Pakistan’s prestigious private club Lahore Gymkhana Club is again in headlines and it’s the monthly rent of the club founded in 1878 that is less than $2 (Rs500).
The club spreads over 117.03 acres and to everyone’s surprise, the administration pays a mere Rs5,000 per annum as a ‘token rent’ to the provincial government, as per lease deed inked between club and the provincial government of Punjab.
Details shared by a local media network claimed that the lease deed dates back to the mid90s and will be valid till 2050. The lesser-known fact resurfaced as lawmaker of provincial assembly alleged that Lahore Gymkhana was paying Rs417 per month as rent for the vast government land.
Lahore GymKhana Club Monthly Rent
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Following the claim and media reports, Punjab Assembly speaker ordered finance minister to verify this claim. A notice from the office of the additional deputy commissioner to the Club on August 26, 2020, highlighted the non-payment of rent since 2011 and reiterated the lease terms for an area of 1,133 kanals, one marla, and 80 square feet, with an annual rent of Rs5,000.
Last year, Lahore High Court rejected Lahore Gymkhana Club’s appeal against the Punjab Information Commission’s order to disclose details of its leased land and donor records. The leading private club was directed to provide this information.
LHC judge emphasized that the land, leased for 50 years at a nominal fee of Rs5,000 per annum, is situated in one of Lahore’s most valuable areas, and it valued Rs15 billion.
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