Land grabbers after properties of repatriated Afghans in Karachi

Following the repatriation of Afghan nationals residing in the Afghan Basti, police officials have expressed concern that the vacated houses and land may be illegally occupied.

DIG West, Irfan Baloch, has warned that the land mafia may attempt to seize the vacated plots in the Afghan Camp area, located within the jurisdiction of Gulshan-e-Maymar police station.

In this regard, the DIG has written a letter to the city's police chief.

In his letter, Baloch suggested forming a joint committee comprising officials from the Malir Development Authority (MDA), the deputy commissioner's office, and the police to conduct a land survey and ensure that the MDA promptly takes control of the vacated land.

The DIG noted that over 3,000 houses had been constructed in the Afghan Camp, accommodating around 15,000 Afghan nationals. However, while most have now returned to Afghanistan, approximately 1,500 individuals remain in the area.

Baloch urged that the land-controlling authority immediately take possession of the vacant homes and plots to prevent illegal occupation or encroachment of the area.