Drive against encroachment along Harno River termed unjust

ABBOTTABAD: The second major anti-encroachment operation conducted by the district administration along the Harno River has triggered strong resentment among local residents, with property owners and a former nazim cterming the move as arbitrary and unjust.

The operation, which involved heavy machinery and a large official contingent, resulted in the demolition of several structures, including an amusement park building owned by an overseas Pakistani, Abid Ali. The government claims to have recovered approximately 330 kanals of state land.

According to a press release issued by the Tourism Department, the drive was part of a broader vision under the chief secretary’s Good Governance Roadmap. It was executed jointly by the district administration, the Department of Irrigation, and the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA). The operation was supervised by additional assistant commissioner-III and Assistant Commissioner Anmol Anwar.

Officials stated that prior to the action, the Irrigation Department, assisted by revenue staff, conducted a proper demarcation of the land after determining the high flood level. “All encroachers were served due legal notices beforehand to ensure compliance with procedural requirements,” the press release said. It maintained that the operation was strictly confined to the natural watercourse area and was in compliance with directives from the Supreme Court and Peshawar High Court.

However, the official narrative is being fiercely contested by those affected. Abid Ali, the owner of the demolished amusement park, claimed in an online briefing to newsmen that his construction was entirely legal. He stated that he had obtained an approved building plan from the GDA and a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Irrigation Department before commencing construction.

“If my construction was illegal, why were my plans approved and an NOC issued?” Ali questioned, demanding a judicial inquiry into the matter. He sought action against the officials who had initially sanctioned his building plans, calling the demolition an “unlawful step.” He negated the stance that notices were issued to all the land owners.

The government maintains that the recovered land is classified as Shamilat Deh (common village land), a claim disputed by many residents who hold ownership documents for their properties.

Former nazim Javed Khan emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the operation, echoing the public’s anger and questioning the timing and transparency of the drive.

Adding a layer of legal complexity, the administration’s press release acknowledged that the land is currently sub-judice before the Peshawar High Court, with a status quo order from a civil court also in place. The matter involves the Department of Auqaf, residents of Deh Dehsaal, and a private company.