Sargodha Policeman Faces Charges for Seizing Widow’s Plot

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A police head constable in Sargodha has been charged with illegally occupying a 10-marla plot owned by a professor’s widow, prompting swift action from regional authorities.

A case has been filed against Head Constable Muhammad Asif Qazi in Sargodha, Punjab, following allegations by Amara Saeed, widow of a University of Sargodha professor, that he unlawfully seized her 10-marla residential plot, as reported by The Express Tribune. Saeed informed Regional Police Officer (RPO) Shehzad Asif Khan that her late husband, a Mass Communication Department teacher, died of cancer during his service. Using his dues, she purchased the registered plot. Recently, she discovered the plot’s boundary wall demolished and construction underway. When Saeed and her father confronted the individual at the site, Qazi allegedly claimed ownership, asserting he had bought the land from another citizen.

Saeed’s complaint, lodged with the Regional Police Officer, accused Qazi of colluding with a land-grabbing mafia to encroach on her property, according to The Express Tribune. The Sargodha police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), and an investigation is underway to verify the claims and ownership documents. Regional Police Officer Khan assured Saeed of a thorough probe, emphasizing that no one is above the law, as stated in a press release reported by Dawn. The case has sparked outrage, with users demanding accountability and swift justice for Saeed, reflecting public frustration over land disputes involving influential figures.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about land grabbing in Pakistan, particularly targeting vulnerable individuals like widows. The Punjab government has pledged to crack down on such illegal activities, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directing police to prioritize cases involving property fraud, per The News International. Saeed’s case underscores the need for stronger enforcement to protect property rights, especially for those without powerful connections. Authorities have promised to expedite the investigation, with potential charges against Qazi and any accomplices if evidence confirms the allegations. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for addressing similar grievances across the province.