Pakistani Followers Honor Bhagat Singh's Legacy on 95th Martyrdom Day in Lahore
In a poignant display of historical remembrance, the voices chanting 'Long Live Memory of Bhagat Singh' resonated across boundaries as Pakistani followers of the iconic freedom fighter observed the 95th martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev. The solemn ceremony took place at Shadman Chowk in Lahore on Monday, transcending national divides to honor shared heritage.
Historical Significance of Shadman Chowk
The location holds profound historical weight, as Shadman Chowk was once part of Lahore Central Jail where Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were executed on March 23, 1931. During the commemoration, candles were lit in tribute to these freedom fighters of undivided India, symbolizing the enduring light of their sacrifice.
Imtiaz Rashid Qureshi's Advocacy for Recognition
Imtiaz Rashid Qureshi, chairperson of the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation, emphasized the sub-continent's collective memory of the martyrs' sacrifices. He asserted, "We too have every right over the memory of Bhagat Singh, as the freedom fighter was not only born in Pakistan's Faislabad village but spent most of his short yet meaningful life in Lahore. Bhagat Singh was an icon of struggle for freedom, and nobody has the right to snatch our rich heritage."
Qureshi highlighted his past efforts to rename Shadman Chowk after Bhagat Singh through a petition filed in the Lahore High Court, though it was ultimately rejected and dismissed. He further noted that Pakistan's founder, Quaid-i-Azam, had praised Bhagat Singh in the Delhi Assembly on September 4, 1929, underscoring the historical acknowledgment within Pakistan's own narrative.
Call for Official Recognition in Pakistan
The event underscored a growing movement among Pakistani followers to have Bhagat Singh officially recognized as a freedom fighter in Pakistan. This push reflects a broader desire to reclaim and celebrate shared historical figures from the pre-partition era, fostering a sense of common heritage across borders.
As tributes were paid and memories revived, the observance at Shadman Chowk served as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Bhagat Singh and his comrades, whose ideals continue to inspire beyond geographical and political boundaries.
