ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has taken notice of a recent report by The News highlighting the encroachment of 1,448 acres of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and 30 acres of Port Qasim Authority (PQA) land, worth tens of billions of rupees.
The anti-graft body has sought from this correspondent further details to initiate a formal inquiry into the matter.
A senior NAB official confirmed that the Bureau is already focusing on the encroachment of state land in Karachi, having previously recovered Rs3,000 billion worth of forest land in Sindh. Once the facts are verified by NAB Karachi, a formal investigation will be launched to address the illegal occupation of these valuable federal assets -- KPT and PQA.
According to The News report, the encroached land includes some of the most expensive real estate along Karachi’s coastline. Shockingly, a significant portion of this land is allegedly occupied with the support of politicians from ruling parties while 350 acres have been encroached upon by the Sindh government itself.
Defence Ministry sources had told The News that the issue was brought to the attention of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as part of a broader plan to revamp Pakistan’s maritime sector. The encroachments have not only deprived the federal government of substantial revenue but have also hindered the development of port operations and related businesses.
In response to the revelations, authorities, including the Rangers, have been directed to retrieve the encroached land and ensure its utilisation for port-related activities. It is emphasized that the encroached land, if reclaimed, could significantly boost the country’s maritime economy and generate much-needed revenue.
NAB’s interest in this case aligns with its ongoing campaign against land encroachments in Karachi. The Bureau has already made significant recoveries in Sindh, including the retrieval of Rs3,000 billion worth of forest land. The encroachment of KPT and PQA lands is seen as another critical issue that requires immediate attention to safeguard national assets. Once NAB Karachi verifies the details, a formal inquiry will be initiated to identify the individuals and entities involved in the illegal occupation of these lands. The investigation will also focus on the alleged role of politicians and government officials in facilitating these encroachments. The encroachment of KPT and PQA lands is a glaring example of how valuable state assets are being misused, depriving the national exchequer of billions of rupees.
