KDA eyes land auctions to clear pension dues

Prime plots in Surjani Town, North Karachi, FB Area shortlisted to generate revenue

KARACHI:

In a bid to shore up its finances and pay long-pending pension dues to retired employees, the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) is preparing to auction government-owned plots in Surjani Town, North Karachi and Federal B Area, DG Zainul Abideen Ansari has said.

During visits to the three localities, the KDA chief inspected potential auction sites and assessed their condition, suitability and commercial significance as part of efforts to identify new sources of income for the cash-strapped authority.

In Surjani Town, Ansari inspected government land in sectors 7-B and 11-B. Executive Engineer Surjani Town Mohammad Hamza briefed him on the properties and the possibility of including them in an upcoming auction.

The DG subsequently visited sectors 5-D and 5-F and other areas of North Karachi Township to review government-owned land and assess potential plots for auction. He was also briefed on the status and nature of the properties.

In Federal B Area, Ansari inspected LS plots in Block 11, where Executive Engineer North Karachi Nasir Siddiqui provided details about the government land and its current status.

Ansari said strengthening the authority's financial position and making effective use of its available assets were among its key priorities. He added that the KDA was taking practical steps to identify land for auction and finalise the relevant arrangements.

He said the authority was making serious efforts to ensure the timely payment of pension arrears to its retirees in accordance with court orders, adding that revenue generated through the proposed auctions would help improve its financial position and meet outstanding liabilities.

The DG also said the KDA intended to provide opportunities to prospective buyers from across Sindh and other parts of the country to participate in the auction, enabling them to acquire plots according to their needs and realise their dream of building a home.

He assured that transparency, merit and compliance with legal requirements would be maintained throughout the auction process to improve the authority's finances and sustain public confidence.

Director Estate and Enforcement Syed Zain Shah was also present during the visits.