Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. PHOTO: Radio Pakistan
KARACHI:
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday reaffirmed his government’s firm resolve to eliminate land grabbing and extortion from the province, saying such illegal practices would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The Chief Minister made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation of the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD), led by Chairman Hassan Bakhshi. Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah and other senior officials were also present.
CM Shah said he had seen ABAD’s press conference a day earlier and felt that such issues should have been raised directly with the government instead of through the media. “I have issued clear instructions to divisional and district administrations that no illegal encroachment or land grabbing will be tolerated anywhere in Sindh,” he added.
The ABAD representatives briefed the Chief Minister about the positive results of a crackdown launched against land grabbers a few months ago, adding that no new illegal occupation of their properties has been reported since. They expressed their willingness to work with the government to remove any remaining old encroachments, a proposal approved during the meeting.
The delegation also presented extortion notes (parchis) along with phone numbers of people allegedly sending threats from abroad, highlighting the challenges faced by builders. CM Shah directed that all cases of extortion or threats should be immediately reported to the relevant authorities and stressed that any such matter should be taken up directly with the Home Minister.
ABAD officials stated that around 10 extortion cases had surfaced over the past year. Police briefed the delegation on progress in these cases, while Interior Minister Lanjar added that extensive operations had led to the arrest of 50 extortionists, with six criminals killed in police encounters.
Directing the police to ensure an immediate response to any complaint filed by ABAD, CM Shah announced that in coordination with the federal government, action would be taken against extortionists operating from abroad. “We have eliminated extortionists from this city before and we will bring them to justice again,” he said.
The provincial police chief added that several meetings had already been held with ABAD representatives, resulting in concrete actions, including the arrest of three people linked to an overseas extortion racket. It was decided that the police would take strict action on any complaint registered by ABAD.
