KARACHI: In a significant move to protect state land and address public grievances, Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar chaired the 4th high-level meeting of the Anti-Encroachment and Land Grabbing Committee. The session focused on resolving complaints from the business community and citizens regarding illegal land occupations.
Key Progress and Statistics
The committee reviewed 21 specific cases involving land grabbing and encroachment. During the briefing, it was revealed that 6 cases have been successfully resolved and the land retrieved, while the remaining 15 cases are currently under active scrutiny with clear instructions for immediate action.
Strict Directives to Authorities
Minister Lanjar issued stern warnings against the “land mafia,” emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy. He directed Commissioner Karachi to ensure no delays in processing written complaints and ordered Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to be further mobilized to eliminate illegal occupations on both government and private properties. He stressed that transparency, accountability, and institutional coordination must be maintained throughout the retrieval process to create a seamless mechanism for public relief.
“A transparent and effective mechanism is indispensable for the immediate redressal of citizens’ grievances. The operation against the land mafia must be indiscriminate and visible at every level,” stated Minister Lanjar.
Law Enforcement Response
IG Sindh, Javed Alam Odho, briefed the committee that field officers have been instructed to take unbiased legal action. He highlighted that coordination between the police, the Commissioner’s office, and the business community is being tightened to ensure a secure environment for investment and residency.
Business Community’s Support
Representatives from ABAD, KCCI, and FPCCI attended the meeting and expressed satisfaction with the government’s proactive stance. They lauded the timely response of the Sindh Police and the administration in addressing the hurdles faced by the business sector, pledging their full support for peace-building initiatives.
Attendees
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Karachi, Home Secretary Sindh Iqbal Memon, IG Sindh Javed Alam Odho, and representatives from Anti-Corruption and Home Departments along with the Chairman ABAD and Presidents of KCCI and FPCCI.
