Banyan trees traditionally symbolize longevity and stability. Photo: Express
FAISALABAD:
A century-old banyan tree, considered a living symbol of ancestral heritage, was felled in Ramdiwali village, also known as Arfa Karim Nagar, triggering grief and anger among local residents.
The banyan tree stood at the dera (farm house) of the late Chaudhry Muhammad Akbar Randhawa and was believed to be around 114 years old.
According to 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 completed more than a century of life before it was cut and sold this week.
Local resident Yasin Masih recalled that elders considered the tree a legacy of their ancestors, who migrated to the area from Amritsar in eastern Punjab in the late 19th century after canal irrigation from the Jhang branch made the land fertile.
Another account traces 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 “paltry” Rs300,000 despite objections.
Dr. Ijaz Tabassam, a retired scientist at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, said banyan trees are culturally sacred and symbolize longevity, shelter and stability.
Dr. Shakeel Yousaf labeled the move a “murder of local history”, while residents fear increasing land purchases by property developers are erasing rural heritage.
