Lahore High Court’s Decision Against Naming a Square After Bhagat Singh

Labelling Bhagat Singh as a “Terrorist,” Not a “Revolutionary”

Lahore (Pakistan) – The Pakistan government has cancelled its plan to name Shadman Chowk after Bhagat Singh, the prominent revolutionary. Additionally, no statue of Bhagat Singh will be placed in the square. This decision followed a comment by a retired military officer in the Lahore High Court.

In a response submitted to the High Court, the Punjab Provincial Government of Pakistan stated that, by today’s definition, Bhagat Singh is not considered a freedom fighter but rather a terrorist. They referenced his involvement in the killing of a British police officer, for which he was executed along with two of his associates. The influence of religious leaders with anti-Muslim views on Singh was also cited. The government further noted that naming a public place after an atheist and installing a statue would be inappropriate, as Islam forbids idol worship.

Outrageous Decision! 🚫

🏛️📜⚖️Lahore High Court scraps plan to rename a square after revolutionary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, following a report by a retired military official.

Shockingly, the report labeled Bhagat Singh a “terrorist” instead of a revolutionary! 🤯

👉Is… pic.twitter.com/3II000VcK8

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) November 12, 2024

Imtiaz Rashid Qureshi, president of the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation, had filed a contempt petition with the Lahore High Court. Notably, officials of the Bhagat Singh Foundation have been detained, accused of acting against Islamic ideology and Pakistani culture. A call for banning this NGO has also been raised.