Sukkur: A widow from the village of Long Bhanbhro in the vicinity of Saleh Pat has publicly accused several influential local figures of forcibly seizing her agricultural land. Bilquis, widow of the late Manzoor Bhanbhro, appeared at a press conference held at the Sukkur National Press Club (Registered), accompanied by her nephew, Hussain Dano. During the conference, she detailed the alleged illegal occupation and appealed to authorities for urgent intervention.

Bilquis accused Ali Muhammad Bhanbhro, Atta Muhammad, Habdar Bhanbhro, and their son, Ehsan Bhanbhro, of illegally taking control of her one-acre agricultural land. She claimed that these individuals were leveraging their political and social influence to occupy her property unlawfully. According to Bilquis, the seizure has caused her immense distress, as she depends on this land for her livelihood and sustenance.

The widow further alleged that additional local figures, Samoon Bhanbhro and his son Ashraf Bhanbhro, are providing full support to the accused parties. Bilquis stated that this support is rooted in their feudal obligations, as they are tenants or subordinates (locally referred to as “hari”) of Ashraf Bhanbhro, one of the influential landowners in the area. This connection, she claimed, has emboldened the alleged perpetrators to continue occupying her land without fear of legal consequences.

Bilquis said she had made multiple visits to the Saleh Pat police station to report the matter, but her appeals were ignored. “Despite repeatedly approaching the authorities, no assistance was provided, and our grievances were not heard,” she stated. She emphasized that the lack of response from law enforcement has left her vulnerable and without recourse, highlighting broader concerns about accountability and the protection of marginalized citizens against the misuse of influence.

During the press conference, Bilquis urged higher authorities to take strict legal action against the accused individuals and ensure the restoration of her land. She stressed that the situation reflects a systemic issue in which powerful local actors can intimidate ordinary residents and occupy their property with impunity. Bilquis’s appeal is not only for her own case but also a call for the protection of citizens’ land rights in the region, particularly for widows and other vulnerable groups.

Hussain Dano, the widow’s nephew, expressed solidarity with Bilquis and condemned the unlawful seizure of the land. He argued that the blatant disregard for legal and administrative procedures by the accused individuals undermines public trust in local authorities. He emphasized that without intervention from higher authorities, local residents fear they will continue to face harassment and intimidation, especially in rural areas dominated by influential landlords.

The press conference at Sukkur National Press Club drew attention from media representatives and civil society observers. Participants expressed concern over the issue of land grabbing, which is a recurring problem in many parts of Sindh and other provinces, where influential individuals allegedly exploit power dynamics to seize property belonging to vulnerable families. Such incidents, experts say, highlight the urgent need for reforms in land administration, law enforcement accountability, and mechanisms to protect marginalized citizens.

Bilquis concluded by reiterating her demand for justice and urging the authorities to act promptly. “My plea to the government and law enforcement agencies is to ensure that the law prevails and that my land is restored. No citizen should live in fear of losing their property to powerful individuals,” she said. She also expressed hope that public attention and media coverage would compel the relevant authorities to intervene and prevent further injustices.

The case has raised broader questions about the effectiveness of local governance structures and the rule of law in rural Sindh. Civil society activists argue that victims of land grabbing often face obstacles in obtaining legal remedies due to social hierarchies and influence wielded by powerful families. Ensuring legal protection for widows, women, and economically disadvantaged citizens is essential to uphold justice and maintain social equity in rural communities.

In conclusion, the allegations made by Bilquis Bhanbhro at Sukkur National Press Club serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by vulnerable citizens in rural Pakistan. The issue of land grabbing, particularly by influential figures, continues to be a pressing concern. Her call for immediate legal action and the restoration of her property underscores the need for responsive governance, effective law enforcement, and protection of property rights for all citizens, regardless of social status or economic standing.