Prof Syeda Farhana Jahangir
THE evolving landscape of law enforcement in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in Peshawar, is witnessing a much-needed and commendable transformation.
At the forefront of this positive shift stands CCPO Peshawar, Dr. Mian Saeed Ahmad, ably supported by SSP Operations, Mr. Farhan Khan. Their resolute leadership, professional integrity and operational clarity are setting new benchmarks in policing—offering both hope and tangible relief to citizens long burdened by lawlessness.
One of the most pressing challenges faced by the people of Peshawar in recent years has been the menace of land mafia. Illegal occupation, coercion and manipulation deprived countless citizens of their rightful properties, creating deep-rooted mistrust in the system. For many affectees, the loss was not merely financial but emotional— striking at their sense of security, dignity and justice. Families who had safeguarded their ancestral lands for generations suddenly found themselves helpless against organized criminal networks operating with apparent impunity.
In this context, the recent actions undertaken by the Peshawar police leadership are both timely and transformative. Through consistent efforts, strategic enforcement and what can rightly be termed “smart policing,” significant progress has been made in dismantling networks of land grabbers. It has been widely reported that, as a result of these sustained operations, many citizens have finally been able to repossess their lands and properties—an outcome that once seemed distant, if not impossible. Each such recovery represents not merely a legal victory but the restoration of a family’s dignity and livelihood.
This resurgence of lawful authority has had a profound psychological impact on the public. People are beginning to feel heard, protected and empowered. The visible crackdown on illegal elements, combined with a clear stance of zero tolerance towards corruption and unlawful occupation, is gradually restoring faith in state institutions. It sends a powerful message: the rule of law is not merely an ideal, but a reality that can be enforced with the right intent and leadership.
What makes this initiative particularly noteworthy is its community-centered approach. Rather than relying solely on reactive enforcement, the Peshawar police have adopted a proactive model—engaging with local communities, establishing transparent grievance mechanisms and ensuring that affected citizens are guided through the legal process of property recovery. This human-centered strategy not only resolves disputes efficiently but also bridges the long-standing gap between law enforcement and the public it serves. Citizens who once felt abandoned by the system are now approaching police stations with renewed confidence, knowing their complaints will be taken seriously and acted upon.
Equally important is the role of inter-departmental coordination. Sustainable anti-land mafia operations require seamless collaboration between police, revenue authorities and the judiciary. Encouraging signs suggest that such cooperation is increasingly taking shape in Peshawar, laying the groundwork for a more comprehensive and lasting solution to property-related crimes. When institutions work in concert rather than in silos, the results speak for themselves.
In the light of this progress, a constructive proposal deserves serious consideration by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. To further strengthen and broaden the scope of this anti-land mafia drive, it is recommended that two additional senior officers be inducted into this core team: one officer who is a recognized authority on land revenue matters and another from the Anti-Corruption Department—both selected strictly on the basis of their established reputations for integrity and professional competence.
Their expertise would provide the team with a formidable combination of legal, administrative and investigative capability. Together with CCPO Peshawar Dr. Mian Saeed Ahmad and SSP Operations Mr. Farhan Khan, this four-member team would be exceptionally well-equipped to expand its mandate beyond Peshawar and tackle land grabbing across a far larger area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Such a team, empowered with the right authority and supported at the highest levels of government, could deliver a watershed moment in the province’s long struggle against property crimes.
However, the true test lies in sustainability. Such efforts must not be episodic; they require institutional backing, continuity and unwavering political and administrative support. Half-measures and short-lived campaigns have historically allowed criminal networks to regroup and resurface. Only a structured, long-term strategy—anchored in accountability and driven by genuine political will—can ensure that the gains made today are not reversed tomorrow. If maintained, this momentum can redefine policing standards not only in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but across Pakistan
At a time when public trust in institutions often wavers, the example set by Dr. Mian Saeed Ahmad and Mr. Farhan Khan stands out as a beacon of hope. Pakistan indeed needs more officers of such caliber—individuals who combine courage with compassion, authority with accountability and power with purpose. With the right team in place and the full weight of provincial support behind them, the dream of a land mafia-free Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not only imaginable—it is achievable.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
