Khanewal (Digital Posts) Hope and Resolve in the Face of Land Mafia: The Stakes in Khanewal

Khanewal (Digital Posts) Hope and Resolve in the Face of Land Mafia: The Stakes in Khanewal

The ongoing struggle over land in Khanewal is not merely a local dispute; it is a litmus test of law, governance, and the rule of the state. What unfolds in this village transcends property boundaries—it is a reflection of decades-long entrenchment by powerful land-grabbing groups who have operated with near impunity, confident that the law could be circumvented. Now, with judicial stays lifted and legal obstacles cleared, the stage is set for decisive action. The challenge is immense, but so are the stakes: restoring rightful ownership and reasserting the authority of the state.

At the heart of this effort stands Assistant Commissioner Rohit Kumar Ganita, a civil servant whose record-breaking performance in the civil service examination shattered a seventy-year-old record, demonstrating that capability, diligence, and resolve can overcome even the most entrenched obstacles. His task now is even more formidable: to implement the law on the ground, reclaim lands held by a local syndicate, and ensure that justice is both done and seen to be done.

This particular village has long been under the influence of a well-organized land mafia, with four brothers—Shaukat, Khadim, Khairat, and Talib—controlling key plots. Two prior operations to recover the land were launched but failed due to systemic weaknesses: insufficient police manpower, administrative hesitancy under pressure, reluctance to request reinforcements, and a lack of coordination with the district council, which failed to provide essential machinery. During resistance, law enforcement often remained passive, further emboldening the land grabbers.

The lessons of past failures are clear. Any forthcoming operation must integrate a multi-pronged, meticulously coordinated strategy. Paramilitary forces should be included to bolster operational capacity and deter organized resistance. The district council must be formally mandated in writing to provide heavy machinery and logistical support. Female police officers should be deployed to handle sensitive situations, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. Most importantly, a revenue officer with strong nerves and unquestionable integrity must oversee record verification, assessment of property rights, and procedural compliance.

An essential tactical consideration is preemptively detaining the four ringleaders. By removing the heads of the syndicate before operations commence, authorities can dramatically reduce confrontation and ensure a smoother recovery process. Complemented by a detailed pre-operation plan—including logistics, medical support, judicial follow-up, and relief for affected parties—the operation can achieve its objectives without unnecessary escalation.

Provincial leadership has signaled clear intent. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has repeatedly emphasized the zero-tolerance approach to land mafias and the recovery of public land. Yet, policy declarations are only as effective as their implementation on the ground. Khanewal offers a pivotal opportunity to translate policy into practice, creating a model that resonates across Punjab: law is not merely a proclamation but an operational reality.

Assistant Commissioner Ganita’s leadership will be decisive. If provided with adequate resources, authority, and oversight, he has the potential to transform this local confrontation into a landmark case of governance and justice. Success here would not only restore the rights of local residents but also send a powerful message to other parts of the province: the law applies equally, and no group is beyond its reach.

This is more than a matter of politics or administration; it is a test of principle. Khanewal stands at a crossroads, where decisive action can reaffirm public trust in institutions, while hesitation risks emboldening lawbreakers and eroding confidence. Courts have opened the door; the state’s ability to enforce the law must now walk through it.