MCR reclaims 30-kanal park land in Khayaban-e-Sir Syed after two decades

Rawalpindi : The Metropolitan Corporation Rawalpindi (MCR) successfully reclaimed the 30-kanal park land in Khayaban-e-Sir Syed on Saturday, marking the end of a two-decade-long encroachment.

The reclaimed land has been renamed Dr. Abdul Qadir Khan Park, and local residents have begun to enjoy the newly developed recreational facility. The operation, spearheaded by MCR Chief Officer Imran Ali and Town Officer (Infrastructure and Services) Rafaqat Gondal, was carried out with police assistance. Despite resistance from the encroachers, commonly referred to as the "land mafia," the officials demolished illegal structures and took full possession of the park.

During the operation, area residents voiced their support by chanting slogans in favour of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz and PMLN leader Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, who played a key role in facilitating the land recovery.

Speaking to ‘The News’, Town Officer Rafaqat Gondal said, “We retrieved the park land after 20 long years, following the directions of Muhammad Hanif Abbasi. This park will now be a source of enjoyment for the area’s residents.”

The 30-kanal land, initially owned by the government, had been encroached upon with the construction of 15 houses. The allotments, made by an organization, were cancelled after eight years of legal battles. The Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court ruled in favour of the MCR, allowing the corporation to reclaim the land.

PML-N’s Muhammad Hanif Abbasi was instrumental in securing Rs120 million from the Punjab government to develop the park. Around 70 per cent of the construction work has already been completed, with the park featuring a jogging track, green areas, walking paths, and a children's play zone. Enthusiastic residents have begun using the facility even before its official opening, which is expected upon the completion of the remaining development work.

Sources within the MCR revealed that this was the first recreational facility of its kind in the area, addressing a long-standing need of the local community. Once fully operational, Dr. Abdul Qadir Khan Park is expected to become a vibrant space for residents to enjoy.