LAHORE : The Lahore Conservation Society Collective has urged the Punjab government to abandon any plan involving the acquisition, demolition or irreversible alteration of Ewing Hall, describing the historic structure as a legally protected heritage asset.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the society noted that Ewing Hall is listed under the Punjab Special Premises (Preservation) Ordinance, 1985, and any intervention affecting its structure, character or surroundings must comply with heritage protection laws.
While welcoming the government’s efforts to revitalise Lahore’s cultural heritage, the society stressed that development initiatives should follow internationally recognised conservation principles that favour restoration and adaptive reuse over demolition.
The statement highlighted the historical significance of the Nila Gumbad–Anarkali precinct, describing it as a symbol of Lahore’s shared heritage and interfaith harmony. The area is home to several important landmarks, including Balmiki Mandir, Holy Trinity Church, Nila Gumbad, Mayo Hospital, the original campus of Forman Christian College, Ewing Hall and the Punjab University Old Campus.
According to the society, these institutions collectively reflect Lahore’s evolution as a centre of education, healthcare and cultural diversity.
The society maintained that Ewing Hall is not only architecturally significant but also a protected cultural asset whose preservation is both a legal requirement and a public responsibility. It called for any redevelopment plan to prioritise conservation, restoration and adaptive reuse in line with national heritage laws and international conservation standards.
It further proposed the development of a “Heritage and Interfaith Harmony Corridor” in the Nila Gumbad–Anarkali area to showcase the contributions of Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian and colonial-era institutions to Punjab’s history.
Expressing concern over the recent demolition of the historic ENT Department building at Mayo Hospital, the society warned that the continued loss of heritage structures was eroding Lahore’s architectural legacy. It called for transparent heritage impact assessments and a conservation-led approach to urban renewal.
Meanwhile, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also expressed deep concerns over the reports of the forcible takeover of Ewing Hall, a building of historical, educational, and cultural significance in Lahore long associated with Forman Christian College.
The college authorities allege that they were issued an abrupt deadline by the Punjab government to vacate the premises, without meaningful consultation or adequate opportunity to safeguard historical materials.
