The district administration in Murree has successfully retrieved 40 kanals of valuable state land, valued at approximately Rs3.5 billion, during a comprehensive anti-encroachment operation. The operation was conducted under the directives of Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, with the forest department executing the retrieval.
Operation Details
Deputy Commissioner Shirazi commended the efforts of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Imtiaz Ahmed and directed authorities to eliminate all illegal encroachments and ensure the retrieval of state land. According to official sources, five acres of forest land located in Bhurban had been under illegal occupation for decades and has now been taken back into government possession following the completion of legal formalities.
Historical Background
The land was originally leased in 1953 by the forest department to the education department for establishing a youth hostel. The lease was granted for a period of 30 years, along with permission to construct a building. However, after the lease expired in 1987, the land was not returned and remained under illegal occupation for approximately 39 years. During this period, the land was commercially used under the name “Destination Lodges,” and additional illegal structures were erected.
The forest department issued multiple notices to the occupants, but they obtained a stay order from the court, delaying action. Following the dismissal of the stay order after strong legal pursuit under the supervision of DFO Murree, the department immediately retrieved the land located in Forest No 8.
Public Response
Residents of the area appreciated the operation and urged the authorities to utilize the retrieved land for public welfare, tourism promotion, and community facilities. The successful retrieval marks a significant step in the government's efforts to reclaim state land from illegal occupation.
