KARACHI – The ongoing controversy surrounding the land of Karachi’s historic Hill Park has escalated into a major political standoff, prompting the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) to initiate a formal land survey to determine the park’s exact boundaries. The issue has ignited a fierce war of words between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI).
Key Findings & Statements
Speaking to the media, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab clarified the municipality’s stance on the alleged encroachments, making several critical revelations. Mayor Wahab stated that the plot number presented by the party claiming ownership does not exist in the park’s original layout plan. The individuals behind the construction on Hill Park land presented lease documents allegedly issued by the Pakistan Employees Co-operative Housing Society (PECHS). According to a 1974 official notification, the total area of Hill Park spans approximately 56 acres. The Mayor categorized the claims as baseless, emphasizing that KMC has never allotted any part of the park’s land to any individual or private institution.
“If PECHS is found in violation of the original layout plan, strict action will be taken. Encroachments or illegal construction on Hill Park land will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Mayor Wahab warned.
Current Status: Inquiry and Digital Survey
To establish the ground realities and protect public space, KMC has officially launched a comprehensive land survey. Mayor Wahab assured that the KMC will utilize all legal and administrative measures to safeguard Hill Park’s land, adding that the inquiry is actively underway to bring all facts to light.
