstanding Universal Value,
- historical authenticity,
- sustainable management,
- cultural significance,
- and long-term preservation planning.
Official UNESCO portal:
UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Tourism Diplomacy and Economic Potential
Countries across Asia and the Middle East have increasingly used historical restoration to strengthen:
- tourism economies,
- cultural diplomacy,
- international branding,
- academic cooperation,
- and foreign investment.
If Pakistan seriously develops Lahore’s multicultural heritage landscape, analysts believe it could attract:
- Sikh diaspora tourism,
- international heritage travellers,
- South Asian historical tourism,
- academic researchers,
- documentary and media projects.
Religious and heritage tourism linked to Sikh history already attracts pilgrims to places such as:
- Kartarpur Corridor
- Sikh gurdwaras in Punjab.
A broader heritage conservation strategy could significantly expand Pakistan’s tourism footprint.
Heritage as Soft Power
Globally, heritage restoration is increasingly viewed as an instrument of soft power.
Countries such as:
- Turkey,
- Uzbekistan,
- Egypt,
- and Saudi Arabia
have invested heavily in historical restoration to improve global perception and diversify their economies through tourism and culture.
Analysts suggest Pakistan may now be attempting a similar approach by repositioning parts of its historical identity within a broader heritage framework.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the symbolic significance of restoring historical place names, major challenges remain:
- deteriorating heritage structures,
- urban encroachment,
- funding limitations,
- political sensitivities,
- lack of conservation infrastructure,
- inconsistent heritage policy implementation.
Experts caution that symbolic restoration alone will not be sufficient without:
- professional conservation,
- archaeological documentation,
- tourism infrastructure,
- museum development,
- international collaboration,
- and long-term urban heritage planning.
A Wider South Asian Heritage Debate
The development has also revived larger conversations across South Asia about:
- preservation of pre-Partition history,
- multicultural identity,
- shared civilisational heritage,
- and the role of historical memory in modern nation-building.
For many historians, Lahore’s old neighbourhoods represent not just Pakistan’s history, but the shared cultural legacy of the entire Indian subcontinent.
Whether Pakistan’s current heritage initiatives evolve into a serious UNESCO-backed conservation model or remain symbolic gestures will likely depend on future political commitment, institutional investment and international collaboration.
But one fact is increasingly becoming clear — heritage is no longer merely about the past. In the modern world, it is also about tourism, diplomacy, economics and global influence.
Copyright IBG NEWS
