**Rawalpindi Cantonment Board Faces Legal Threat Over Alleged Violation of Court Orders at Dhoke Syedan Ground**
The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board is under increasing legal scrutiny for allegedly defying multiple Lahore High Court orders regarding the Dhoke Syedan Ground. At the center of the controversy are accusations of unauthorized construction, illegal dumping, and encroachments on land designated for public use. Legal notices served by Inam & Associates, acting for Advocate Muhammad Anwar Dar, have warned the board of potential contempt of court proceedings if the situation is not rectified immediately.
According to the legal notices addressed to the Board’s Chief Executive Officer, the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench has repeatedly issued directives to clear over 108 Kanals and 7 Marlas of land at Dhoke Syedan of illegal structures, encroachments, and trash. These orders, referenced in the notices, have spanned several years and reaffirm the site’s status for community facilities, including a hospital and park.
Despite these directives, the notices allege that the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board has failed to enforce the court’s decisions, instead allowing the ground to revert to a garbage dumping site. The situation has been exacerbated by the reported demolition of a boundary wall constructed to protect the property, a move the notices claim has resulted in substantial financial loss to public resources.
The legal challenge further highlights ongoing construction of khokhas (informal roadside stalls), houses, and shops on land that belongs to the Auqaf Department. Such activities are described as blatant violations of court orders. In response to these developments, a contempt petition was previously filed, demanding a halt to the illegal activities and restoration of the site to its originally intended use.
Through his attorney, Inam-ul-Rahiem, the complainant has emphasized that continued inaction, particularly regarding the removal of encroachments and reconstruction of the boundary wall, would force further legal proceedings, including the risk of contempt charges against responsible officials.
The documents submitted by the legal team paint a concerning picture of administrative inaction and possible collusion, raising questions about the enforcement of judicial rulings in Rawalpindi. Observers suggest the case may intensify if authorities do not urgently take steps to bring the area into compliance with court orders, signaling broader concerns about the management of public land and accountability in the region.
