KARACHI: The Karachi Development Authority (KDA) has formally requested the District West Deputy Commissioner to take immediate action against widespread land encroachments in Surjani Town’s Scheme 41.
Sources within the KDA revealed that land grabbers have become increasingly active in the area, illegally occupying residential, commercial, and welfare plots across Sectors 6, 10, and 13. These plots, which were previously allocated through a transparent ballot process, are now being seized by unauthorized groups.
The authority claims that land worth billions of rupees is being illicitly sold by the land mafia. To disguise their illegal activities, the criminals are falsely claiming that these plots fall within different “goths,” such as Jilani, Bilawal, and Khan Brohi Goth, to give the impression of legal settlements.
Additionally, the land mafia has established marketing offices within these fake goths, tricking prospective buyers into purchasing plots through illegal means, including “china cutting” (unauthorized subdivision). Often, plots are sold at prices as low as a few lakh rupees on the condition that buyers immediately construct houses and settle there.
In an official communication, KDA emphasized that the land mafia is also misleading people by promising they will receive land documents under the Gotth Abad Scheme—an assurance that is false. The Director of Estate and Anti-Encroachment KDA has dispatched a detailed letter to the Deputy Commissioner West, urging the Assistant Commissioner to verify the authenticity of the fake goths and curb illegal land activities.
The issue has also been escalated to higher authorities, including the Karachi Commissioner, DIG West, Director of Anti-Encroachment Force, SSP West, and the Assistant Commissioner of Manghopir Division, for urgent intervention.
Recent Clashes During Anti-Encroachment Operations in Karachi
Earlier incidents have highlighted the volatile situation faced by anti-encroachment teams in Karachi. During a crackdown on illegal encroachments, the Anti-Encroachment Force was attacked by unidentified individuals in multiple locations, resulting in injuries, arson, and the suspension of operations.
One such incident occurred in the Karachi Administration Employees Society, where SBCA officials attempting to demolish illegal construction on the third floor of a building were assaulted by unknown assailants. Four officers and staff members sustained injuries and were hospitalized.
In another clash in Sector 48-B, Zaman Town, a joint operation by KDA, the Anti-Encroachment Force, and police was disrupted when angry residents attacked the team, damaging police uniforms and tearing equipment. The authorities called in additional police personnel to control the situation, leading to the suspension of the operation.
A third attack took place on M.A. Jinnah Road, where unknown assailants set fire to an official truck carrying seized goods, destroying both the vehicle and its contents completely.
