Sindh government removes two officers over illegal land deals in Dadu

Both officers accused of aiding unlawful transfer of land meant for Sukkur IBA, University of Sindh to private builder

The Sindh government has removed the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Dadu over allegations of irregularities in land allotment.

The two officials, ADC Javed Ali Lark and AC Shahnawaz Mirani, were dismissed from their positions following a recommendation from the Commissioner of Hyderabad.

According to a statement released by the Sindh Chief Secretary’s office, the officials were removed for their involvement in an illegal land allotment scheme.

The two officers are accused of facilitating the unlawful transfer of land intended for Sukkur IBA Campus and the University of Sindh to a private builder, M.S. Lund.

The statement further explained that the officials acted against the interests of the Sindh government by supporting the private party.

In response, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah has ordered an inquiry into the matter, with the possibility of further legal action depending on the investigation's findings.

Earlier on September 21, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah suspended the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Mirpurkhas, according to an official notification issued by the chief secretary.

Sindh Home Minister Zia Hassan Lanjar confirmed that the SSP of the CIA and the relevant Station House Officer (SHO) had already been suspended prior to this action.

"The Sindh government believes in the rule of law," Lanjar stated, emphasising that there was no hesitation in taking action against officials.

He added that a formal letter has been sent to the Establishment Division for further action against the DIG and SSP, reinforcing the government's commitment to upholding justice and accountability.

A day earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) suspended three senior officers over "misconduct and inefficiency'.

The officers have been suspended for 120 days as part of an ongoing inquiry.

Those suspended include the Director of Administration and Provincial Election Commissioner Sindh, Azhar Hussain Tunwari, Karachi Election Officer, Khuda Bux, and Provincial Election Commissioner Sindh, Sharifullah.

A notification from the ECP confirmed that the officers will remain in Karachi during the inquiry and until further orders are issued.