Lahore Restores Pre-Partition Names of Historic Streets and Localities

In a major cultural heritage drive, Pakistan's Punjab Cabinet approves renaming iconic areas like Islampura back to Krishan Nagar.

Reversing Decades of Renaming

Nearly eighty years after the bloody lines of Partition divided the subcontinent, the historic city of Lahore is officially bringing back its pluralistic past by restoring ancestral Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and British colonial-era names to its public roads and neighborhoods. The landmark administrative decision was finalized during a Punjab provincial Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

The cultural preservation move reverses decades of post-1947 rebrandings that had replaced multi-faith historical landmarks with local nationalist and Islamic titles.

Back to Krishan Nagar and Sant Nagar

Under the newly approved legislative guidelines issued by provincial authorities, nine prominent urban zones and major intersections are undergoing immediate signage overhauls. Most notably, the commercial hub of Islampura has formally reverted to its historical identity as Krishan Nagar.

Similarly, Sunnat Nagar has been changed back to Sant Nagar, while Mustafaabad has reclaimed its century-old title of Dharampura. In the heart of the city, the busy intersection previously known as Babri Masjid Chowk has legally taken back its popular pre-partition name, Jain Mandir Chowk.

The Everyday Language of Lahoris

For local residents and heritage lovers, the administrative shift is a welcome step that bridges the gap between formal records and oral history. Despite official state changes over the decades, everyday citizens, rickshaw drivers, and market traders had persistently used the old ancestral names in daily conversation.

"The old names never truly died on the streets of Lahore," noted a senior officer connected with the Lahore Heritage Areas Revival Project, an initiative spearheaded by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Restoring Shared Punjabi Heritage

The sweeping preservation drive extends beyond street names. The revival project has mandated the reconstruction of three historical cricket grounds and a traditional wrestling arena at Minto Park, now known as Greater Iqbal Park. Before the 1947 division, these grounds were shared training fields for subcontinental legends like Lala Amarnath and wrestling icons like Gama Pehalwan.

By deliberately restoring these multi-faith landmarks, the regional administration aims to transform the city into a pluralistic historical hub, preserving its deep-rooted connection to undivided Punjab for future generations.

Lyari Residents Seek Share of Blockbuster Collections

Pakistan’s Lyari locals claim a portion of the film’s ₹1,200 crore success, citing damage to their region’s image and demanding funds for infrastructure.

A fresh controversy has erupted around the superhit film ‘Dhurandhar 2’. Residents of Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood have staked a claim on the movie’s massive box office revenue. They are demanding a cut from the Dhurandhar 2 earnings to rebuild their locality.

Viral Video Sparks Demand

The demand surfaced through a viral video on ‘Comparison TV’ YouTube channel. Local citizens were seen reacting to the film’s unprecedented success. They argued that since the film uses their backyard as a backdrop, they deserve financial compensation.

Box Office Blitz

The action thriller has shattered records since its release. The film has reportedly grossed over ₹1,200 crore within just ten days. Its prequel, ‘Dhurandhar’, had previously collected over ₹1,300 crore globally. The current India News Update confirms the sequel is on track to break all-time industry records.

The Lyari Link

The film’s plot is heavily rooted in the gang wars of Lyari. It depicts the power struggle and enmity between two fictional gangs based in the area. Locals feel the portrayal, while popular, has stigmatised their community.

A Demand for ₹500 Crore

In the viral clip, one resident demanded a specific sum of ₹500 crore. He insisted this money is required to fix broken roads and sewage lines. Another person went further, asking for 70-80% of the total earnings. “If they earn thousands of crores showing our fights, they must fix our streets,” a resident said.

Official Reactions Awaited

There has been no official response from the film’s director, Aditya Dhar, or the producers. Indian legal experts suggest such a demand holds no standing in Indian courts. However, the controversy has become a major Public Interest Story on social media.

Analysis of the Absurd Claim

The demand highlights a unique reaction to cross-border art. While the film enjoys blockbuster status in India, the reaction in Lyari shows a sense of economic grievance. Industry analysts see this as a publicity stunt rather than a serious legal battle.

What Next for the Makers

The makers are currently focused on the film’s international release. They are unlikely to entertain this Government Updates-style demand from private citizens. For now, the Trending News India remains focused on the film’s historic run. Audiences continue to flock to theatres, seemingly unbothered by the cross-border noise.

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Jail in Toshakhana Corruption Case

In a major legal and political development, a special court in Pakistan has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison in the high-profile Toshakhana-2 corruption case.

The verdict, delivered on Saturday at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, marks another dramatic turn in the ongoing legal battles facing the ex-premier and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

The sentencing was handed down by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand. Both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The court also imposed a fine of 16.4 million Pakistani Rupees on the couple, with additional jail time threatened if the penalty is not paid.

What is the Toshakhana Case?  

The case centers on Pakistan’s Toshakhana—a state treasury where gifts received by public officials from foreign dignitaries must be deposited. By law, these items belong to the state, not the individual.

The charges allege that Imran Khan illegally retained and undervalued expensive gifts received during his tenure as PM (2018-2022), most notably a luxury Bulgari jewelry set gifted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in May 2021.

The Breakdown of the Sentence  

The 17-year sentence is bifurcated:

10 years under Section 409 for criminal breach of trust.

7 years under Section 5(2)47 for criminal misconduct by a public servant.

Bushra Bibi was sentenced under the same provisions. This verdict is separate from other ongoing cases against Khan, including those involving state secrets and an unlawful marriage allegation.

The Controversial Gifts at the Heart of the Scandal  

Investigations revealed Imran Khan received 108 gifts while in office. Key items cited in proceedings include:

A Graff wristwatch worth approximately Rs. 8.5 crore.

Seven Rolex watches valued around Rs. 15 crore.

Expensive cufflinks, rings, and pens from foreign leaders.

A Case with Deep Political Repercussions  

This sentencing intensifies the political crisis in Pakistan. Imran Khan’s PTI party has consistently denounced all charges as a “politically motivated” attempt to eliminate him from the country’s political landscape. Legal analysts suggest the rapid succession of verdicts—coming ahead of general elections—points to a concerted effort to sideline the former cricket star turned populist leader.

The case gained traction due to a reported misstep involving Khan’s wife. As per reports, the gold and diamond watch from the Saudi Crown Prince was gifted to Bushra Bibi, who then tasked aides to sell it. The jeweler’s inquiry to the manufacturer allegedly triggered a chain reaction that led back to Saudi officials and ultimately exposed the alleged corruption.

Why This Matters Now  

The verdict solidifies Imran Khan’s status as a jailed opposition leader and casts a long shadow over Pakistan’s already turbulent democratic process. It raises immediate questions about electoral fairness, the role of the judiciary, and the future of the country’s most potent political movement. With Khan barred from office and facing decades in prison, Pakistan’s path forward appears more fractured and uncertain than ever.