- Says leader of a certain political group behind ‘propaganda’
Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has dismissed the reports about proposed demolition of Chauburji – one of the most famous monuments of the Mughal era – for Orange Line Metro Train project as ‘baseless’.
“I am seeing a lot of rumors circulating about proposed demolishing of some historical places for Orange Line Metro Train. I would officially like to declare such rumors as baseless and part of propaganda,” Sharif remarked in a statement released on Monday.
The chief minister pointed out that even before initiating this project, “it was our principled decision not to harm any historical place, including Chauburji, General Post Office (GPO) and St Andrews Church”.
Sharif said he personally presided over a number of meetings to ensure that all such landmarks were protected and preserved in their actual condition, since they defined the culture and heritage of Lahore.
He blamed the leader of a certain political group for the rumours, adding, “I believe that national leaders must confirm facts before spreading a word because they influence and shape public opinion.”
“We all must act responsibly as honorable citizens of Pakistan,” Sharif went on to say.
Under the Antiquities Act, 1975, no development schemes and new constructions can be undertaken near a heritage site, unless a distance of 200 hundred feet is maintained.