Legal battle intensifies against eviction

Farmers allege generational rights ignored

BAHAWALPUR:

Farmers cultivating 448 acres of agricultural land owned by the Auqaf Department in Bahawalpur have filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the district administration's decision to reclaim the land.

The petitioners accused Bahawalpur deputy commissioner of making a hasty and biased decision without following court directives.

The land, located in Aghapur village near DHA Bahawalpur, is reportedly targeted by influential political figures.

Farmers claim they have been cultivating the land for four generations and allege the administration is acting under political pressure.

The Lahore High Court had previously directed the deputy commissioner to hear both the Auqaf department and the farmers before making a decision. However, farmers assert their stance was ignored, calling the ruling a violation of their rights and court orders.

The district administration is reportedly preparing for a large-scale eviction operation in the coming days, raising fears of violent clashes.

Farmers, including elderly individuals, claim they face fabricated charges, such as attempted murder, in an effort to force them off the land.

Sources allege that a prominent political figure from Multan is attempting to acquire the land through intermediaries, fuelling accusations of political interference.

A previous attempt by the administration to reclaim the land, involving police from three stations, ended in failure resulting in injuries to police personnel, damage to government resources and reputational harm to public vehicles.

Public and social circles in Bahawalpur have criticised the administration's rigid approach, urging Punjab's leadership to intervene.

They argue that evicting over 3,000 individuals from their homes and livelihoods is an unwise decision.

Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Dr Farhan, remains resolute, stating, "The administration is committed to reclaiming this land at all costs."

The settlement has been established since 1966.

Under the agricultural reforms, six acres of land were allocated to tenant farmers.

However, only four acres were granted and a case was filed for the remaining two acres.

The Supreme Court and High Court directed the Deputy Commissioner (DC) to decide on the matter.

Now, because the land is in a prime location, it has attracted the interest of influential parties.

Residents of Agha Pur, farmers Aleem, Ameen, Ashraf and Ishaq, told The Express Tribune that they have been cultivating this land for years to support themselves and their children. However, due to the land's valuable location, an influential person is trying to seize their land through a front man.

They alleged that the deputy commissioner of Bahawalpur, who is from Multan, is working to facilitate this process.