40 kanals state land retrieved in Murree anti-encroachment drive

The district administration in Murree has retrieved 40 kanals of valuable state land worth approximately Rs3.5 billion during an anti-encroachment operation

RAWALPINDI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Apr, 2026) The district administration in Murree has retrieved 40 kanals of valuable state land worth approximately Rs3.5 billion during an anti-encroachment operation.

The action was carried out on the directives of Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi by the forest department.

The deputy commissioner appreciated the performance of DFO Imtiaz Ahmed and directed authorities to eliminate all illegal encroachments and ensure retrieval of state land.

According to details, five acres of forest land located at Bhurban had been under illegal occupation for decades and was recently taken back into government possession after completion of legal formalities.

Officials said the land was originally leased in 1953 by the forest department to the education department for establishing a youth hostel for a period of 30 years, along with construction of a building.

However, after expiry of the lease in 1987, the land was not returned and remained under illegal occupation for around 39 years, during which it was commercially used under the name “Destination Lodges” and additional illegal structures were constructed.

The forest department had issued multiple notices but the occupants had obtained a stay order from court, delaying action.

Following 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.

Residents appreciated the operation and urged authorities to utilize the retrieved land for public welfare, tourism promotion and community facilities.