KMC seeks to retrieve encroached land worth billions

The corporation has decided to approach the Supreme Court for help

KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation's (KMC) Parks Department has initiated steps to retrieve thousands of acres of land allegedly encroached by the land mafia and other illegal occupants.

According to a Parks Department official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, KMC officials have briefed Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar about the issue and an application will soon be filed with to the Supreme Court, requesting to take up the matter.



A survey report prepared by the parks department has identified thousands of acres of KMC's land that has been converted into residential colonies and commercial centers, including cinemas. The said land was allegedly illegally allotted to various parties by the Karachi Development Authority, the report states, adding that the cumulative worth of the encroached land could run into billions of rupees.

The report, which has already been sent to the mayor, identifies the address, size, status and current occupants of the encroached lands. For example, the report claims that the land allotted by KDA for the Cineplex Open Cinema in PECHS Block 6 belongs to the KMC. A 1,000-square yard plot in Aziz Bhatti Park in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, which currently houses the Softina Banquet, is also marked as encroached property.

Likewise, the Customs Rest House, built on 1,500 square yards, is being used as a commercial centre in violation of the KMC's plans for its use as a public park. Another six acres of park land in PECHS has been turned into a residential colony, the report states, adding that the case for the said land is already being heard in the Supreme Court. A petrol pump in PECHS, built on 700 square feet, is also illegally constructed on KMC land.

Further, the report accuses the "land mafia" of having converted over 80 acres of KMC land near Hill Park into residential and commercial centres. Sources claim that land for at least 42 residential plots near Hill Park has been allotted on KDA's orders. The allotment for seven illegal plots in question was made with full ownership rights.

In addition, three hotels near Hill Park are also illegally constructed on KMC land. According to the report, the KDA has also illegally issued permits for swimming pools and golf clubs near Hill Park.

The report appeals to the authorities to take immediate notice of the situation and help the KMC retrieve the encroached land. After sending the report to the mayor, KMC officials have also started seeking legal advice on the issue. Akhtar is expected to submit a detailed report to the Supreme Court and appeal to help retrieve the land.



A persistent problem

During the last six months, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has repeatedly ordered the removal of encroachments and building structures, particularly marriage halls, established on amenity plots in different areas of Karachi. Acting on these orders, all the civic agencies, including the KDA, KMC, DHA and cantonment boards, swung into actions, demolishing around 200 concrete structures, most of which were marriage halls and banquets.