LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif on Friday reopened Lahore’s iconic Pak Tea House after 13 years of closure.

The historic tea stall is known as meeting place for intellectuals, poets, writers and artists.

A large number of noted writers and literary figures were present on the occasion.

Nawaz Sharif said he feels immensely proud while reopening Pak Tea House as writers and thinkers serve the nation selflessly. He promised to visit the place again and again to learn from the cultural icons.

Eminent writer Ataul Haq Qasmi said after the closure of Pak Tea House the intellectuals lost a meeting point. But, now the Tea House has been reopened for consultation on all national issues, he added.

Originally set up as the India Tea House by a Sikh family in 1940, the café acquired its current name when, after Partition, it was leased to one Sirajuddin. Situated off The Mall (now Sharae Quaid-e-Azam) near Anarkali bazaar, it holds a special place in the memories of those who know about Lahore’s vibrant literary and cultural past.