Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. PHOTO: Radio Pakistan
KARACHI:
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday reaffirmed his government’s firm resolve to eliminate land grabbing and extortion in the province, saying such illegal practices will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The prime minister made these statements during a meeting with a delegation from the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD), led by its president, Hassan Bakhshi. Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah and other senior officials also attended.
CM Shah said that he had watched ABAD’s press conference a day earlier and believed that such issues should have been raised directly with the government and not through the media. “I have given clear instructions to the divisional and district administrations that any form of illegal encroachment or land grab will not be tolerated anywhere in Sindh,” he added.
ABAD representatives informed the Prime Minister about the positive results of the crackdown launched against land grabbers a few months ago, adding that no new illegal occupation of their properties has been reported since then. They expressed their willingness to cooperate with the government to eliminate any remaining ancient encroachments, a proposal endorsed during the meeting.
The delegation also presented extortion sheets (parchis) along with phone numbers of people allegedly sending threats from abroad, highlighting the challenges faced by builders. CM Shah directed that all cases of extortion or threats should be immediately reported to the relevant authorities, stressing that any such matter should be taken up directly with the Home Minister.
ABAD officials claimed that around 10 extortion cases had emerged over the past year. Police briefed the delegation on developments in these cases, while Interior Minister Lanjar added that extensive operations had led to the arrest of 50 extortionists, and six criminals were killed in clashes with police.
CM Shah directed the police to ensure immediate response to every complaint lodged by ABAD and announced that in coordination with the federal government, action would be taken against extortionists operating from abroad. “We have removed extortionists from this city before and we will bring them to justice once again,” he said.
The provincial police chief added that multiple meetings had already been held with ABAD representatives, which resulted in concrete actions, including the arrest of three people linked to an extortion ring abroad. It was decided that the police would take strict action on every complaint registered by ABAD.
