LAHORE: Allegations of abuse of authority, manipulation of revenue records, and ‘unlawful’ partition of valuable jointly-owned land in Mouza Dera Muhammadi, Multan, have prompted the Punjab Board of Revenue (BoR) to initiate official scrutiny.

Senior Member Board of Revenue Nabeel Javed has taken notice of the matter and directed Commissioner Multan Amir Karim to submit a comprehensive report within 10 days.

According to official correspondence (Letter No. 318-E(F)-IV/1316-2026), the BoR has ordered that the case be treated on an “urgent priority” basis following a complaint filed by a journalist Muhammad Shafiq.

In his petition, Mr Shafiq alleged that Naib Tehsildar Asim Mushtaq and Patwari Malik Aslam unlawfully partitioned a valuable jointly-owned property situated in Khewat No: 609, Mouza Dera Muhammadi, Multan, while ignoring mandatory legal requirements and depriving him of his right to be heard.

The complainant stated that the joint property comprises approximately 21 kanals and six marlas, of which he is owner and possessor of a substantial share, including a residential house constructed more than 15 years ago under an approved building plan. The house has electricity, natural gas, sewerage and other civic facilities, giving the property a clear residential character.

According to the complaint, the area has gradually evolved into a densely-populated residential and commercial locality consisting of housing settlements and the expanding Dera Muhammadi community.

Mr Shafiq contends that these material facts were deliberately concealed by the concerned revenue officials, who allegedly treated the land as purely agricultural during partition proceedings.

The petitioner said as he had been residing abroad for nearly seven years, the officials allegedly exploited his absence to carry out the partition process in a unilateral manner. Upon returning to Pakistan and learning about the proceedings, he reportedly submitted written requests and electronic communications seeking time to file his response and protect his legal interests.

However, he claims that no effective statutory notices were served, no statement was recorded, and no opportunity was provided to raise or contest objections.

According to the complaint, the Naib Tehsildar and Patwari conducted a one-sided site inspection and completed the partition proceedings without hearing the petitioner.

He further alleged that partition mutations Intqal and Khatooni entries were subsequently sanctioned through back-dated proceedings, resulting in the unlawful separation of the joint holding.

The complaint also raises serious concerns regarding the distribution of watercourses, irrigation channels and access pathways within the property.

Mr Shafiq alleged that nearly the entire burden of these common facilities was assigned to his share, significantly reducing his cultivable area while providing an ‘unfair’ advantage to the opposing party.

Another major allegation relates to the non-supply of official records. The petitioner claimed that despite repeated written applications seeking certified copies of the complete partition file, notices, Roznamcha entries, mutation records, order sheets and related documents, the relevant authorities have failed to provide the record.

He alleged that the withholding of documents appears intended to conceal procedural irregularities and prevent scrutiny of the partition proceedings.

The petition submitted to the BoR seeks a departmental inquiry against Naib Tehsildar Asim Mushtaq and Patwari Malik Aslam, preservation of the entire revenue record, investigation into the alleged abuse of authority and back-dated mutations, provision of certified copies of all relevant documents, and legal as well as departmental action against those found responsible.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2026