Key Takeaways
- The Punjab government plans to build a training academy for the PERA near Kallar Kahar.
- Local residents fear displacement and loss of farmland, while conservationists warn of wildlife damage.
- Rs. 6.786 billion has been allocated for the project, with Rs. 10 million released in the current financial year.
The Punjab government’s plan to construct a training academy for the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) near Kallar Kahar has sparked significant concerns among local residents and conservationists. According to official documents, PERA Director General requested land acquisition from the Deputy Commissioner of Chakwal on June 9, aiming for a suitable site in a salubrious hilly locale.
The district administration identified approximately 1,568 kanals of land for this purpose. However, local residents argue that the selected site includes fertile agricultural land and supports more than 20 households, which are home to over 80 families. Raja Mohammad Farooq, one of six brothers who purchased 24 kanals of land in 2018, expressed concern about losing their homes and livelihoods. He said they had built houses on the property after obtaining a Rs. 3 million loan under a housing scheme launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Ghulam Shabbir, another resident, highlighted that his four acres of farmland fall within the demarcated area. He warned that losing this land would deprive his family of wheat and livestock fodder, essential for their sustenance throughout the year. The proposal has also raised environmental concerns as the selected site is home to several wildlife species, including the rare Punjab Urial, and contains two breeding farms for urials, chinkaras, and partridges.
Malik Mukhtar Haider, who runs a community-based wildlife conservancy in the area, expressed deep concern. He stated that the academy’s construction could undo decades of conservation work. Officials from the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department have also questioned the selection of the site, emphasizing its value as one of the area's key wildlife habitats developed over nearly two decades.
Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Abid Hussain warned that the project could significantly impact local biodiversity. Deputy Commissioner Sara Hayat acknowledged that three different locations were proposed but noted that PERA ultimately selected the current site. She stated, 'We have to implement the orders given by the high-ups.'
PML-N MNA Sardar Ghulam Abbas urged the Punjab government to reconsider the project but admitted that reversing the decision appears difficult after the imposition of Section 4, which initiates the land acquisition process.
The project has been allocated Rs. 6.786 billion, with Rs. 10 million released during the current financial year to begin the construction.
We have to implement the orders given by the high-ups.
Deputy Commissioner Sara Hayat, Deputy Commissioner of Chakwal
The proposed acquisition now threatens to demolish our homes and livelihoods.
Raja Mohammad Farooq, Resident affected by the project
