KARACHI:
A crackdown has been launched against illegal residences and unauthorized rentals in Pakistan Railways residential colonies across the metropolitan city as part of efforts to address growing concerns over misuse of railway properties.
The operation was launched on Friday in accordance with the directives of Divisional Railway Superintendent Nasir Khalili.
As many as 110 houses and four bungalows have been sealed in Keamari, while five railway employees have been suspended for their alleged involvement in illegal renting or occupation of railway-owned properties.
In connection with the crackdown, a study of railway colonies within Karachi Division has been carried out to identify further violations.
The objective of the operation is to curb the growing illegal occupation and ensure that railway resources are used by authorized officials.
Khalili, for his part, warned that strict legal action will be taken against employees found guilty of renting the houses allotted to them.
It also made it clear that unauthorized occupants, including those illegally residing on railway land, would face immediate eviction.
“We will not tolerate any encroachment on railway land,” Khalili said, adding that violators must vacate the properties without delay.
The Electricity Department has already started cutting unauthorized power lines in railway colonies as part of the ongoing drive against illegal power connections, he added.
