RAWALPINDI, Oct 27: The land of a historic church at Gordon College has been occupied by encroachers triggering the Ministry of Minorities Affairs to intervene in the matter and order a report within 48 hours.

The land of the church has been occupied by members of a mafia for the last one week by showing ‘fake ownership documents’ to the Auqaf authorities.

Administrator Auqaf (evacuee trust) Rawalpindi Wahab Gul told Dawn that an FIR had been registered against the encroachers.

“We have taken prompt action against the forceful and illegal occupation of the church land and we will ensure that the land is retrieved from the occupation of the mafia,” Mr Gul said.

Meanwhile, in a statement Minister for Minorities Affair Shahbaz Bhatti directed the authorities concerned to submit him a report on the matter within 48 hours.

He said nobody would be allowed to occupy holy places, adding stern action would be taken against land grabbers. He said the PPP government was committed to protecting the lives and holy places of minorities.

This is the second incident in three months that a worship place has been occupied in the city after a Hindu temple was demolished.—Our Reporter