The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that forest land cannot legally be allotted to private individuals while scrutinizing the alleged sale of 666 kanals of Forest Department land in Gujrat.
The court directed government officials to present the complete official record at the next hearing, raising fresh concerns over the handling of public land.
Court seeks complete land records
During proceedings on Thursday, the bench ordered the assistant commissioners of Gujrat and Pasrur to appear after the court’s summer recess with all documents related to the disputed property.
The case concerns an alleged auction of 666 kanals of Forest Department land that reportedly took place in 1983.
Government counsel Sanaullah informed the court that although officials claim an auction was conducted, no documentary evidence or official record of the process has been found in government archives.
Judges question missing documents and alleged irregularities
Justice Irfan Saadat Khan questioned why no action had been taken against those responsible if irregularities had occurred, emphasizing that forest land cannot be transferred to private ownership under the law.
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail also expressed concern over the government’s handling of the matter, asking why the alleged auction was conducted in an irregular manner and later cancelled through a similarly questionable process.
The judge observed that Pakistan has suffered extensive destruction of its forests and remarked that authorities often fail to act when influential individuals are allegedly involved.
Justice Mandokhail comments on judicial office
During the hearing, Justice Mandokhail also corrected a lawyer who referred to his previous role as a sessions judge as a “job.”
He clarified that judges serve in constitutional offices rather than government jobs, underscoring the constitutional status of the judiciary.
Next hearing after court recess
The Supreme Court adjourned proceedings until after the summer vacations and directed the assistant commissioners of Gujrat and Pasrur to appear with the complete official record.
The court is expected to examine the available evidence and determine whether any legal violations occurred in the alleged auction and transfer of the Forest Department land.
