Sindh Real Estate News and Land Insights

Karachi : ReNews District Correspondent

Residents of Clifton and Defence, together with Jamaat-e-Islami, plan to approach the Sindh High Court to challenge the Nehr-e-Khayyam project, citing concerns about its impact on drainage and the canal’s natural waterway. The petition is expected to seek measures to preserve the canal’s natural flow and ensure proper drainage arrangements.

Residents fear that concrete structures and changes to the canal’s natural width could restrict the movement of rainwater and tidal water, increasing the risk of urban flooding during heavy rainfall. The legal challenge comes as construction is reportedly nearly 80% complete. Residents have also questioned the timing of the project’s environmental review. The Local Government Department sought guidance from the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), even though construction was already well underway.

Rasha Tariq of the Clifton Residents Committee said workers were continuing construction around the clock. She claimed that three drains built along the canal could worsen flooding, citing homes that were flooded last year after one of the drains was constructed. Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Deputy Chief Saifuddin Advocate said the government sought an environmental impact assessment only after residents protested. He argued that authorities should have completed the mandatory assessment before approving the project and beginning construction. Residents’ concerns centre on whether changes to the canal and its adjoining drainage system could affect nearby neighbourhoods during heavy rain. The petition is expected to ask the court to protect the waterway and ensure that drainage arrangements are sufficient to manage rainwater and tidal flows.

Karachi | ReNews National Desk The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has directed its relevant departments to review land boundaries, resolve outstanding demarcation issues and strengthen the protection of its properties in key areas surrounding Karachi Port. The directives were issued by KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (Retd) Shahid Ahmed following a comprehensive field inspection of port-area landholdings and properties. According to details reported on October 20, 2026, the chairman was accompanied by the Director General of the Real Estate Division and the Directors General of Civil Works and Planning during visits to several important locations. The inspection focused on verifying existing land boundaries, assessing the status of KPT-owned properties and identifying administrative and infrastructure-related issues requiring attention. The sites inspected included the Boat Building Yard, Fish Harbour, West Wharf, various plots in Machar Colony and Younisabad. Wazir Mansion and plots situated along Mauripur Road were also identified for more detailed examination as part of the broader review of the port authority's landholdings. According to KPT officials, the exercise was aimed at strengthening land management procedures, addressing boundary-related concerns and ensuring the protection of valuable public assets. The inspection also covered aspects of civic infrastructure associated with the identified properties and their surrounding areas. Chairman Shahid Ahmed directed the departments concerned to expedite the resolution of outstanding matters and ensure proper demarcation of land belonging to Karachi Port Trust. He also instructed officials to take appropriate measures to protect the authority's land from potential encroachments and improve oversight of its properties. The review is particularly relevant because Karachi Port is surrounded by a combination of industrial facilities, maritime businesses, commercial properties, transport infrastructure and established residential settlements. In such areas, accurate land records and clearly defined property boundaries are important for protecting public assets and reducing administrative disputes. West Wharf and Fish Harbour are among the locations associated with significant port-related and commercial activities, while Mauripur Road provides access to industrial and transport facilities connected with the wider port area. Clear demarcation of KPT-owned land could help improve property management, access arrangements and planning for infrastructure maintenance. For businesses operating in or near these areas, accurate land boundaries may also provide greater clarity regarding operational spaces, leased properties and rights of access. However, the inspection and boundary review should not be interpreted as confirmation that all the identified locations are under illegal occupation. The available report does not provide specific plot measurements, details of newly established encroachments or a list of occupants facing eviction. It also does not announce any new commercial land auction, redevelopment scheme or changes to existing lease arrangements. Although Wazir Mansion and the Mauripur Road plots have been identified for additional review, their inclusion does not establish unlawful occupation or determine the legal status of individual properties. Any subsequent changes involving leases, property rights, access arrangements or commercial use would require appropriate administrative procedures and official documentation. The inspection represents an administrative effort to improve the management and protection of Karachi Port Trust's land assets rather than a completed enforcement operation. KPT's broader responsibilities include managing port-related infrastructure, protecting its properties and supporting the commercial and maritime activities associated with Karachi Port. Effective land management is important for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring that valuable port-area properties remain available for their designated purposes. The chairman's instructions place responsibility on the relevant departments to examine the identified issues, clarify land boundaries and take appropriate measures where necessary. Further details regarding individual properties, any enforcement proceedings or proposed changes to land use will depend on subsequent official decisions and notifications from Karachi Port Trust.