Influential group occupies private land despite court order
KARACHI: Despite the provincial government’s claims of reducing land grabbing cases in Karachi, the influential land mafia continues its illegal activities, particularly in the eastern zone of the city.
As per reports, the land mafia has become increasingly active in the Manghopir area, specifically in Deh Bund Murad, where powerful groups have unlawfully occupied private properties. Armed individuals have begun constructing boundary walls on large tracts of private land, raising serious concerns among affected residents.
According to sources, a notorious land mafia group has forcefully taken control of 125 acres of land belonging to citizens Babar Mehmood, son of Akbar Mehmood, and Hamza Ayaz, son of Ayaz Mehmood. The affected individuals had legally acquired and transferred the land under their names in 2019 through proper legal procedures.
Despite multiple past attempts by land grabbers to seize the property, the rightful owners managed to resist through legal intervention. However, even after the court issued a stay order preventing any illegal occupation, the land mafia has blatantly disregarded the ruling and begun construction of boundary walls on the disputed land.
To the distress of the affected landowners, local police are allegedly supporting the encroachers by failing to enforce the court’s orders. The victims have accused the authorities of contempt of court, further worsening their plight.
Babar Mehmood and Hamza Ayaz have now appealed to the Chief Minister of Sindh, the Inspector General of Sindh Police, and the Director General of Rangers to take immediate legal action against the illegal occupation and ensure the return of their land.
The growing influence of land grabbers in Karachi, coupled with alleged police collusion, has raised alarm among property owners. The victims are demanding justice and strict measures to dismantle the land mafia’s operations in the city.
It is worth mentioning that the Sindh Government has recently established a committee to address the grievances of the business community and the general public, particularly concerning encroachments and land grabbing.
The committee, chaired by Sindh Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar, recently held a meeting where necessary instructions were issued to prevent land grabbing and encroachments.
Minister Lanjar stated that a high-level desk will be established under the Karachi Commissioner to handle land grabbing and encroachment issues. Complaints, along with full evidence, can be submitted by the business community, builders, and public representatives to this desk for necessary action.
