Lahore, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited the newly established Jinnah Gallery and the historic Jinnah House, expressing deep sorrow over the vandalism that occurred during the disturbances on May 9, 2023. During her visit, she reviewed the damage inflicted upon these important cultural and historical sites and reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving the nation’s heritage.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the Chief Minister was briefed by Brigadier Retired Dr. Adnan Saleem, Director of the Jinnah Gallery, about the extensive damage to rare photographs and artifacts of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah that occurred during the May 9 attacks. The gallery, which serves to document and celebrate the history of Pakistan’s founding, was established as a response to destructive actions and aims to educate future generations about the legacy of the nation’s founder.

During her visit to the Jinnah House, which was built by Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1943 and later suffered severe fire damage, Chief Minister Sharif inspected the restoration efforts and the impact of the fire. She highlighted the significance of these landmarks not just as memorials but as symbols of national pride and unity. The Chief Minister’s visit included interactions with the families of martyrs and veterans, reflecting on the broader implications of such acts of violence on national morale and unity.

Sharif’s statements during the visit were poignant, emphasizing that the actions taken on May 9 were not only attacks on physical structures but assaults on the sanctity of Pakistan’s historical narrative. She criticized the leniency shown towards the perpetrators and questioned the judiciary’s response to the severity of these crimes. The Chief Minister vowed that such acts of terrorism would not be tolerated and that justice would be served to uphold the dignity of the nation and its heroes.