Lahore:(Yawar Mehdi)The Lahore Gymkhana Club, a cornerstone of Pakistan’s social and administrative heritage, has officially triggered the countdown to its 2026 Committee of Management (COM) elections. Known as a sanctuary for Pakistan’s highest-ranking civil servants and elite, the club is set to witness a formidable electoral contest on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
A Legacy of 148 Years
Founded in 1878 as the “Lahore and Mian Mir Institute,” the Gymkhana is as much a part of the city’s identity as its historical monuments. From its origins in the Lawrence & Montgomery Halls to its current 117-acre expanse on the Upper Mall, the club has preserved the finest traditions of the “Gentlemen’s Club.” Home to the second oldest cricket ground in the subcontinent and a membership that includes the architects of the state, the Gymkhana remains the ultimate symbol of institutional prestige in Pakistan.
“A City Within a City”
A-Z Facilities, managing the Gymkhana is a task of immense scale, as the club offers a comprehensive suite of world class facilities. For the convenience of its members, the club features:
The Residential Wing is existing with 102 guest rooms & suites, providing a premier living experience for visiting members & their guests in the heart of Lahore.
Beyond its 18-hole championship golf course and historic cricket ground, the club houses state-of-the-art swimming pools, temperate controlled, international standard squash and tennis courts, a three-storey gymnasium, a billiards room, and a library with nearly 100,000 volumes.
Culinary Excellence
A diverse range of dining options including Caffe 9, ThaiChin, the BBQ Terrace, and the Main Lounge, catering to every gastronomic preference.
Membership Structure & Electoral Strength
To understand the magnitude of this election, one must look at the club’s extensive membership base:
Total Membership is Approximately 15,500 members.
The Electorate: Only 5,500 are Permanent Members who hold the right to vote and contest in the election.
General Membership. The remaining 10,000 members, along with their families, enjoy the club’s prestigious facilities but do not form part of the voting body.
A Unique Democratic Tradition
The Lahore Gymkhana is perhaps the only institution where the democratic process is a perennial fixture rather than a seasonal event. Beyond the ballot, a ‘permanent campaign’ persists, as both the treasury and the opposition panels stay deeply embedded within the club’s social fabric to refine their strategies. This unique culture ensures that contenders remain in constant liaison with the members throughout the year, turning every social interaction into a strategic touchpoint.
Diplomacy & the Voter’s Perspective
In the high stakes arena of Gymkhana elections, the voters display a masterclass in ‘Silent Diplomacy.’ A significant segment of the membership embraces the electoral season as a grand social festival. These ‘Epicurean Strategists’ grace the get-togethers of every contesting panel with equal fervor, skillfully navigating the season’s lavish hospitality. For them, the election is as much about the ‘Power of the Vote.
The Competitive is
So Far, A Three Panel Race….
Salman Siddique & Mian Misbah ur Rehman Panel. The incumbents, campaigning on a platform of continuity and a record of near-sweeps.
The Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera & Dr. Ali Razaque Panel.A challenging group promising modernization & endorsed by former chairmen.
The Qamar Bobi Panel.A third force offering an alternative vision for structural accountability.
Strategic Advantage,by implementing the 65-year privilege rule, the Siddique Misbah panel has solidified support among senior members, forcing challengers to rethink their ground game.
The Electoral Roadmap
The Election Commission, chaired by Mr. Justice ® Sheikh Ahmad Farooq, joined by Rao Amin Hashim Khan and Mr. Taimur Azmat Osman, has set the following timeline:
Jan 19 – 21: Issuance and filing of Nomination Papers.
Jan 24: Scrutiny of candidates.
Feb 3: Display of the final contesting list.
Feb 14: Polling Day (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), with counts overseen by an independent team.
