Nearly 350 illegally built shops, houses in North Karachi on KDA’s radar
KARACHI: A cash-strapped Karachi Development Authority has identified more than Rs8 billion worth of its land allegedly under illegal occupation in North Karachi, as over 350 shops, houses and other structures, many of which have been operating for more than two decades, face the risk of demolition. The development has brought into focus a long-standing occupation of public land, as the authority…
Karachi's Karachi Development Authority (KDA) has discovered over 350 illegally built shops, houses, and other structures on its land in North Karachi, with a total estimated value exceeding Rs8 billion. Many of these constructions have operated for over two decades, raising questions about the KDA's oversight during their development.
The authority has now embarked on a campaign to verify ownership documents, warning occupants that failure to produce acceptable proof of legal ownership or lawful occupation will result in demolition and potential reclamation of the land. Three-day notices have been issued to occupants, who must present their original documents within three days to avoid legal action.
The initiative, directed by KDA Director General Asif Jan Siddiqui, aims to reclaim valuable land, eliminate encroachments, and bolster the authority's financial standing. With the KDA grappling with a deepening financial crisis, including unpaid pensioner dues and wage arrears, this operation could significantly impact both the authority's finances and its ability to fulfill its obligations to employees and the public.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
