KARACHI: The land grabbers in the East and West harbors of the city are alleged to have hampered the commercial activities of container terminals and yards on leased lands of Karachi Port Trust (KPT).
The details show that huge areas of land are leased by KPT, which are located in the Keamari area to private terminal and container yard operators for the purpose of business activities.
However, the local land grabbers have been eyeing these valuable sites and utilizing a variety of strategies to annoy the owners of these terminals and yards by putting obstacles in their business operations.
According to sources in the port, it appears that land grabbers have an open field and are encroaching on the lands leading to terminals and yards in order to make access limited.
They contend that despite repeated calls for authorities to act, none have been taken and that land grabbers have been engaging in their illegal actions for over a period of time.
The sources claim that the best way to prevent encroachment on KPT’s land is to give authority to take the proper legal action or to be given magisterial power to make decisions on the territory within its jurisdiction.
Besides, the affectees are of the view that they are discouraged by the current situation and wonder how anyone would be inspired to invest in the country given the ongoing threat of land grabs.
Foreign investment cannot be attracted while even local business owners struggle to survive and operate in such a dreadful environment, they claimed.
Following the situation, the KPT has made a decision to start an operation against the land mafia in the Keamari district which would take place in Ghas Bandar, Keamari, as well as the Docks area while the anticipated date for the operation is November 21, 2022, as claimed by the authorities.
