Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has embarked on a new chapter, appointed as patron-in-chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR) under the Punjab government led by his daughter, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The Punjab administration formalized the role this week, tasking the three-time ex-premier with overseeing the restoration of Lahore’s colonial-era buildings and historical landmarks.

The move marks a shift for Nawaz, who has largely stayed out of the political spotlight since his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) faced a setback in the 2024 elections. Returning from London in 2023 with ambitions of a fourth premiership, he was sidelined when the military establishment favored his brother, Shehbaz Sharif, as prime minister. Now, Nawaz steps into a cultural stewardship role, focusing on reviving the old city of Lahore, a mission he calls a “national duty.” “Old Lahore is incredibly beautiful and must be restored to its original form,” he said, directing the Walled City Authority to draft a comprehensive restoration plan.

The appointment drew sharp jabs from the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by jailed ex-premier Imran Khan. PTI senior leader Shaukat Basra mocked Nawaz’s new “job,” suggesting it keeps the “retired politician” busy after his party’s electoral loss, which PTI claims was rigged to favor PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party. “Maryam gave him some work to do—restoring old buildings suits his health,” Basra quipped, adding that Nawaz would now be “seen monitoring the walled city’s relics.”

LAHR aims to preserve over 100 classified heritage sites, including 48 of 75 colonial-era structures already under restoration. Nawaz’s role, while symbolic, underscores his enduring influence in Punjab, even as political rivals frame it as a consolation amid his family’s grip on power.