LAHORE, July 2: The Lahore Development Authority has set a tough criteria for its Johar Town sport complex membership, limiting it to ‘elite class’.

The LDA opened membership of its recently completed complex from July 1. A sum of Rs5,000 is being charged for a membership form.Similarly, a sum of Rs100,000 will be charged from each candidate if his/her application (for membership) is accepted by a committee constituted and empowered to award membership.

“Only those residing within territorial jurisdiction of Johar Town will be eligible to obtain membership forms,” an LDA official told Dawn.The official, who requested anonymity, said the eligible candidates would also have to append copies of their property ownership documents and NTN number/tax returns along with application forms.

“The committee will scrutinise each application thoroughly and call only those for interview whose documents are found correct,” he explained.

He said after conducting interviews, the committee would ask each successful candidate to deposit Rs100,000 with the LDA bank accounts. The committee would announce successful candidates by displaying a final list.

Another official said since the award of membership seemed for the “elite class” alone, there would be no representation of the lower middle class in the sport complex.

He suggested the LDA to review its policy of awarding membership by reducing membership fee. He also demanded membership for those living in the residential areas other than Johar Town.