Over 10,000 acres of land in Karachi under illegal occupation, Supreme Court told

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday directed Sindh Board of Revenue to carry out a land survey of the province within four months after the apex court was told that around 10,515 acres (50.9 million square yards) of land in Karachi was under illegal occupation.
The apex court also ordered investigation into illegal lease of various properties while observing that 90 percent of the revenue officials are incompetent. A three-member bench of the Supreme Court resumed the hearing of Karachi law and order suo motu implementation case. During the course of hearing, revenue officials disclosed that over 10,000 acres of land in Karachi was illegally occupied and that state institutions were also involved in acts of land-grabbing.
They also told the court topographical survey of 87 out of 93 Dehs in Karachi had been completed. According to them, maps of 67 Dehs have been prepared. Revenue officials disclosed state institutions including KPT, DHA, PQA and Malir Development Authority were also involved in land-grabbing. Officials also said that the land record of 870 Dehs in 11 districts of Sindh was destroyed during riots following Benazir Bhutto assassination. However, the record of 695 Dehs had so far been prepared. The bench noted that general public had suffered immensely with regard to absence of land record and other related issues.
The court directed that transparency should be maintained in preparation of the record of burnt villages. During hearing, a report was submitted on law and order situation on behalf of Director General of Rangers. Member of the Board of Revenue apprised the court that the survey of land record in Karachi division had been completed. Later, hearing was adjourned till Monday.