International Lyallpur History Conference concludes

FAISALABAD: The International Lyallpur History Conference concluded after two days of insightful discussions and presentations. The opening session on the second day focused on the theme “Diversity of Methodologies in Understanding Regional History.”

Professor Dr Pashura Singh from the University of California chaired the session and emphasized the importance of studying regional history free from biases to enhance the cultural and historical significance of the region.

Yaqoob Bangash from the Information Technology University, Lahore, highlighted the distinction between the research of a historian and social media accounts, stressing the need for impartiality in historical writing. However, he noted that every country has its unique history, influenced by inherent biases.

Pervez Vandal from the National College of Arts, Lahore, discussed the declining public trust in official narratives in Pakistan, referencing KK Aziz’s work on the discrepancies between official and actual history. He expressed the hope that the conference would inspire people to explore and document the history of their own cities.

Dr Pippa Virdee from De Montfort University, UK, pointed out that regional history is crucial for a deeper understanding of any region and its people.

The first session of the second day, titled “From Glory to Modernity: Historical Narratives and Key Personalities of Lyallpur,” was chaired by Prof Dr Abdul Qadir Mushtaq from GC University. He noted the persistent differences between official and popular narratives and the academic disagreements on defining these narratives.

Prof Dr Iqbal Chawla from the University of Punjab discussed how history is often written about heroes, citing Bhagat Singh as a significant figure in Lyallpur’s history, who immortalised his name despite being hanged at the age of 23. Dr Samar Majeed from the University of Education, Lahore, emphasised the historical significance of Jaranwala, noting that it has been underrepresented in historical documentation.

Dr Naila Parvez from Habib University, Karachi, discussed the division of history between the powerful and the powerless, noting that women, especially those from lower classes, have historically faced the most discrimination. She also presented selections from Sufi poetry highlighting the plight of marginalised women.

Dr Philipp Zehmisch from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, explained how narratives change depending on time, place and human relationships, using Bhagat Singh as an example who is remembered differently by various groups in India and Pakistan.

Dr Shahid Zaheer from the National Textile University, Faisalabad, spoke about the local unpopularity of textile industry brands, noting that women in Faisalabad often consider purchasing clothes from Lahore a sign of superior social status.

The second session focused on “Social Dynamics and Climate Challenges in Punjab.” Prof Dr Mehboob Hussain from the University of Punjab, Lahore, chaired the session, emphasising how the division of Punjab has exacerbated the region’s social dynamics and climate challenges. Anne Castaing from the Centre for South Asian and Himalayan Studies, France, discussed the mass displacement during the 1947 partition, comparing refugee camps in Pakistan and India. She mentioned that the Kingsway Refugee Camp in India was the largest, housing 500,000 refugees.

Dr Muhammad Irfan from GC University, Faisalabad, spoke on the environmental and demographic impact of the canal colonies, which were established to meet Britain’s agricultural production and raw material needs, leading to the allocation of agricultural land to approximately 1.5 million farmers. He pointed out that the agricultural development in the eight districts of the Chenab River colony outpaced other districts in Punjab, but the environmental impacts led to various diseases, affecting up to 75 percent of the population in some villages.

Fakiha Islam from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, presented a paper on the issues and struggles of minorities, highlighting the significant role of the Christian population in Lyallpur in fighting for minority rights. Muhammad Safdar from the Islamia University of Bahawalpur discussed the political, business, and religious influences that led to the renaming of Lyallpur, including funding from Saudi Arabia.

The third session focused on “Cultural and Regional Evolution of Lyallpur and Literary Politics,” chaired by Dr Robina Yasmin from the Islamia University of Bahawalpur. She noted the visible effects of industrialisation on Lyallpur’s cultural landscape. Dr Manzoor Ali Vasero from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, presented a paper on the impact of the Heer Ranjha tale on Sindh’s Sufi poetry, noting that its translation from Punjabi to Sindhi was not just a linguistic transfer but also a cultural one. Dr Sameer Akbar from GC University, Faisalabad, presented on the life and religious teachings of Sufi Barkat Ali, while Aliya Hadi Ali from the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design, Lahore, presented a paper on women’s clothing preserved in the Lyallpur Museum. The fourth session, titled “Heritage and Urban Regeneration: Exploring Architectural Narratives in Lyallpur,” was chaired by Prof Rizwanullah Kokab from GC University, Faisalabad. Pervez Vandal from the Institute of Arts and Culture discussed the unique urban planning of the Indus Civilisation, which was never involved in warfare, and how British colonial architecture introduced new architectural styles in the region that have become part of Pakistan’s architectural narrative.

Muhammad Abdullah from GC University, Faisalabad, highlighted the urgent need to preserve Faisalabad’s historical landmarks, such as the Clock Tower, Singh Sabha Gurdwara, and the Railway Station, which are threatened by encroachments, pollution, and commercialization. Manak Mustafa Shar from the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, discussed how Lyallpur’s urban design reflects the Union Jack and how the British introduced a new architectural style that is now integral to Pakistan’s architectural identity. Ramisha Khan from the University of Management and Technology, Lahore, presented a paper on the post-establishment phases of People’s Colony D Ground, suggesting that addressing issues like encroachments, traffic, and parking could revitalise the area as a central business and residential hub. Ateeqa Sheikh from Beaconhouse National University discussed the rapid population growth in Lyallpur following the establishment of Pakistan and its lasting impact on social interactions.