Anti-encroachment drive resumes with police, Rangers support near Northern Bypass
Crackdown on Encroachments Reignites in MDA Land Dispute
The Karachi administration resumed its anti-encroachment operation in the Afghan Basti area near the Northern Bypass, demolishing over 1,500 illegal structures. The operation, aimed at reclaiming government land occupied unlawfully, is being conducted with the support of police, Rangers, and Malir Development Authority (MDA) officials.
The campaign had been temporarily halted on Monday due to a shortage of police personnel, but resumed in full force on Tuesday, said Anti-Encroachment Director Shiraz Mirani. “We are using heavy machinery to demolish all illegally constructed houses, and the operation will continue until the entire land is cleared,” he added.
Operation Targets 234 Acres of MDA-Owned Land
According to Farooq Bugti, Director of MDA Estate, the operation spans 234 acres of MDA-owned land, where more than 3,100 illegal houses were built. “We’re reclaiming the land in phases to ensure a complete and lawful recovery,” he stated.
Authorities confirmed that law enforcement teams are on high alert, ensuring peace and security during the operation. The presence of Rangers and local police has so far prevented further escalation, especially after the violence witnessed last week.
Violence Erupts During Earlier Phase of Operation
Last week, the anti-encroachment effort faced violent resistance, as a mob threw stones at law enforcement officers and attempted to block demolition work. In response, police used tear gas and aerial firing to disperse the crowd and regain control.
Officials alleged that many agitators were not original residents of Afghan Basti but had arrived to reclaim or occupy already-demolished plots.
The administration has reiterated that the clearing operation will continue until the entire illegally occupied land is recovered, and no leniency will be shown to encroachers or those attempting to disrupt the drive.
