DERA ISMAIL KHAN: On the directives of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, the district administration continued its anti-encroachment operation for the third consecutive day on Monday along the banks of the River Indus, reclaiming valuable land and demolishing illegal structures.

However, the operation sparked political outcry and local resistance, leading to a tense situation on the ground. According to official sources, on the second day of the drive, the administration cleared five kanals and seven marlas of illegally-occupied land within 200 feet of the riverbank. The estimated market value of the reclaimed land stands at approximately Rs101.6 million.

During the operation, 17 shops, one fully constructed hotel, one partially built hotel, a public park, and several boundary walls were demolished. Authorities stated that all these structures were in direct violation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa River Protection Act.

The deputy commissioner supervised the operation.

In total, over the course of three days, the administration has reclaimed 11 kanals and seven marlas of land, valued at more than Rs163.7 million. So far, 39 shops, three hotels (two complete, one partial), two commercial buildings, one park, and numerous boundary walls have been removed.

Meanwhile, the operation triggered severe backlash from Pakistan Peoples Party leaders and supporters. The reclaimed properties reportedly include assets belonging to former bureaucrat Dil Nawaz Khan, PPP MNA Naima Kanwal, and her husband and PPP Dera president Malik Farhan Dhap.

Speaking to the media, Farhan Dhap called the operation politically-motivated and said, “This is a blatant attack on my private property. The government is taking revenge under the guise of legality.”

His supporters chanted slogans against the chief minister and the district administration, accusing them of destroying the livelihood of common people.

Tensions escalated further when SHO cantonment Azeem Wazir attempted to hold negotiations with Farhan Dhap, but ended up arresting him on the spot.

The police sources confirmed a case had already been registered against him for disrupting public order.

The district administration said the operation is being carried out for public safety, environmental protection, and to mitigate the risks of future flooding, ensuring the long-term preservation of both land and lives around the River Indus.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2025