A large-scale anti-encroachment drive in Noorpur Shahan has resulted in a restoration of state land worth billions of dollars, ending decades of illegal occupation, profiteering and unauthorised commercial activity.
Approximately 300 acres of a 600-acre encroached belt were recovered by the authorities and over 3,500 illegal structures were located.
The action was taken as per the strictly followed law and after a long procedure of checking and notifying.
The officials claimed that the land was already acquired legally between 1961 and 1964. At this time, the local affected individuals received compensation both in cash and in alternative land, i.e. all claims were settled decades ago.
This was further strengthened by the legal standpoint of Suo Motu Case No.1 of 2011 which is categorical that after acquiring the land, it vests in totality with the state and no protection should be given to encroachers.
Law enforcers argued that full due process had been observed before taking the action. Invitations to claims were made, hearings heard, and a speaking order made on January 19, 2026. The order was not subject to any appeals.
It lasted four months between November 2025 and April 2026 and was conducted in phases. People were notified ahead of time and allowed time to clear their possessions, roofs, gates and steel constructions before machinery followed.
On-the-ground reports indicated that most occupants had removed construction material voluntarily themselves, suggesting that the move was pre-announced and done in a gradual and humanitarian way.
Authorities also reported that the illegally encroached land had been utilised in illegal sales, rental and commercial purposes. FIRs have been registered now against the culprits.
The Model Village area was not affected by the operation and was set up in 1985 and the authorities only targeted illegal encroachments.
