Land mafia active after Afghan camp evacuation in Karachi

KARACHI: After the evacuation of the Afghan camp, land mafia groups have reportedly become active in Karachi, trying to take control of the vacated land, according to a report by DIG West Irfan Baloch submitted to the Additional IG Karachi.

The report stated that the Afghan Camp, also known as MDA Land, falls under the Gulshan-e-Maymar Police Station in District West. The area includes about 3,117 residential units, of which 200 to 250 are owned by Pakistani families.

Before the repatriation process began, nearly 15,680 Afghan nationals were living in the camp. So far, 14,296 have returned to Afghanistan, while around 1,384 Afghans still remain and are being repatriated in stages.

DIG Baloch warned that after the camp was vacated, land mafia and criminal groups started attempts to illegally occupy parts of the land.

He has requested the formation of a special committee including officials from the Malir Development Authority (MDA), Deputy Commissioner Karachi, and police officers to stop illegal encroachments.

DIG Baloch also urged authorities to take immediate action to protect the land from unlawful occupation, stressing that the matter is urgent and necessary to safeguard public property.

Read More: Police seize cash, gold, Indian currency in raid on Saad Rizvi’s home