Land Mafia Grab 77% of Railway Property

Download IPFS

Pakistan Railways has lost control of 77% of its land to encroachers, as revealed in a shocking disclosure to the National Assembly. The state-owned enterprise currently possesses only 63,000 acres of its original 275,000-acre portfolio, with powerful land mafias illegally occupying the remainder. This systematic land grab has severely impacted railway operations and infrastructure development across the country.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways received confirmation that encroachments span all provinces, with Punjab suffering the most significant losses. Senior officials admitted their inability to reclaim properties due to political interference and legal complexities. Documents show that even prime commercial land near major stations, including Lahore and Karachi, now hosts unauthorized settlements and commercial structures.

Legal experts highlight how outdated land records and weak enforcement have enabled this crisis. Despite multiple Supreme Court orders directing provincial governments to assist in recovery efforts, implementation remains sluggish. Railway police lack the resources to confront well-connected encroachers, while lengthy court battles yield minimal results. The department estimates annual losses exceeding Rs50 billion from the potential commercial use of these properties.

This land crisis exposes fundamental governance failures in protecting state assets. As Pakistan Railways struggles to modernize, recovering these lands could provide crucial financial resources. However, without political will and judicial reforms, the department may continue watching helplessly as its remaining assets disappear into private hands. The coming months will test whether authorities can transition from acknowledging the problem to implementing solutions.