KDA launches operation to reclaim over 100 acres in Surjani Town

KARACHI: The Karachi Development Authority (KDA) carried out a large anti-encroachment drive in Surjani Town’s sectors 10 and 13 to clear more than 100 acres of state land from illegal occupation and unauthorised structures.

During the operation, KDA teams encountered resistance from unidentified individuals who, according to officials, resorted to stone-pelting and aerial firing, causing panic in the area. Additional police personnel were summoned to bring the situation under control and support the enforcement teams.

KDA officials said that on the first day of the campaign, more than 25 acres of land had been recovered. The action included the removal of both temporary and permanent structures, along with the demolition of several booking offices.

Officials say campaign will continue

KDA Director General Asif Jan Siddiqui said the authority would continue action against encroachments and land grabbers without discrimination.

Officials said the ongoing drive was being conducted in line with decisions taken at a recent meeting chaired by Nasir Hussain Shah.

The operation focused on land in Surjani Town sectors 10 and 13 that officials said had been occupied through illegal construction and other encroachments. Authorities described the campaign as part of a broader effort to retrieve government land from unlawful possession.

According to the officials, the first day’s action resulted in the recovery of a substantial portion of the targeted area, while enforcement teams also removed structures that had been set up on the land. The presence of additional police was required after the resistance disrupted the operation and created fear among residents in the locality.

KDA maintained that the anti-encroachment campaign would proceed further as part of its effort to reclaim public land. Officials reiterated that the authority would not allow illegal occupation of KDA property and would continue action in accordance with the decisions already taken by the relevant authorities.

The drive in Surjani Town is aimed at clearing over 100 acres, with more than 25 acres already reclaimed on the opening day, according to KDA officials. The authority said the operation involved action against illegal constructions as well as booking offices established on the encroached land.