Officials directed to reclaim Auqaf land or renew lease

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Friday directed the relevant authorities to either reclaim within six months 36,000 kanal of land owned by the Auqaf Department in the Kalu Shah area of Mardan or renew the lease agreements.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Shakeel Ahmad and Justice Sahibzada Asadullah asked the authorities to submit monthly progress reports.The orders were issued during a contempt of court hearing regarding the land dispute.

Mardan Commissioner Javed Marwat, Secretary Auqaf, Auqaf Administrator Yousaf Ali, Auqaf’s counsel Yasir Saleem and Ameenur Rahman Yusufzai representing the tenants appeared in the court.

Commissioner Javed Marwat informed the court that discussions with the tenants were taking place to resolve the issue. He said that a procedure had been adopted according to which, the individuals residing on the land must either sign a formal lease agreement with the Auqaf Department or vacate the land.

He said that efforts were being made to resolve the issue and maintain law and order.Javed Marwat told the court that the Supreme Court ruling on the matter would be implemented by meeting all legal requirements.

Auqaf Administrator Yusuf Ali provided the court with an update on the steps, which had been taken so far, to enforce the Supreme Court’s decision.Additional Advocate General Inam Yusufzai told the court that both the district administration and the Auqaf Department were on the same page regarding this issue.

He said given the situation that thousands of families were currently residing on the disputed land, therefore, various options were under consideration to avoid any disruption to peace.The court directed the commissioner to personally oversee the implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision and devise a plan for its execution. Later, the bench adjourned the hearing until November 27.