Disciplinary action against encroachers demanded

Islamabad : Mohammad Usman Siddiqui, a British-Pakistani and Vice President of the Pakistan-UK Trade Forum, has brought attention to the pervasive issue of land encroachment faced by overseas Pakistanis, according to a press release.

Addressing a press conference alongside fellow office-bearers Rauf Raja, Vice President, Ayesha Khan, and Muhammad Nawaz Basra, Siddiqui urged the authorities to take strict disciplinary action against encroachers in accordance with the law. He also called for justice in his case, demanding the cancellation of fabricated legal proceedings initiated against him.

Responding to a query, Siddiqui highlighted the numerous challenges hindering foreign investment in Pakistan. He pointed out that exploitative local practices and the harassment of overseas Pakistanis through legal entanglements remain significant obstacles. “Overseas Pakistanis who aspire to invest in their homeland face relentless harassment and legal threats from influential individuals,” he remarked.

Siddiqui, who is visiting Pakistan to attend IDEAS 2024 at the invitation of the Government of Pakistan, alleged that his ancestral land in the village of Gajriyan (Khasra No. 129) has been illegally occupied by an influential figure. He stated that, despite a court-issued stay order, the accused parties have blatantly violated it by establishing illegal encroachments on the property.

He further alleged that on November 13, 2024, his property was forcibly occupied, with significant damage caused to security wires and CCTV cameras and the matter has been brought to the attention of the SSP of Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

He appealed to the authorities to intervene decisively and ensure justice for overseas Pakistanis, who are a vital source of remittance and investment for the country.