Ewing Hall controversy deepens as govt denies reports of demolition
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LAHORE: The Lahore Heritage Areas Revival Board (LHAR) has denied reports that the historical Ewing Hall near Neela Gumbad would be demolished following the government’s takeover of the property, saying the structure would be preserved and restored. On the other hand, the Forman Christian College University (FCCU) issued another statement, saying that it has been unfairly asked to pay rent for the period from 1975 till 2003 when the FC College was nationalised and it was in the government control. It says that it had replied to the show-cause notices properly. The controversy emerged after activists and alumni raised concerns over the government’s repossession of Ewing Hall, arguing that the move could jeopardise an important part of the college’s historical legacy. The Punjab government, however, has maintained that the lease had expired years ago and that substantial dues remained unpaid. The LAHR new statement comes after the Forman Christian College University (FCCU) and activists protested against “forcible takeover” of Ewing Hall from the university and expressed fears that the century-old building could face demolition. FCCU says it didn’t owe rent from 1975 till 2003 when FC College was under govt control In a statement on Sunday, the LHAR Board said it wanted to place “important facts” before the public regarding the controversy. It said the building had originally been leased in 1915 to the FC College for use as a student hostel and had remained vacant and unused for its original educational purpose since 2015. It claimed that outstanding rent, Rs107m, payable to the government remained unpaid despite repeated notices and reminders. The board said the matter underwent a legal process and the Board of Revenue issued a show-cause notice to the lessee in March 2026 and provided an opportunity to all the parties concerned to present their position. Following hearings, involving representatives of the FCCU, and the Higher Education Department, Member (Colonies)