What’s in a name?

This refers to the article, ‘Alone with one’s prejudices’ (January 1) by Ayaz Amir. The writer has rightly asserted that “to go beyond these hallowed names is to stray into subversive and potentially dangerous territory”.

I noticed that underpasses along the canal in Lahore have been named after famous personalities instead of the locality where a driver is proceeding to. For instance it would have been more practical if an underpass had been named as the Jail Road underpass instead of identifying it with a celebrity. The people of Lahore still refer to Davis Road or the Mall instead of the changed names. The best way to give respect to national heroes is to follow their teachings. Names of airports, universities and roads should indicate the locality where they are situated or their geographical significance.

Dr Najeeb A Khan

Islamabad