Banyan trees traditionally symbolize longevity and stability. Photo: Express
FAISALABAD:
A centuries-old banyan tree, considered a living symbol of ancestral heritage, was cut down in Ramdiwali village, also known as Arfa Karim Nagar, triggering grief and anger among local residents.
The banyan tree was located in the dera (farm latrine) of the late Chaudhry Muhammad Akbar Randhawa and was believed to be around 114 years old.
According to the villagers, the late Baba Akbar had stated eight years ago that the tree was then 109 years old.
He died five years ago, confirming that the tree had been more than a century old before being cut down and sold this week.
Local resident Yasin Masih recalled that elders regarded the tree as a legacy from their ancestors, who migrated to the area from Amritsar in eastern Punjab in the late 19th century after irrigation from the Jhang Branch canal made the land fertile.
Another account dates the settlement to the British era around 1880.
Villagers said the banyan tree served as a communal gathering point where elders rested, shared water and held daily discussions.
Zahid Akbar said some family members sold the historic tree for a “meager” Rs 300,000 despite objections.
Dr Ijaz Tabassam, a retired scientist from the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, said banyan trees are culturally sacred and symbolize longevity, shelter and stability.
Dr Shakeel Yousaf called the act a “murder of local history”, while residents fear increasing land purchases by property developers are erasing rural heritage.
