KARACHI, Nov 18: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has directed the Karachi DCO to submit to him within 24 hours a report on the recent anti-encroachment operation in Clifton.

He was talking to a delegation of the residents of Shah Rasool Colony, Clifton, who were dislodged a day before Eid following demolition of their houses by the KBCA. The delegation, led by the PPP-SB chairperson, Ms Ghinva Bhutto, called on him at the Governor's House on Thursday. The delegation apprised the governor of their grievances.

Dr Ibad said that the operation against encroachers and illegal structures was going on throughout the city. However, he maintained, the action had been launched against the land-grabbers who had occupied state land in prime locations in the city and selling it to different parties.

"The government has actually waged a war against a strong mafia which grabs prime land in very calculated and organized way," he said, and cautioned citizens against the illegal trade. He advised them to make sure that the land they intended to purchase was from approved schemes.

He assured the delegation that if anyone was subjected to illegal action, he would be provided relief. He issued instructions in this regard to the DCO. He also told the delegation that the government was making efforts towards launching housing schemes for the low-income group so that no family in the city remained without its own residence.

The governor pointed out that the government was making all out efforts for prosperity of Karachiites and beautification of the city.

Principal Secretary Brig Akhtar Zamin, DCO Fazalur Rehman and Additional Secretary Aftab Khatri were present at the meeting.

DEMOLITION: Acting upon the directives of Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, the KBCA demolition squad demolished many illegal structures in Neelam Colony, Clifton, on Thursday.