FAISALABAD, Nov 18: One cannot change history by changing a name, says British High Commissioner to Pakistan Mark Grant Lyall about Faisalabad, which was founded by Sir James Lyall, a cousin of his grandfather, lieutenant-governor of the Punjab in 1885.

“Had the city been named after a Pakistani who had rendered valuable services for the country, it would have been logical. I fail to understand the logic of naming the city after a foreign king, who has not contributed a single penny to the uplift of this city,” he regretted.

Talking to Dawn during his visit to Faisalabad a few weeks ago, Mr Lyall said he had already visited the city about 20 years ago, and witnessed a lot of changes especially in urban life-style, status of entrepreneurs, industries, and substantial increase in export-based business, extraordinary influx of population and its haphazard growth in deviation of its original plan. He also felt sorry for lost beauty of the city and its multifarious problems.

“My grandfather had served here and spent a good time, and we feel proud that this city was named in recognition of services of my grandfather, Sir James Lyall,” he recalled.

However, he was far more elated when he observed that the city’s architectural design, which was laid on the pattern of the union-jack, was still intact.

“I visited the Clock Tower and was surprised to find this historical place well-preserved, without any damage, and reflecting a landmark of the clear-hearted Britishers, who believed in equal rights for their colonies.

He also praised the preservation of the Qaiseri Gate and Tomb (Gumti) outside Rail Bazaar, whose fountains are still operative and intact.

The Qaiseri Gate, which was developed in 1896, somehow gave an ugly look due to haphazard installation of electric poles and wires exactly in front of it.