In one of the largest land recovery operations in Pakistan’s history, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Balochistan, in collaboration with the provincial government, has reclaimed more than 1.26 million acres of state land worth an estimated Rs1.78 trillion from illegal occupants across the province.
The large-scale operation was launched under directives from NAB Headquarters and the Government of Balochistan, targeting illegal land encroachments, restoring state ownership of public assets, and strengthening accountability mechanisms.
According to official details, an initial review conducted in 2025 revealed serious irregularities in the management of Forest Department land. Authorities discovered that nearly 2.8 million acres of forest land had no formal government record regarding its transfer or ownership status, prompting NAB Balochistan to initiate a comprehensive investigation and recovery campaign.
Over One Million Acres Recovered in 2025
During 2025, NAB Balochistan successfully recovered more than one million acres of state land, with an estimated value of Rs1.37 trillion. Officials described the operation as one of the most significant recoveries of public land ever undertaken in the country.
Additional Rs414 Billion Worth of Land Reclaimed in 2026
Building on the success of the 2025 campaign, authorities intensified operations in 2026, recovering an additional 260,000 acres of land in several districts, including Quetta, Gwadar, Lasbela, Hub, Sherani, and Sibi.
The estimated value of land recovered during 2026 stands at Rs414.2 billion.
District-wise recoveries include:
- Quetta: More than 47,000 acres worth approximately Rs363 billion
- Gwadar: Around 176,000 acres valued at Rs25 billion
- Sherani: Nearly 15,000 acres worth Rs29 billion
- Lasbela: About 17,000 acres valued at Rs2 billion
- Hub: 153 acres worth Rs500 million
- Sibi: 2,861 acres valued at Rs2 billion
Coordination Between Government Departments
Officials credited the success of the operation to close coordination among NAB Balochistan, the Government of Balochistan, the Board of Revenue, and the Forest Department. The Senior Member Board of Revenue (SMBR) and provincial authorities played a key role in identifying encroached land and facilitating its recovery.
NAB Vows Continued Action Against Land Mafia
NAB has reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, illegal land grabbing, and misuse of state resources. The bureau stated that operations against land mafias will continue without discrimination and in accordance with the law.
The anti-corruption watchdog has also prioritized the recovery of remaining encroached land and announced measures to strengthen land governance through modern management systems.
Land Record Digitization Underway
As part of broader reforms, authorities are digitizing land records across Balochistan to improve transparency and prevent future irregularities. Officials said the digitization of land records in Gwadar is in its final stages and will help ensure accurate monitoring of public assets.
Recovered land is being handed over to the Forest and Wildlife Departments for conservation efforts and public welfare projects, ensuring that valuable state resources are utilized for the benefit of citizens.
Key Highlights
- NAB Balochistan recovers state land worth Rs1.78 trillion
- More than 1.26 million acres reclaimed from illegal occupation
- Largest recoveries recorded in Quetta and Gwadar
- Operations conducted with support from the provincial government
- Digitization of Gwadar land records nearing completion
- Recovered land transferred to Forest and Wildlife Departments
Keywords: NAB Balochistan, Balochistan land recovery, state land recovered, NAB anti-encroachment operation, Gwadar land records, Quetta land recovery, Balochistan corruption crackdown, Forest Department land, land mafia Pakistan, NAB latest news.
