Pakistan Railways has successfully reclaimed 3,509 square feet of valuable railway land in its Rawalpindi Division through a targeted anti-encroachment drive launched at the start of the new year. The operation, valued at several million rupees, involved the demolition of 11 illegally constructed commercial shops — some fully and others partially — to clear illegal occupations by land grabbers. Conducted on the explicit directives of Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, the effort marks the beginning of an intensified nationwide campaign to safeguard national assets. The joint operation was executed in collaboration with the Railway Police and supervised by senior officials, including the Divisional Engineer-I, Deputy Director (Land), and Superintendent of Railway Police, ensuring full transparency
Operation Details and Humanitarian Balance While the focus was on removing commercial encroachments, certain residential and commercial portions were spared on humanitarian grounds, reflecting a balanced approach. The drive aligns with a renewed push that began on January 1, 2026, to eliminate illegal structures across the railway network and protect vital infrastructure.
Commitment to Ongoing Action Pakistan Railways has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward encroachments, vowing to continue decisive measures nationwide. This latest retrieval underscores the ministry’s priority to recover and preserve land essential for railway development, operations, and future expansion in the Rawalpindi region.