It is a regrettable fact that an exceeding number of property files belonging to the rightful owners of plots in Karachi are lying in unsafe and vulnerable conditions somewhere in Civic Centre. These files, representing the ownership rights of citizens, are often reported as “lost” by the Land Department of KDA. Once a file is declared missing, the process of mutation or transfer becomes impossible, leaving property owners in distress.
What is even more alarming is that citizens are forced to pay bribes. For merely searching for a “lost file,” an amount as high as one lakh rupees is unofficially demanded. If this amount is not paid, the citizens are directed to apply for reconstitution of the file, a process that can take over a year. Shockingly, during this process, demand for illegal payments up to one million rupees is also made.
Despite being the official custodians of these vital records, relevant officials remain unaccountable. I respectfully appeal to the Chief Minister of Sindh and the Minister of Local Government to take immediate notice of this serious issue.
It is imperative that: all KDA land records are digitalised and displayed online to ensure transparency and protect public property; strict accountability mechanisms are enforced; the officers responsible must be held accountable if any file is lost; a transparent and time bound process for file management and mutation should be introduced to protect the legal rights of property owners.
This issue is about the fundamental rights of the citizens of Karachi.
Muhammad Anwar ul Haque
Karachi
