Over 1,400 acres of land owned by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) have been illegally occupied. This amounts to one-third of KPT’s total land mass, while approximately 30 acres of Port Qasim Authority’s (PQA) land is illegally occupied, according to reports.

 

The land has allegedly been seized over time by individuals who had the aid of political figures. As per reports, sources from within the Defence Ministry have revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been informed of the seizures.

 

The premiere has allegedly authorised a motion which will allow paramilitary forces from Sindh and other relevant officials to free up the encroached land. KPT’s land, which may now be the focus of paramilitary operations, is highly prized, given its proximity to the coast. This could help explain why this land was seized in the first place, as residents in the area are aware of the high price of land in the area.

 

According to reports, structures on the illegally occupied land include hotels, commercial businesses, warehouses, cattle farms, houses and even mosques. These areas have grown into mini-cities of sorts, and it might be tough to vacate the premises if residents decide to pursue a legal route to extend their stay.

 

Kachi abadis like Dock Colony, Hijrat Colony, Machar Colony, Sultanabad and Salehabad take up a vast amount of space on the occupied land. The region’s geography is attractive for land tycoons to consider encroaching as developing land close to the sea could turn into tidy profits. Kachi abadis are a ‘plague’ upon KPT’s land as space is already scarce for daily port operations.

 

Reports also reveal that thousands of detained containers are stuck in customs clearance. This process could be expedited if more space were allocated to it; however, illegal occupants have made efficiency gain impossible.

 

Approximately 1100 acres of KPT’s total land is under occupation, while 350 acres of federally administered land has fallen to the Sindh government. As per reports, the spokesperson for Sindh’s Chief Minister refused to comment when asked about the land disputes between KPT and Sindh.

 

Despite KPT holding legal authority over Baba Island and Kaka Peer, the government of Sindh has allegedly issued ‘unauthorised’ documentation for parcels of land in these areas. KPT has retorted by filing an appeal in Sindh’s high court. However, authorities have done little to help port officials. 

 

In 2002, as per the Port Security Force Ordinance, officials were to be appointed to note any illegal occupations at the port. However, appointments have not been made, leaving this position vacant.