Not your land

This refers to the letter, ‘A careful step’ (May 18), by S M Khalid. The writer is right when he says that all unauthorised constructions in Bani Gala should be considered encroachments. However, just because the authorities couldn’t stop the construction years ago, the owners shouldn’t be given monetary compensation. Even innocence is no excuse to break the law of the country. Those who have built villas on illegal lands are highly educated – of course rich and influential – and should have been aware of the fact that the land belongs to the government.

If the poor are not being compensated and the slums are considered to be encroachments because they were constructed against the law, no leniency should be showed to the rich. There shouldn’t be  two laws; one for the poor and one for the rich, in the country.

Shahabuddin Khan

Islamabad