LAHORE– On the special direction of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister Punjab, the Punjab government has issued orders to all divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, regional police officers (RPOs) and district police officers (DPOs) to launch an operation against the land grabbers (land mafia) across the province.
The orders were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary Punjab here on Thursday. The additional chief secretary, additional chief secretary (Home), IG Punjab, director general of Anti-Corruption Establishment, commissioner, CCPO and deputy commissioner Lahore attended the meeting whereas the divisional commissioners, RPOs, deputy commissioners and DPOs participated through video link.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chief Secretary Punjab said that land mafia is a ‘bane of the society’. He directed the officers not to show any leniency to the elements involved in illegal occupation of land and take stern action against them as per law.
He said that illegally-occupied state land as well as private properties should be retrieved forthwith, adding that it would instil a sense of confidence in the common man that the government is fulfilling its responsibility to protect his life and property.
The Chief Secretary also issued instructions to prepare a comprehensive plan for the use of the retrieved lands. He said that he and the IG Punjab would personally oversee the operation against the land grabbers and review the progress on a daily basis.
The IG Punjab directed the police officers to supervise the operation against the land mafia themselves and not leave it to their subordinates. He said that the police would provide full support to the administration in the operation.
He said that overseas Pakistanis are the asset of the country; their complaints must be addressed on priority by getting vacated their illegal-occupied lands.— HANDOUT
