SWAT:
The ongoing anti-encroachment operation along the Swat River has stirred a major controversy. Many are accusing the district administration of selective action after demolition reportedly stopped at a property linked to a senior PML-N leader, while structures owned by common citizens were torn down without delay.
On the second day of the encroachment drive, officials demolished over 25 illegal buildings. These included several hotels in the Fizagat and Bypass areas. The goal was to clear unauthorized structures from the riverbanks and restore the natural flow of the water.
But when the team reached a hotel reportedly associated with PML-N’s central senior vice president, Engineer Amir Muqam, the demolition campaign suddenly paused. According to sources, a section of the hotel’s boundary wall was brought down. However, the operation stopped after the hotel management presented documents, including No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and ownership records.
The clearance effort stayed on hold for nearly four hours. During this time, several property owners presented stay orders and other legal papers to stop further action. Media crews arrived and covered the incident in real time. As the footage began circulating, the administration restarted the operation. However, officials avoided taking full action against Muqam’s hotel.
Reacting strongly, Amir Muqam condemned the partial demolition of his hotel wall. He called it political revenge. He accused the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of targeting him through the eviction operation. “This is a case of political victimization,” he said. “My property is legal. I have all the documents—NOCs, land ownership, and an approved building plan.”
Muqam added that the action against his hotel was illegal. He announced plans to challenge it in court. “They used this land reclamation effort to settle political scores,” he stated, warning of legal consequences for what he called a discriminatory move.
His response triggered debate in political circles and the media. Many questioned the fairness and transparency of the anti-encroachment operation. Concerns were raised about whether the law was applied equally to all.
In response, the district administration defended its actions. Officials said the operation’s goal is to clear all illegal structures along the riverbanks. They added that demarcation work is still underway to prevent future encroachments. Authorities stressed that the campaign will continue without any bias or discrimination.
Despite these claims, public trust in the fairness of the operation appears shaken. The incident has once again highlighted the deep link between land use and political influence in the region.