THE government has been acquiring agricultural land of poor farmers of the most backward areas of Pind Dadan Khan tehsil for unknown purpose against the wishes of the residents of 32 villages from Lilla Town up to Adowal village of Jehlum district. These villages have not witnessed any development work for more than the last 200 years. This area has been giving huge revenues to the government through its natural resources such as salt, marble and minerals.

Furthermore, the residents of this area are true Pakistanis. Almost 45 per cent of the residents are serving in the army and sacrificing their lives for the safety of the motherland.

The area has been a stronghold of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). The first secretary-general of the PPP, the late Ghulam Hussain, belonged to this area. But it has always been neglected by the government and no development work has been carried out since 1810. There is not a single canal in this area, while poor farmers work hard to make both ends meet.

It has been learnt that the government is acquiring the agricultural lands from Lilla Town up to Adowal, a swathe of land of about 63km in length and 34km in breadth, for some unknown project. The poor farmers of this area are much worried on the forcible purchase on meagre rates against their wishes.

I would request the president and the prime minister to direct the authorities concerned to refrain from buying the land against the wishes of the poor farmers.

Instead, the government should develop Pind Dadan Khan by constructing a canal, a hospital, engineering colleges and setting up an industry. In addition, steps should be taken to curb unemployment, and Pind Dadan Khan should be upgraded to district headquarters like other areas.

RAJA GHAZANFAR ALI KHAN Adowal, Jehlum