he ubiquity of love for Lahore transcends ethnic, linguistic and professional boundaries. This sentiment is vividly captured in the book Lahore: Places, People, Stories, authored by Dr Aamir Butt, a UK-based dermatologist who served the UK National Health Service for nearly a quarter of a century before his retirement in 2022. Despite spending many years abroad, Dr Butt’s affection for Lahore remains unwavering.

In his 280-page book, Dr Butt explores various facets of the city, including its significant locations, anecdotes and personalities. He begins by expressing his deep emotional connection with Lahore, a bond that has endured even after moving to Rawalpindi at 18. For Dr Butt, Lahore epitomises the essence of Pakistan, a theme he weaves throughout his narrative.

The book comprises 58 short essays, each offering a glimpse into different aspects of modern Lahore. This format makes the book particularly accessible, catering to contemporary readers whose attention spans may be limited in the age of social media and artificial intelligence. The concise pieces allow readers to engage with the content without feeling overwhelmed, making it an ideal read for those navigating the post-modern world. It seems fitting to suggest that the book could be reimagined as an illustrated history of Lahore by incorporating portraits and pictures of the central places and personalities featured in its themes. Transforming the book in this way would involve using high-quality art paper to enhance the visual experience for readers. Naturally, this endeavour would require a financial investment.

As I delved into the book, I felt as though I was wandering through Lahore’s old streets, alleys and neighbourhoods, from the grave of Gen Allard to Anarkali and then to Bradlaugh Hall. This journey was far from solitary; the evocative Urdu poetry of Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Habib Jalib, along with the rich history of Lahore, served as my companions. The book succinctly conveys the author’s deep love for Urdu poetry, which is interspersed throughout its pages. It also highlights the contributions of legendary singer Muhammad Rafi, who began his career in Lahore, and musical maestro Khwaja Khurshid Anwar. Additionally, the currently relevant Heera Mandi, which has gained renewed attention due to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix series of the same name, is discussed. Including iconic singers such as Kundan Lal Sehgal, Ustad Baray Ghulam Ali Khan and Noor Jehan would have significantly enriched the volume, adding substantial value and depth. Their legendary contributions to music and their lasting influence on the cultural heritage of the region would have provided readers with a more comprehensive understanding of Lahore’s vibrant artistic legacy.

The book’s themes are presented in a non-sequential manner, creating a tapestry of historical and cultural references. Sir Ganga Ram, an eminent engineer hailed as a benefactor of 20th-Century Lahore, is introduced before Malik Ayaz, the governor of Lahore appointed by Mahmud of Ghazni in the 10th and 11th Centuries. The book also refers to an Indian cricketer as the swashbuckler of Lahore, although I believe Fazl Mahmood, a contemporary of Lala Amarnath, more fittingly deserves this title. I am pleased that the author has dedicated space to Masjid Wazir Khan, which Lockwood Kipling famously called the “jewel of Lahore.” However, the adage concerning Masjid Wazir Khan, as noted by Dr Butt in the book, seems to have been altered. The original saying goes, “One who has not seen Lahore has yet to be born.”

In Lahore: Places, People, Stories, Dr Butt successfully captures the spirit of Lahore, presenting it as a vibrant microcosm of Pakistan. His personal anecdotes and reflections bring the city to life, offering readers a heartfelt and intimate portrayal of a place that continues to inspire love and nostalgia across generations and geographies. Lastly, I must commend the remarkable effort of the publishers, AKS, who have done a marvelous job. There is a perception that publishing an English book is not the forte of our local publishing houses. The book under review should dispel this notion on account of its exceptional quality and professionalism. The dedication and expertise of AKS have ensured that this volume stands out as a noteworthy achievement in local publishing.

Lahore

Places, People, Stories

Author: Dr Aamir Butt

Publisher: AKS

Publications

Pages: 280

Price: Rs 1,500

The reviewer is a professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts at the Beaconhouse National University, Lahore