Controversy Surrounds Punjab Government's Takeover of Ewing Hall in Lahore

The Punjab government's recent takeover of Ewing Hall, a historical building linked to Forman Christian College University (FCCU) in Lahore, has drawn strong opposition from the university, heritage conservationists, and human rights organizations. Protesters have voiced concerns over what they describe as a forcible acquisition and potential demolition of the century-old structure, urging the government to reconsider its actions and engage in comprehensive consultations with all relevant parties.

Dr. Jonathan Addleton, Rector of FCCU, stated that the university witnessed the takeover with "mounting concern." He noted that Ewing Hall has been part of the institution's historic campus for decades, with the initial lease signed in 1915 and subsequently renewed multiple times, most recently extending into the 2040s. According to Dr. Addleton, university officials were informed by telephone one day and allegedly given a 24-hour deadline the next to remove generators, furniture, and historical artifacts, a timeframe he deemed impossible. He expressed fears that the building could be demolished and highlighted FCCU's offer to collaborate on preserving the hall and its cultural heritage, emphasizing the need to involve stakeholders, including Pakistan's minority communities.

Conversely, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari refuted the allegations, stating that the lease for Ewing Hall had expired and was not renewed for many years. She further alleged that the lessee had failed to pay outstanding dues since 1975. The minister indicated that the property was reclaimed as part of efforts to revitalize historic buildings under the Lahore Heritage Area Revival Project. Government documents provided by the minister claim outstanding lease rent amounts to Rs107.79 million, with Rs29.19 million owed from 1975 to 2018 and Rs78.59 million from 2018 to 2026. The documents also allege that the land, leased exclusively for educational purposes, had not been used for that purpose since 2015.

The Lahore Conservation Society Collective has issued an appeal to the Punjab government to reconsider any plans for acquisition, demolition, or irreversible alteration of Ewing Hall, identifying it as a protected heritage building under the Punjab Special Premises (Preservation) Ordinance, 1985. The collective supports government efforts to revitalize Lahore's cultural heritage but stressed that development should adhere to international conservation principles focused on restoration and adaptive reuse. They proposed a "Heritage and Interfaith Harmony Corridor" for the Neela Gumbad-Anarkali precincts and called for a comprehensive heritage impact assessment before any actions are taken, involving historians, architects, and local communities. Concerns were heightened by the recent demolition of Mayo Hospital’s historic ENT Department building.

Separately, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressed deep concern over reports of the alleged forcible takeover, questioning transparency, due process, and the stewardship of shared heritage. The commission stressed that the physical integrity of Ewing Hall must be protected. The Punjab University Academic Staff Association also lent its support, with its president, Prof Dr Amjad Abbas Khan Magsi, describing Ewing Hall as a vital part of Lahore’s educational, cultural, and historical memory.

According to Dawn Pakistan, the events unfolded leading up to June 14th, 2026.