PESHAWAR
In line with the Good Governance Roadmap Policy, anti-encroachment operations are being carried out continuously across the scenic Galiyat region.
In a determined effort to restore the natural beauty and protect state-owned lands, the District Administration Abbottabad successfully conducted a large-scale anti-encroachment operation in Harno on Sunday.
The operation was jointly executed under the supervision of Additional Assistant Commissioner-III and Assistant Commissioner Anmol Anwar, in close coordination with the Department of Irrigation and the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA).
Prior to the operation, the Department of Irrigation assisted by the revenue staff, including the Girdawar and Patwar conducted 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 operation commenced early in the morning with the help of heavy machinery, resulting in the successful retrieval of approximately 330 kanals of valuable state land.
During the operation, six major buildings, two swimming pools, four boundary walls, several canteens and numerous platforms were demolished.
Although a status quo order from the civil court was in place, the disputed land—classified under Shamilat Deh—is currently sub judice before the Honorable Peshawar High Court. The matter involves the Department of Auqaf, residents of Deh Dehsaal, and Joudat Company (Private).
The district administration reaffirmed that the operation was strictly confined to the natural watercourse area, ensuring full compliance with the directives of the Supreme Court and Peshawar High Court.
According to the Galiyat Development Authority, the purpose of this campaign is to restore natural water channels, safeguard public property and curb environmental degradation caused by unregulated encroachments. The government reiterates that state land is a public trust, not private property and that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold the rule of law and preserve the natural charm of Galiyat.
This successful operation marks another milestone in the province’s ongoing anti-encroachment drive — a testament to the belief that true progress is only possible when development, environmental protection and respect for the law move hand in hand.
