Forman Christian College University, activists protest ‘forcible takeover’ of Ewing Hall, fear demolition

Courtesy: FCCU LAHORE: The Forman Christian College University (FCCU), heritage conservationists and human rights activists have raised a voice against the alleged forcible takeover of the Ewing Hall, a historical building associated with the Forman Christian College, by the Punjab government. They urged the government to halt any move that would threaten the century-old structure and engage all stakeholders in a meaningful consultation. In a statement, FCC Rector Dr Jonathan Addleton said the university had witnessed with mounting concern the forcible takeover of Ewing Hall, located in the Anarkali area. He said the building had been a part of the institution’s historic campus for decades, with the initial lease signed in 1915 and subsequently renewed several times, most recently extending into the 2040s. According to Mr Addleton, the university officials were informed by telephone on Wednesday that the building would be taken over the following day. On Thursday, the university was allegedly given 24 hours to remove generators, furniture and historical artifacts from the premises, a deadline he described as impossible to meet. Dr Addleton said that the building could be demolished had further heightened concerns. He noted that the FCC had offered to collaborate on preserving the Ewing Hall and the cultural heritage it represents, stressing that any future decisions should involve all relevant stakeholders, including Pakistan’s minority communities. Govt says lease had expired, FC college had not paid dues since 1975 “Given its historical connections to Forman, the past two days have involved considerable grief and more than a few tears,” he said, urging civil society to raise its voice and calling on the government to reconsider its actions and return the building to the college/university. Conservation, not demolition The Lahore Conservation Society Collective issued a strong appeal to the Punjab government to reconsider any plans involving the acquisition, demoli