Ewing Hall dispute intensifies as government denies demolition claims

The Lahore Heritage Areas Revival Board has denied reports that Ewing Hall near Neela Gumbad would be demolished after the government took control of the property, stating it will be preserved and restored. The Forman Christian College University claims it was unfairly asked to pay rent from 1975 to 2003 when the college was nationalized. Activists and alumni raised concerns about the government's repossession of Ewing Hall, fearing it could harm the college's historical legacy. The Punjab government claims the lease expired and that significant unpaid rent remains. The LHAR Board clarified that the building was leased in 1915 for a student hostel and has been unused since 2015. It stated that Rs107m in unpaid rent remains despite repeated notices. A legal process was followed, including a show-cause notice in March 2026 and hearings with the FCCU and Higher Education Department. An order was issued on April 27, 2026, resuming the land to the government. The LHAR Board denied any plans to demolish Ewing Hall, emphasizing heritage conservation efforts. They stated the action was about legal and heritage issues, not targeting any specific institution.

The dispute highlights tensions between heritage preservation and institutional rights over historical properties.