Lahore, June 16, 2026 — The Joint Action Committee for People’s Rights (JAC) has strongly condemned the forcible takeover of the historic Ewing Hall by government authorities, describing the move as a violation of a longstanding lease agreement and a threat to Lahore’s educational heritage.
In a press statement issued in Lahore on Tuesday, JAC expressed deep concern over the government’s action, noting that Ewing Hall has remained an integral part of Forman Christian College University (FCCU) since 1916 under a lease agreement that remains valid until 2048. The committee urged the Punjab Government to honor its legal commitments and immediately restore possession of the building to FCCU.
Located near Nila Gumbad, Ewing Hall was constructed in 1916 and named after former FCC principal Dr. J.C.R. Ewing. Over the decades, it has served as a residence for students of both Forman Christian College and King Edward Medical College, becoming a symbol of educational excellence, diversity, and interfaith harmony.
JAC acknowledged the Punjab Government’s assurance that the building would be preserved and not demolished. However, it stressed that true preservation involves more than maintaining the physical structure. According to the committee, heritage buildings retain their significance when they continue to serve the educational and social purposes for which they were established.
The committee further noted that FCCU’s temporary suspension of hostel operations at Ewing Hall in 2018 was solely due to student safety concerns and was followed by technical assessments and restoration planning. It argued that this temporary closure should not be used as grounds for depriving FCCU of its historic rights.
Calling for transparency and dialogue, JAC urged the Punjab Government to halt further action and engage with all stakeholders. The committee emphasized that Ewing Hall should be restored and reactivated as a student residence and educational space, ensuring that its historic legacy continues to benefit future generations.
The statement was issued by the Convener of the Joint Action Committee for People’s Rights (JAC) on June 16, 2026.
