KARACHI: The Sindh government is considering an application by the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) seeking up to 6,000 acres of seafront land in Karachi for expansion of Upscale Residence for ‘Shuhada Families’
In the 1980s, the DHA began its Karachi housing plan on only 76.2 acres of land. However, throughout time, it has grown to become the largest and most prominent residential estate, The DHA has sought land “preferably on the beachside” for the development of its housing plan “to meet its primary objective of providing relief to families of martyrs and armed forces personnel.”
In December 2023, it requested Sindh’s caretaker government to request “allotment of land for DHA Karachi for future expansion.”
In a letter to the Sindh chief minister, the DHA administrator explained the grounds for the expansion proposal while thanking the provincial government for previous assistance for the authority’s numerous initiatives.
“With bifurcation of DHA Karachi and DHA City Karachi, the requirement of additional land has become imperative for DHA Karachi to meet its primary objective of providing relief to Shuhada families and armed forces personnel,” he stated in the letter. “It is requested that DHA Karachi may be leased an area of compact piece of land measuring 5,000–6,000 acres of land for its expansion in vicinity of Hawksbay area,” it added
However, sources said that the Hawkesbay Scheme in district West had already become a hotspot for “land mafia” and only an “organized and legal housing scheme under a strong administration” could save the area from encroachments and unauthorised occupation.
The sources said despite acknowledgement of the Sindh government, the proposal was still in “very early stage” and the fate of DHA’s further expansion was so far “unclear”.
“Even if the land was identified by the provincial government in line with the DHA Karachi’s request, it was not clear that the expansion would be viable or not,” said a source privy to the expansion plan.
“It’s in very initial stage. Once the land is identified, several studies will be conducted. So it’s yet to be seen whether or not the expansion on a certain piece of land is technically and financially viable,” the source added.
The DHA had launched its housing scheme in Karachi with just 76.2 acres of land in 1980s. However, it has now evolved as the largest and leading residential estate over the years.
According to information provided on the authority’s website, “DHA has attained a valuable status serving as a benchmark for providing unparallel living standards in Pakistan. Pakistan Defence Officers Housing Authority currently owns and manages over an area of 8,797 acres, serving several families. It has 81,489 members including armed forces officers, civilians and legal heirs of deceased members.”
