Karachi Division

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Sindh government has decided to launch a large-scale and coordinated crackdown against land grabbers networks and illegal encroachments across Karachi, following a high level meeting chaired by Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah.
The meeting was attended by Provincial Home Minister Zia ul Hasan Lanjar, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, MPA Qasim Soomro, and senior officials from law enforcement and civic agencies, including the Additional IG Karachi, Deputy Commissioner West, SSP West, and heads of key development authorities such as KDA, MDA, and LDA.
Officials agreed that a comprehensive enforcement operation will be carried out under the supervision of deputy commissioners, with full support from police and Rangers. The decision reflects instructions from the Chief Minister Sindh and the party leadership to take indiscriminate action against illegal land occupation and encroachments.
Syed Nasir Hussain Shah directed that the operation must be implemented in a structured and effective manner, ensuring that no influential figure is spared if found involved in land grabbing activities. He emphasized that the crackdown would follow a strict zero-tolerance policy.
Home Minister Zia ul Hasan Lanjar assured that the Law Department would extend complete legal backing during the operation, while all relevant station house officers (SHOs) would be included in the enforcement mechanism. He further instructed all development authorities to update land records and documentation to avoid legal complications during court proceedings.
The meeting also decided that strict departmental action will be taken against any government officer found colluding with land mafias. Officials warned that if any complaint of illegal occupation is received in areas under revenue, police, anti-encroachment units, or development authorities, FIRs will be registered against responsible officials, who may also face arrest.
A specific case regarding alleged illegal land sales by a local builder in Surjani Town, particularly in Sectors 10 and 13, was also reviewed. Authorities cautioned citizens to remain vigilant against fraudulent builders and unauthorized property schemes.
Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab noted that informal settlements and katchi abadis are often established overnight, while institutional accountability remains weak. He announced that a comprehensive survey of katchi abadis and villages (goths) will be conducted to bring better control and regulation.
The meeting further emphasized that all operations must be carried out strictly within the legal framework to avoid any injustice. It was also decided that pending court cases related to land disputes will be forwarded to legal teams for review and follow up.
Officials confirmed that the practical phase of the anti land mafia operation will begin within the next few days across Karachi.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The issue of illegal and substandard construction in Karachi has turned into a serious urban crisis, with several residential buildings feared to be at risk of collapse at any time. Following a recent hearing in the Supreme Court regarding Karachi’s civic problems and unauthorized constructions, fresh questions have emerged over the role of builders, the building control authority, and certain political elements.
According to residents and social observers, illegal construction activities have increased significantly over the past decade, particularly in Nazimabad, Golbar and surrounding localities. Residential houses were reportedly demolished and replaced with multi-storey plazas in violation of building by-laws. Although regulations prohibit construction beyond ground-plus-two floors in several areas, many high-rise structures were still built.
Experts say building regulations and safety standards were widely ignored during construction, while approvals were allegedly secured through bribery and political influence. Residents claim that many structures have become unsafe due to poor-quality materials and substandard construction practices, raising fears of a major tragedy.
Reports suggest that replacing single-family homes with dozens of apartment units has led to unplanned population growth, placing immense pressure on water, electricity, gas and sewerage systems. Parking shortages, damaged roads and poor drainage conditions have also become a constant source of hardship for residents.
Civil society representatives and local residents allege that influential builders expanded their control in the construction sector through political connections and illegal wealth. They further claim that certain officials and employees of relevant authorities were also involved in corruption, with many witnessing unexplained increases in their financial status.
Observers believe that the continued lack of effective action against illegal constructions has further strengthened the builder mafia, while political and social groups have largely failed to provide a lasting solution to the crisis.
Residents and experts have demanded an immediate survey of unsafe and illegal buildings, greater transparency in the building control system, and indiscriminate action against all those involved in unlawful construction activities to prevent any future human tragedy.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Karachi, has frozen four major properties linked to Bahria Town Private Limited following orders of the Accountability Court. The action was taken on May 7, 2026, under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010.
According to sources, investigations have revealed that the said assets were allegedly acquired through funds generated via money laundering. NAB has frozen Bahria Icon Tower located in the upscale Clifton area of Karachi, where evidence reportedly suggests money laundering of approximately Rs 8 billion. The property was allegedly registered under a fictitious company, “Galaxy Construction.”
Similarly, Bahria Town Tower on Tariq Road, Karachi, has also been frozen. Reports suggest that the project was registered under a nominee or benami frontman.
Expanding the scope of its operation beyond Karachi, NAB has also frozen 817 kanals of land owned by “Lifestyle Private Limited” in Sheikhupura and 2,029 kanals of land belonging to “Lifestyle Development” in Peshawar. These lands were reportedly allocated for the Bahria Town Peshawar project.
Investigations have identified these entities as alleged front companies used for the transfer of illegal funds and financial irregularities.