Lahore Gymkhana elections end in historic tie as two panels split 6-6

LAHORE: In an unprecedented outcome, the annual elections of the Lahore Gymkhana’s Committee of Management (COM) concluded in a historic deadlock, with two rival panels securing six seats each in the 12-member body. The result sets the stage for intense negotiations and political maneuvering ahead of the election for the club’s chairman.

For the first time in the club’s history, two competing groups have emerged with an equal mandate, reflecting a sharply divided membership.

High turnout, tight contest

The closely fought election saw 39 candidates from three panels contesting. Out of approximately 5,500 members, 3,158 voters cast their ballots — a significant turnout that underscored heightened interest in the club’s governance.

The Salman Siddique–Mian Misbah group, which had swept last year’s polls, managed to retain six seats, while the rival Monopoly Breaker panel, led by Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera, matched them seat for seat.

Notably, the Reformer panel led by Qamar Khan (Bobby) failed to secure even a single seat, despite fielding a full slate of 12 candidates.

Top performers

Dr Ali Razaque of the Monopoly Breaker panel emerged as the top vote-getter for the fourth consecutive year, securing 1,772 votes — reaffirming his strong personal following within the club.

He was followed by:

• Salman Siddique – 1,733 votes

• Mian Misbahur Rehman – 1,700 votes

• Wajid Aziz Khan – 1,693 votes

• Kamran Lashari – 1,637 votes

• Sardar Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera – 1,549 votes

• Sarmad Nadeem – 1,536 votes

Other successful candidates included:

• Dr Jawad Sajid (1,328)

• Tasneem Noorani (1,297)

• Mian Parvez Bhandara (1,268)

• Ziaur Rehman Khan (1,220)

• Mrs Samaira Nazir (1,201)

A referendum on performance?

The election was widely viewed as a referendum on the performance of the outgoing Salman–Misbah administration, which had earned public praise from six former chairmen of the club.

In an open letter prior to polling, former COM heads lauded the panel’s financial stewardship, highlighting:

• Operational profit exceeding Rs100 million

• Conversion of a Rs390 million accumulated deficit into a Rs160 million surplus

• Rs60 million reduction in food and beverage losses

• Rs300 million investment income

• Fee relief measures for members, including a 10% reduction in F&B prices

Despite these endorsements, the electorate delivered a split verdict, indicating both appreciation for financial reforms and appetite for alternative leadership.

Chairman’s election looms

With neither panel commanding a majority, the upcoming election for chairman promises to be a high-stakes contest. Intense consultations and strategic alignments are expected in the coming days as both groups attempt to secure the decisive seventh vote.

For now, the Lahore Gymkhana finds itself at a rare crossroads — its leadership hanging in balance after one of the most competitive elections in its history.