THIS is apropos of the letter ‘Renaming Qadhafi Stadium’ (Feb 9) by Fawad Hashmey.

He is of the view that time has now come to change the name of the stadium itself as the road around the stadium is being renamed.

To revere renowned personalities this way is appreciated but renaming Qadhafi Stadium for the mere reason that now he is nowhere would be illogical.

Whether he was removed by his own people is something else. His persistent role as a dictator in Libya should not become a reason to change historical facts and his role in world relations during his time.

The Islamic Summit, 1974, was not an ordinary event in international politics, especially in the context of re-determining the balance of power between the Muslim world and the West.

The role of Lybian, Egyptian, Saudi, and other Arab leaders like Arafat during that phase can never be ignored.

The stature of Pakistan in that summit and the friendly gesture for Pakistan given by various leaders, particularly on the part of Qadhafi, are of paramount importance while defining state integrity and respect for the people of Pakistan.

It is true that cricket is played in Qadhafi Stadium while Qadhafi was a political leader, but this association is of course reminiscent of an era.

If we go on rationalising this way and keep on changing names of roads and places, and associated memories along with changing circumstances, then days will come when we would be ready to change the names of Quaid- i-Azam Library, Allama Iqbal Airport, Shalimar Bagh, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Badshahi Mosque and even Jehangir's Tomb.

Then let’s take the lead and rename Faisal Mosque after the name of Maulana Fazalur Rehman, appreciating him during his life.

MANSAB ALI JASRA Lahore