Anti-corruption: Probe starts into ‘tampering’ of Khairpur land records
Officials allegedly allotted land worth billions of rupees to various people and companies in Khairpur district.
“I have asked my officials to review the land records of the whole province since most of the land in Sindh has been tampered with since the assassination of Benazir Bhutto,” said Manzoor Wassan. PHOTO: FILE.
KARACHI:
The anti-corruption establishment department has started probe against some influential persons and officials of the revenue department who have allegedly tampered the records of government land worth billions of rupees by allotting it to various people and companies in Nara taluka of Khairpur district.
According to officials, the team formed on the directives of provincial minister Manzoor Wassan has started probe into the matter. “The initial inquiry reveals that 6,665 acres have been allotted illegally to 267 persons. Besides, the record of 1,038 acres has been changed and the land has been sold to a private company exploring gas reserves in Sindh,” said the spokesperson of the anti-corruption department.
According to Wassan, thousands of acres have been allotted illegally, not only in Khairpur but in other districts including Karachi. “I have asked my officials to review the land records of the whole province since most of the land in Sindh has been tampered with since the assassination of Benazir Bhutto,” he said. “We will register cases and take action against people and officials found responsible.”
Many people have procured government land on lease to set up their factories and run other businesses, he pointed out, adding that they are violating the agreement with the government by not utilising the land given for its actual purpose. “We will soon start a crackdown against these people across the board irrespective of their influence and affiliation with any political party.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 26th, 2013.
The anti-corruption establishment department has started probe against some influential persons and officials of the revenue department who have allegedly tampered the records of government land worth billions of rupees by allotting it to various people and companies in Nara taluka of Khairpur district.
According to officials, the team formed on the directives of provincial minister Manzoor Wassan has started probe into the matter. “The initial inquiry reveals that 6,665 acres have been allotted illegally to 267 persons. Besides, the record of 1,038 acres has been changed and the land has been sold to a private company exploring gas reserves in Sindh,” said the spokesperson of the anti-corruption department.
According to Wassan, thousands of acres have been allotted illegally, not only in Khairpur but in other districts including Karachi. “I have asked my officials to review the land records of the whole province since most of the land in Sindh has been tampered with since the assassination of Benazir Bhutto,” he said. “We will register cases and take action against people and officials found responsible.”
Many people have procured government land on lease to set up their factories and run other businesses, he pointed out, adding that they are violating the agreement with the government by not utilising the land given for its actual purpose. “We will soon start a crackdown against these people across the board irrespective of their influence and affiliation with any political party.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 26th, 2013.