SWAT: The Deputy Commissioner Swat has clarified that no new land has been sought for Kanju Cantt nor has any land been required in this regard.
He explained in a press release that the formal approval for the establishment of the Cantt in Swat was given on September 8, 2015, to ensure long-term security in the region. The establishment of Swat Cantt was implemented on February 24, 2016, under Gazette Notification No. SRO 174(1)/2016, and the district administration had acquired land for it that same year.
According to Deputy Commissioner Swat, since 2016, no additional land has been demanded nor has any new land been acquired by the government or other institutions. The Cantonment Board, in collaboration with the Survey of Pakistan, had conducted a routine survey of the existing cantonment land in Swat and Malakand, however, some locals levelled baseless allegations against the administration and other institutions that they were trying to grab their land in the name of establishing cantonments.
The Deputy Commissioner said that various meetings were held on the issue in which Assistant Commissioner Kabal, local dignitaries, residents, jirga and community elders participated.
It was clearly stated in these meetings that no new land was required for Kanju Cantt and no action was being taken in this regard.
He further explained that the Cantonment Board is an administrative body that provides quality education, health facilities, commercial opportunities and other civic amenities to the residents of the Cantt and it has nothing to do with the acquisition of any new land.
He appealed to the public not to listen to such baseless and fabricated allegations as some elements are creating obstacles in the development of the region by spreading false narratives for their vested interests.
The public should adopt a positive attitude and play their role in the development of the region.
