Pak building to house Bhagat Singh Gallery

Bhagat Singh Gallery shall be developed in the historic building of Poonch House maintained by the Department of Industries in Lahore, capital of Punjab province in Pakistan.

The decision has been welcomed by Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi, chairman, Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation Pakistan, who has been making untiring efforts to get this proposal approved.

Poonch House was a residential building, which was constructed in 1849 for Lord Lawrence, who was the commander of Sikh forces during the tenure of the last Sikh ruler of Punjab Maharaja Duleep Singh.

After Lord Lawrence, Poonch House was under the use of Charles Boulnois, Bar-at-law, who was the son of late William Boulnois. He served as a Barrister at Chief Court. Then, it became a residency of Chief Justice Sir Meredyth Plowden.

The total area of the building is 199 sq ft. According to the records of the Revenue Department, Poonch House land was the property of Raja Jagat Singh. In 1962, this building was handed over to the Federal Government of Pakistan.

Qureshi informed The Tribune that a decision in principle has been taken by the Department of Industries to develop the Bhagat Singh Heritage Gallery in Poonch House. This will bring awareness about Bhagat Singh’s school, family tree, life history and stay in Lahore prison.