Controversy Erupts Over Renaming of Lahore's Shadman Chowk

Lahore's plan to rename Shadman Chowk after freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and install his statue has been halted. Retired military official's opinion influenced the decision, terming Singh a criminal. The Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation contests the allegations, planning legal actions for defaming the freedom fighter.

The Lahore city district government's proposal to rename Shadman Chowk after Bhagat Singh has been shelved following advice from retired military official Tariq Majeed. This decision was disclosed in a submission to the Lahore High Court (LHC) by Assistant Advocate General Asghar Leghari.

Majeed's observations described Singh, a significant historical figure, as a 'criminal' and 'terrorist,' attributing to him the killing of a British police officer. Consequently, he recommended against honoring Singh by renaming the chowk or installing his statue.

The plan's cancellation has spurred legal challenges from the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation. The foundation's chairman, Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi, rejects the military officer's viewpoints and intends to pursue legal action against those defaming Singh, a revered revolutionary in history.

(With inputs from agencies.)