Lahore Gymkhana Club’s Rs5,000 annual land lease under scrutiny in Punjab Assembly

A special committee of the Punjab Assembly is set to examine Lahore Gymkhana Club’s reported annual land lease of just Rs5,000 along with questions about the agreement’s renewal and construction beyond the approved building plan.

A special committee of the Punjab Assembly is set to examine Lahore Gymkhana Club’s reported annual land lease of just Rs5,000 along with questions about the agreement’s renewal and construction beyond the approved building plan.

The issue has drawn attention to the use of valuable public land and whether the provincial government receives an appropriate return from the property.

A special committee of the Punjab Assembly is examining the lease arrangements for Lahore Gymkhana Club after lawmakers raised concerns about the rent reportedly being paid for more than 1,100 kanals of prime land in Lahore.

According to the supplied report, the club’s annual lease payment stands at Rs5,000 equivalent to approximately Rs417 per month. The reported amount has prompted questions about whether the agreement reflects the current value of land situated around Mall Road and Upper Mall.

The matter was raised by treasury lawmakers, including Amjad Ali Javed, Ahmad Iqbal Chaudhry and Syed Zulfiqar Shah who called for a review of the lease terms and their financial implications for the provincial government.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan subsequently formed a special committee headed by MPA Samiullah Khan to examine the agreement. Its reported responsibilities include reviewing the original lease determining when it was last renewed, assessing the land’s present market value and investigating possible breaches of the approved construction plan.

Questions over lease payments and construction

The report claims the annual rent was established decades ago and has not been revised in line with changing property values. It also cites an estimate that the land could generate at least Rs1 crore annually under revised lease terms. However, the valuation and proposed rent would need to be established through an official assessment.

The committee has also reportedly been informed that some construction at the club may extend beyond the area permitted under the approved building plan. If confirmed the matter could raise questions about compliance with applicable development regulations and the terms of the lease.

Lahore Gymkhana is a private members’ club known for its sporting and recreational facilities, including golf, swimming, tennis and dining. Its use of valuable land has renewed debate over access to public assets and the financial terms under which such properties are leased.

Critics cited in the report have called for greater transparency, suggesting that the lease should be reassessed against market rates. Some have also argued that authorities should examine whether any unauthorised construction requires corrective action.

What happens next?

The committee is expected to review the available records and may seek explanations from relevant revenue authorities, the Lahore Development Authority and club management. Possible recommendations could include revising the lease reviewing construction approvals or taking further action if violations are established.

No final decision on the lease or alleged construction violations is confirmed in the supplied material. The committee’s findings and any subsequent government action will determine whether the existing arrangement is changed.