Pakistan’s Punjab province government has decided to halt the demolition of a century-old university hostel, Ewing Hall, following criticism from various groups. The hostel, dating back to 1916 and associated with Forman Christian College University (FCCU) in Lahore, faced controversy over ownership, heritage preservation, and minority rights. FCCU Rector Jonathan Addleton expressed disappointment over the government’s action in forcibly taking over the building on June 11.
Ewing Hall, named after a prominent figure in FCCU’s history, has been a significant part of the Christian institution founded in 1864. The Punjab provincial government’s move to requisition the building led to the eviction of FCCU security staff and residents. Reverend Reuben Qamar of the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan criticized the government’s actions, calling it a “hostile takeover” of the historic hostel.
Amid mounting criticism, the Lahore Heritage Areas Revival Board assured that Ewing Hall would not be demolished but instead preserved and restored. The controversy has also reignited discussions on the status of church-owned educational institutions that were nationalized in Pakistan during the 1970s.
