THE anti-encroachment campaign is a welcome step on the part of the authorities. Land-grabbing mafia in connivance with influential political figures, occupies a large chunk of land to the chagrin of those with little means. Owing to their well-connected sources, they manage to escape the long arm of the law and enjoy unchallenged immunity.

They employ every trick in the book to grab property of unsuspecting victims. Sometimes, they coerce the property owners into selling their land at nominal rates. Such individuals not only encroach on official land, but also droll to occupy the private property of orphans and widows.

The Mansha Bomb property scam is a glaring example of this.

A permanent task force should be established and assigned the duty to check the criminal activities of land-grabbers.

Politicians and officials who provide cover to such gangs should also be taken to task. Nowadays, there is a mushrooming growth of private housing schemes which later turn out to be bogus. Desperate citizens throng to invest in these housing schemes and part with their hard-earned capital. Before purchasing plots, buyers must ensure the authenticity of scheme. Without the cooperation of citizens, the authorities concerned cannot do anything.

Muhammad Fayyaz
Mianwali

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2018