Debate Over Renaming Karachi's Historic Sites
Recently, a letter to the editor in a newspaper proposed restoring historical names of places in Karachi, starting with changing Liaquatabad back to Lalukhet. The author of this article notes that while he would support such a move, he fears it could trigger an ethnic riot in the city. He strongly believes that historical names of places, roads, and monuments should never be altered.
Opposition to Renaming Major Roads
The author opposes renaming Bunder Road to MA Jinnah Road, McLeod Road to I Chundrigar Road, and Drigh Road to Shahrah-e-Faisal. He argues that Bunder Road was a natural and appropriate name for a road leading to the seaport. While he acknowledges that building a new airport terminal and naming it Jinnah Terminal is a suitable way to honor the Father of the Nation, changing an established road name is not appropriate. He points out that despite the official name change, most people in Karachi still refer to it as Bunder Road.
Preserving British-Era Names as History
Regarding British-era names like McLeod Road, Queens Road, and Victoria Road, the author argues that the British ruled for over two hundred years, and their rule is part of the region's history. He contends that removing these names would erase an important chapter of the past and create a vacuum. A mature nation, he says, learns from its history, including periods of subjugation, and should not attempt to conceal them.
The Danger of Selective Historical Erasure
The author highlights the subjective nature of labeling occupiers versus conquerors, noting that Pakistani Muslims view Muslim rulers as just and tolerant, while in BJP's India, Muslim conquerors are seen as occupiers. He points out the inconsistency: while Pakistanis remove British-era names, Indians are changing both British-era and Muslim-era names to resurrect ancient Hindu names, such as changing Allahabad to Prayagraj. He argues that once the process of renaming starts, it never ends, leading to endless disputes.
A Call for New Monuments Instead of Renaming
The author concludes by advocating for retaining historical and established names of places, roads, and monuments. Instead of renaming existing sites, he suggests building new places, roads, and monuments to honor heroes. This approach, he believes, avoids conflict and preserves the historical record for future generations.
