Museum revives Lyallpur's colonial-era history

Recreated 1896 office of first colonisation officer Captain Popham Young The Lyallpur Museum has recreated the office of Captain Popham Young, the first colonisation officer of Tehsil Lyallpur, as part of an initiative to preserve the city's historical heritage and familiarise younger generations with its administrative, social and economic evolution. The historical corner, established in the museum's first gallery, was inaugurated by Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne and Faisalabad Commissioner Imran Hamid Sheikh. Officers of the divisional and district administrations were also present.The high commissioner and his team were briefed on the renovation and design of the recreated office, which features official items associated with the period, including an old photocopier, calculator and other objects reflecting the administrative environment of the late 19th century. Senevirathne appreciated the initiative, describing it as an important step towards reviving the pre-partition history of the subcontinent and sensitising future generations to the region's rich historical background. He also expressed a desire to revisit the museum for a more detailed tour. On the occasion, the commissioner presented the high commissioner with a model of Faisalabad's historic Clock Tower. Speaking to the media, Sheikh said the initiative was significant in reconnecting residents with the history, culture and heritage of their city. He said Tehsil Lyallpur was established in 1896, while Lyallpur was granted district status in 1904. Before becoming a district, the area had been part of Jhang District and had developed as an administrative centre during the British colonial period. He said Captain Popham Young, the first colonisation and settlement officer, was associated with the early development of Lyallpur, while Sir Ganga Ram also contributed to its urban planning. The original plan included the Clock Tower, eight bazaars and surrounding residential areas. The commissioner said the recreated office aimed to give visitors an insight into the administrative system of the time. He invited residents to visit the gallery, adding that the setting had been designed to give them a sense of stepping back into 1896. Lyallpur Museum Coordinator Shahnaz Mehmood said four historical maps of the city had previously been displayed in the first gallery.