Pakistan Railways has successfully retrieved a total of 1,007 acres of land from illegal occupants across the country. This includes 491 acres in Punjab, 145 acres in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 339 acres in Sindh, and 32 acres in Balochistan, according to an official from the Ministry of Railways.
Prior to the retrieval operation, it was revealed that approximately 3,287 acres in Punjab, 832 acres in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 5,180 acres in Sindh, and 687 acres in Balochistan were under encroachment.
In compliance with the directives of the Supreme Court, Pakistan Railways initiated anti-encroachment operations to regain control of its land throughout its railway network. A joint procedure order was issued to all divisional superintendents, outlining the steps to be taken for the retrieval of encroached land. Anti-encroachment schedules are now being prepared on a three-month basis and shared with the relevant authorities.
This effort to recover railway land is part of Pakistan Railways’ ongoing anti-encroachment operation against individuals, groups, and businesses that have been using the land for residential, commercial, and agricultural purposes without permission for several years.
Railway Police and district administrations from relevant provincial governments will assist in the encroachment operation, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated effort. In addition, First Information Reports (FIRs) have been lodged and cases have been registered for expeditious trial by the PR Judicial Magistrates.
Of the total land owned by Pakistan Railways, which amounts to 167,690 acres, 90,326 acres are located in Punjab, 39,428 acres in Sindh, 28,228 acres in Balochistan, and 9,708 acres in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.