'Ewing Hall to be conserved'

LHAR reassures alumni, community about reclaimed hostel building

LAHORE:

The Lahore Heritage Areas Revival Board (LHAR) has stated that the heritage structure of the historic Ewing Hall in Anarkali will be preserved in its original form.

Concerns had been raised by the Forman Christian College University alumni, members of the community and civil society groups following a decision to reclaim the building by the Punjab government.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) had also voiced reservations, calling for transparent consultations regarding the future of the building, which is associated with both historical and minority heritage.

In response, the LHAR has stated that the Ewing Hall had been originally leased in 1915 for use as a student hostel.

The building has remained vacant since 2015 and is no longer being used for its intended educational purpose.

According to the board, unpaid rent owed to the government hss accumulated to more than Rs100 million despite repeated reminders and notices.

According to the statement, the Punjab Board of Revenue had issued a show-cause notice in March this year and provided all stakeholders an opportunity to present their positions.

After hearing submissions from the educational institution and the Higher Education Department, the member colonies had ordered the repossession of the property in favour of the provincial government on April 27.

The LHAR maintained that the decision was neither abrupt nor unilateral, but the outcome of a legal process spanning several years.