LAHORE – Col Gaddafi’s statement against Pakistan has started a debate over internet, blogs and social websites on changing the name of Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, which had hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup final in 1996.
Many people are voicing their opinion to change the name of the stadium as a result of the Libyan leader’s statement against Pakistan.
They say that an ‘iconic’ stadium, which had represented Pakistan on many occasions, should not be named after someone who had offended them by his statements.
They maintain that Gaddafi is a ‘killer’ and a ‘suppressor of voice and opinion’.Individuals maintain on public forums that Gaddafi is having a ‘tough time’ in managing his country and is witnessing last moments of his power. They argue that the stadium should not be named after a ‘killer’ and a ‘dictator’.
On the other hand, a fair amount of individuals disagree on changing the name. They argue that names of monuments and landmarks signify historic moments and not individual personality therefore changing current affairs should not affect them. Moeed Pirzada, a TV anchor, said that hatred for colonial rule could not justify changing Abbottabad’s name.
The names of The Mall, Lawrence Garden, Kinniard College and Gordon College are all integral parts of the happening and unfolding history and Gaddafi Stadium also reminds of important moments related to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Pan-Islamism era, he said.
The stadium was constructed in the late 50’s and was originally named as Lahore Stadium but later it was named after Gaddafi in 1974 when the Libyan leader visited Pakistan during Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s regime.
