Alleged Illegal Construction Along Malir River Raises Questions Over Enforcement of Court Orders, Probe Demanded

Independent Report
KARACHI: Allegations of large-scale illegal construction and encroachments along the Malir River in Karachi’s Shah Latif Town have sparked calls for an official investigation, with local residents and community groups claiming that development work is continuing despite restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan and directives issued by the Sindh government.

According to local sources and complainants, parts of the river embankment and riverbed are allegedly being occupied for construction purposes. They further alleged that certain individuals, in collusion with some officials of the Revenue Department, have facilitated the illegal sale and development of government land through forged documentation and other unlawful means. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Residents and civil society representatives warned that continued construction in the riverbed could increase flood risks and pose environmental and public safety concerns, particularly during the monsoon season. They also expressed concern over the reported lack of enforcement action by the district administration and other relevant authorities.

The protesters and affected residents have urged the Sindh Chief Minister, Commissioner Karachi, Mayor Karachi, Inspector General of Police Sindh, and other relevant institutions to launch an impartial investigation, remove all illegal encroachments from the Malir River, protect public land, and take legal action against anyone found responsible.
Note: The allegations contained in this report are based on claims made by local residents and other sources. No official response had been issued by the concerned government departments or the individuals named in the allegations at the time of filing this report, and the claims have not been independently verified.