LAHORE: A high-level meeting between the officials of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Punjab government officers was held at NAB’s provincial headquarters on Wednesday to review measures for retrieval of illegally occupied state land across Punjab.

The meeting assessed the progress achieved to date in this regard and deliberated upon the future strategy.

The meeting was jointly presided by NAB Deputy Chairman Sohail Nasir and Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman. Board of Revenue Senior Member Nabeel Javed, NAB PGA Ehtisham Qadir, NAB Lahore DG Mirza Faran Baig, Punjab Advocate General Amjad Pervaiz and commissioners of different districts were also present in the meeting.

The meeting was informed that the consolidated status of state land recovered, mutated in favour of state as well as identified for resumption stands at 15,667,577 kanals with an estimated financial value of Rs4.37 trillion.

“Due to NAB’s coordinated efforts and robust strategy, a substantial volume of state land across Punjab has been successfully retrieved from illegal occupants,” the meeting was informed. The meeting resolved that the retrieved land would be formally restored to government ownership and utilised in the larger public interest.

The officials directed to intensify legal action against land grabbers, ensure continuous institutional vigilance and strengthen mechanisms for transparent land record management.

Mr Nasir reiterated that illegal occupation of government land would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He said that recognition of NAB’s performance further reinforced its determination to continue these initiatives with renewed commitment.

“All the members commended the performance of NAB and reaffirmed their collective resolve to ensure the elimination of illegal land occupation through sustained action,” a statement said.

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2026