Human Settlement Dept warns of legal action against corrupt officials, land grabbers
City planner says capital lags behind in shaping policy; offers alternative solution to katchi abadis. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
After the recovery of a huge amount of narcotics from an official from the residence of an Excise and Revenue Department just a few days ago, a new scandal has emerged involving personnel from another government department in the illegal occupation of land in the metropolis.
In a public notice issued by the Regional Director of Sindh Human Settlement Department (formerly known as Katchi Abadis), it was found that police officers and Anti-Encroachment Force personnel are involved in the illegal sale and purchase of land in various katchi abadis (slums) across the metropolis. The notice, which was issued in connection with a socio-economic survey of 36 katchi abadis in Karachi, named more than a dozen people allegedly involved in these illegal activities.
The document specifically pointed out that all the katchi abadis under control belong to the Sindh Human Settlement Department and mutation orders to the residents have been issued based on NOCs. However, it has been found that land grabbers, in connivance with corrupt officials of the local police and Anti-Encroachment Force, are illegally dealing in plots, houses and even farmhouses in these settlements.
The notice contained a stern warning to both land grabbers and officials involved in these illegal transactions. The Sindh Human Settlement Department promised to take legal action against those who continue to engage in the illegal sale and purchase of properties in these katchi abadis. The settlements in question are located in District West, District East and District Keamari.
The settlements in District West include Al Shahbaz Goth, Allah Bakhsh Goth, Arib Goth, Bilawal Goth, Dost Muhammad Goth and Ghareebabad, among others. Meanwhile, settlements in District East include Noor Muhammad Model Town, Zakri Goth and Allah Bakhsh Brohi Goth and those in Keamari include Kachilo Goth and Azeem Nagar. The public notice highlighted that the illegal activities of land grabbers and corrupt officials have seriously undermined the rule of law and are contributing to the growing encroachment problems in these areas.
