SHC orders action against land mafia

Actual allottees of 404 plots in Gulistan-e-Jauhar seek possession of their land

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the authorities concerned to get the illegal occupation by land mafia ended of 404 residential, commercial and welfare plots in Block 10 of Gulistan-e-Jauhar.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi heard the allottees' petition seeking possession of 404 plots in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. The petitioner argued that despite the court orders, the land mafia is not giving up. No official of the authorities concerned including KDA is ready to pay heed to the allottees' requests.

The court was angry with the Karachi commissioner, KDA, police and other officials for not implementing its orders. On the appearance of KDA Director in place of KDA DG, the court reprimanded the officers.

Justice Rizvi while giving remarks said: "What steps have been taken to end the occupation? Why didn't KDA DG appear?"

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The KDA's counsel stated that KDA DG has been posted recently. The public prosecutor stated that a meeting of stakeholders was held in Karachi commissioner's office.

The court directed the KDA officials not to do lip service only and instead tell the court about how the occupation will be ended. "What must be done to remove the land mafia? A time frame must be set," the court remarked.

Giving his position, the public prosecutor said that it has been decided to set up five police posts in the area and four to five police personnel will be deployed at each police post.

The court remarked: "When will the operation be carried out? Take help of police and rangers, if needed. Take SSP and DIG level officer with you and start the work. The Supreme Court and the Sindh High Court have repeatedly ordered to end the occupation."

The court remarked that those who have plots should be included in the committee. The court directed Karachi Commissioner, KDA DG and other stakeholders to hold a meeting in three days. The court sought a comprehensive plan to get the plots vacated and ordered to vacate the land from the squatters within 30 days.

Restoration of power
supply ordered

The Sindh High Court has ordered K-electric to restore power on the request of allottees regarding renovation of Makkah Terrace and resettlement of allottees. The SHC heard a petition seeking renovation of Makkah Terrace and restoration of electricity for resettlement of allottees.

The SBCA submitted a report on the demolition of illegal sections of the Makkah Terrace. The report said that illegal parts of the building have been demolished as per the SHC orders. The court also ordered the builder to renovate the building as per the approved SBCA plan.he court, while disposing of the petition, remarked that the allottees should be resettled in the building within the stipulated period.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2022.