THE coastal areas of Karachi are threatened by the infamous land mafia that has been active in centuries-old fishing localities in the Keamari district. Bhit Khori, too, is affected by the mafia now. The landgrabbers are making fake documents in connivance with certain officials on the basis of which they are purchasing and selling properties in Bhit Khori.

They use residential land for commercial purposes, and are said to be planning to construct motels and restaurants on such plots of land. Bhit Khori is an abandoned fishermen’s locality near Mubarak village. Fishermen from Shams Pir Island, Kaka village and Khadda Lyari used to come here for fishing.

The activities of the land mafia will harm the culture and tradition of Mubarak village because the Bhit Khori link road passes through the residential areas of the village. Commercial activities will affect the life of the village locals. In fact, they are already being harassed by the mafia gangsters. The same mafia has already grabbed the residential area of Manjhar Goth located near Sunehra beach.

The local people have complained to the authorities concerned against the mafia, but there has been no response. The authorities concerned should stop the illegal selling and purchasing of properties in Bhit Khori and surrounding areas, and cancel all the fake documents that are issued by the corrupt officials in the area.

Sarfraz Haroon
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2022