Rawalpindi Division

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
The Anti-Corruption Circle of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Islamabad conducted a targeted operation in Rawalpindi to recover Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) assets and other government properties from illegal occupants.
According to an FIA spokesperson, the operation was carried out under the directives of Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi and Director General FIA Dr. Usman Anwar as part of a nationwide campaign to reclaim government land and assets from unlawful possession.
A dedicated team was constituted on the instructions of Director FIA Islamabad Zone Shahzad Nadeem Bukhari and Deputy Director Mir Faizanul Haq. The operation was led by Assistant Director FIA Shahid Ilyas and SHO Anti-Corruption Circle Shahzad Sarwar Khakwani.
The team targeted abandoned Evacuee Trust properties located in the Tyre Bazaar area within the jurisdiction of Ganj Mandi Police Station. During the operation, all illegally occupied shops and properties were sealed and formally handed over to the relevant authorities.
To ensure law and order, a heavy contingent of FIA personnel, along with local police, was deployed at the site, preventing any untoward incidents during the operation.
Officials stated that the action is part of a broader effort to restore state ownership of public assets and discourage illegal encroachments.
Local residents welcomed the move, expressing support for continued operations against illegal occupants and emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of the law to safeguard public property and ensure transparent land management.

Rawalpindi: ReNews Pakistan
Authorities have decided to introduce new land reforms aimed at eliminating unnecessary delays in property dispute cases and improving efficiency in the revenue system.
The decision was taken during a meeting held at the Commissioner's Office, Rawalpindi, under the chairmanship of Aamir Khattak, where participants reviewed proposals related to reforms in land administration.
Under the proposed reforms, strict action will be taken against patwaris found negligent in performing their duties or delaying the resolution of public issues. Officials and staff who fail to complete property-related cases within the prescribed timeframe may face fines and departmental proceedings, while suspension could also be considered if required.
Officials said the primary objective of the reforms is to remove delays in revenue matters, ensure timely decisions on land cases, and provide prompt relief to the public. Performance of patwaris and field staff will also be regularly monitored to enhance transparency and efficiency in the revenue system.
The meeting further decided that identification or preliminary cases should be resolved at the level of the Deputy Commissioner to prevent citizens from going through unnecessary judicial procedures.
However, parties will retain the legal right to approach the High Court if needed.

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
Development work has formally progressed on three underpasses worth Rs8 billion in the cantonment area of Rawalpindi, with land preparation and environmental adjustments completed along the main urban corridor to facilitate construction and infrastructure reorganisation.
According to the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB), a total of 469 trees and 715 shrubs located along Peshawar Road between Qasim Market and Chairing Cross were carefully relocated to nearby suitable locations. The relocation was carried out to clear land required for structural works while preserving environmental assets within the urban zone.
Officials confirmed that the relocated trees have been replanted in green belts and open land parcels where adequate space is available. Additionally, the board has prepared a replantation plan under which more than 400 mature native trees and shrubs will be planted at the original sites after construction is completed. Furthermore, 74 dead trees were removed, and in accordance with environmental guidelines, ten new trees will be planted for each removed tree to maintain ecological balance.
The underpass project includes development near Race Course Park, Army Graveyard, and Chairing Cross. As part of land preparation, underground utility corridors are being established to accommodate essential service infrastructure. The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) has initiated construction of a dedicated utility corridor to facilitate organised relocation of service networks beneath the surface.
Utility relocation activities have also been completed by Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), while other service providers, including Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), are transferring their infrastructure to designated corridors to enable uninterrupted construction work.
Authorities stated that once utility relocation and site preparation are fully completed, full-scale construction will commence, with an estimated completion period of approximately 70 days. The project is expected to improve traffic flow, optimise land use along the corridor, and strengthen accessibility for surrounding commercial and residential zones.