Battle against land grabbers

"Increasing commercialisation and uncontrolled encroachments are some of the factors that are endangering the environment"

Peace in society and the prosperity of a nation solely depend on the rule of law. The unbridled power and acting on can lead to anarchy and a perpetual mess. Pathetically, Pakistan is a state where the rule of might is right is extensively applied and those enjoying power never hesitates to mould laws in their favour when there is a battle of interests.

Corruption and illegal practices can be found in almost every sector. However, the evil of land grabbing has its roots since the creation of Pakistan. The land mafia has evolved into an uncontrollable monster that has gripped the whole country. From influential bigwigs to property tycoons and mighty institutions all are hand in hand in this dirty business and never hesitate even to usurp the state land with the connivance of corrupt government officials.

Land-grabbing is a statement of power in our country and had been the norm from day one through its forms and the level of impunity varied over time. Our present was our future a few decades ago and in between; by not strictly applying the laws against land-grabbing, we did keep allowing the rapacious elements in power to compromise our future. Rule of law is a human invention solely for the preservation of humanity–without rule of law, we lose our humanity. As it stands, the longer the land grabbing network is left un-dismantled, the more revolting it would be to the authorities concerned.

Amid this doom and gloom, an intervention by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to shackle the land mafia and clear the commercialization mess in the federal capital is praiseworthy. Reportedly, in January, the IHC had ordered capital authorities to seal off Monal Restaurant and take control of the Margalla Greens Golf Club built on encroached land. It had also declared illegal the military’s claim to 8,000 acres of Margalla Hills National Park.

In its 108-page detailed judgement, the IHC has made the following observation: “The Pakistan Army has no power nor jurisdiction to, directly or indirectly, engage in business ventures of any nature outside its composition nor to claim the ownership of state land,” the judgement said, adding that the military’s constitutionally defined roles were to defend Pakistan and act in aid of civil power if called upon to do so.

The IHC order against the increasing municipal lawlessness in Islamabad is a welcome move to discourage irregularities including the failure of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in checking the unregulated growth of commercial properties, illegal cutting of trees and large-scale encroachments on the Margalla Hills National Park.

The IHC has taken a bold decision to check irregularities committed by a mighty institution in the country whose authority is believed to be unquestionable. Nowhere in the world, armed forces ventured into commercial activities except in Pakistan, where the involvement of the establishment in setting up housing societies and business concerns is going on unabated.

The IHC’s intervention in matters of public interest is always welcome as it can bring some respite for pollution-ridden Pakistanis. It is pathetic to note that places with forest cover fall victim to urban sprawl and are persistently shrinking. The trend is causing serious damage to the environment as well as the flora and fauna. The increasing commercialisation and uncontrolled encroachments are some of the factors that are endangering the environment. The commercial use of preserved natural land is creating a mess. The situation might aggravate if not controlled through the safety of our environment.

More pathetic is the fact that the properties are being set up by top institutions with impunity. The government needs to enforce strict implementation of building codes and ensure strong urban governance. Creating awareness about civic rules among the general public is also necessary. The major causes of the municipality’s predicament are the inherent flaws in the system and a lack of planning on part of the CDA. Urban governance in Pakistan is already in shambles while the flood of urbanisation is putting unbearable strain on our cities with dire social and environmental consequences. The government needs to take the task of preventing the collapse of municipal governments across the country. At the same time, the CDA needs to come up with new city development plans to avoid the wrath of the court and citizens. Accountability starts at the top. Once the top mafia is shackled, the rest will fall into place and law will govern. The momentum needs to keep going and should not stop.

It is worrisome that the green pastures of the federal capital are falling victim to the avarice of some corrupt elements and the implementation of strict law is necessary to curb this evil phenomenon. The judiciary must take a tough stand and need to bring those to justice who are involved in the illegal occupation of state land. There is a need to emphasise the enormity of this grab-and-grab-quickly syndrome, whose groundswell is gathering a startling momentum across the country. Decisive action has become necessary, as any lull or foot-dragging in the matter, could result in more frustration for the general public in Pakistan. It would amount to self-mortification, were the Government to allow this social wound to fester. It would be pernicious to hold back the tide, once the bubble bursts. It is high time that the concerned authorities take action against the land mafia and save precious state land from illegal occupiers.