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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.
