Controversy Over Bhagat Singh Memorial Sparks Debate in Lahore

A Lahore-based foundation criticized the government's decision to cancel a plan renaming Shadman Chowk in honor of Bhagat Singh after a retired military official's negative view. The foundation highlights Singh's historical significance and dismisses accusations against his legacy, stressing his revolutionary contributions to the freedom movement.

A non-profit foundation in Lahore has voiced strong objections against the government's decision to abandon plans to rename Shadman Chowk after renowned freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. The plan, which also included erecting a statue of Singh, was canceled following recommendations from a retired Pakistani military official.

The Metropolitan Corporation of Lahore informed the Lahore High Court that a proposal to honor Singh at Shadman Chowk was scrapped, referencing observations from Commodore (retd.) Tariq Majeed. Majeed's report controversially labeled Singh as a criminal, or by today's standards, a terrorist, citing his assassination of a British police officer.

Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi, Chairman of the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation Pakistan, condemned the report and underscored Singh's revolutionary credentials. He cited Pakistan's founder M.A. Jinnah's praise for Singh, disputing current governmental views. Qureshi affirmed the critical role of Singh's legacy in the freedom movement and rejected any historical misrepresentation.

(With inputs from agencies.)