RAWALPINDI: The district administration on Thursday will launch action against illegal construction along Wildlife Park Loi Bher and to start inquiry how the land mafia encroached on the land.
Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi, Capt retired Nadeem Nasir, chaired an important meeting in his office to review the issue of illegal encroachments on the land of Loi Bher Wildlife Park and the adjoining forest area.
The meeting was attended by the additional deputy commissioner (revenue), assistant commissioner city, divisional forest officer, officials of the Wildlife department, and other relevant officers.
The meeting reviewed in detail the reported illegal occupation of government forest land, unauthorised development by housing societies, and encroachments within the Loi Bher Forest and Wildlife Park.
The deputy commissioner made it clear that illegal occupation of government forest land and unauthorised construction would not be tolerated under any circumstances, reiterating the district administration’s zero-tolerance policy against encroachments.
The deputy commissioner directed the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Wasa, Iesco, and other relevant departments to immediately submit detailed reports regarding facilities, no objection certificates (NOCs), utility connections, and any other services provided to illegal housing societies, so that action can be taken against those responsible in accordance with the law.
It was decided during the meeting that an immediate anti-encroachment operation would be launched to remove illegal occupations from the Loi Bher forest land.
It was further decided that a formal communication would be sent to the competent authorities to initiate a transparent and comprehensive inquiry into the matter.
The deputy commissioner directed all concerned departments to ensure close coordination and take effective, impartial legal action against illegal constructions and the land mafia.
He emphasised that the protection of government land, forests, and natural resources remains one of the district administration’s highest priorities.
It may be mentioned here that Loi Bher Wildlife Park is spread over 460.83 acres near the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Islamabad Expressway. It was established in 1992 to provide recreational facilities to residents. It is an ideal place for a wildlife park, but the government did not spend any money on the park, and it lost the attraction of the people and was encroached upon.
Due to the indifferent attitude of the Punjab government, the wildlife park between the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad presented an unfortunate state of affairs. Once the park was the main attraction for the people for well maintained zoo and scenic beauty, but now it presents the look of ruins.
Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2026
