HYDERABAD, Aug 23: Sindh Revenue Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said on Saturday that his ministry had suggested amendments to law to take back the reclaimed land, which was at present in possession of Karachi Port Trust, Port Qasim Authority and Defence Housing Authority.

Speaking to journalists at the press club, the minister said that Sindh had exclusive right over the reclaimed land and amendments had been suggested to the Land Revenue Act to strengthen Sindh government’s stand on the issue.

“We are making these amendments to do away with lacunas, if any, for taking over possession of the reclaimed land which is currently in possession of some federal government organisations like KPT, PQA and DHA,” he said.

He admitted some provisions in the law had made the province’s claim difficult. The proposed changes would be presented in the forthcoming cabinet meeting before incorporating them into law, he said.

He said that all the unclaimed lands belonged to provincial government, which had the exclusive right to grant land to federal organisations.

The minister admitted that irregularities had taken place in revenue department on a large scale during previous governments but added that he did not believe in witch-hunting.

He said that there were anomalies in land record. After introduction of Sindh Local Government Ordinance (SLGO) 2001 laws on regulating villages became ineffective and there was no definition of rural area.

He said that he had put on hold expenditure on computerisation of record for which Rs40.5 million had been spent in 2001. While this scheme was under way another scheme was approved by revenue department with an even bigger allocation of funds under Revenue Management Information System (RMIS), he said.

He said that he had asked the revenue officers to first computerise record of one each Deh of rural and urban area and submit a report to him. Only then more expenditure would be allowed, he said.

He said that villages’ survey was being carried out in Karachi and till its completion no one would be allowed lay a brick for a new settlement or pull down the existing structures.

He informed that Sindh chief minister had recently cancelled grant of land, which was not in accordance with law.

Around 58,000 vacancies were available in Sindh. In the recent central executive committee meeting party co-chairman expressed his displeasure over delay in provision of jobs, he said.

The minister, who was also chairman of the board of governors of all law colleges affiliated with Sindh University said he also disagreed with proposal for raise in fee for L.L.B. students. He withheld the proposal till people’s economic condition had improved, he said.

He said that Sindh Assembly had adopted a resolution, nominating party co-chairman candidate for the president’s slot and expressed hope that Sindh would have its first elected president soon in Asif Ali Zardari.

About torture of journalist Hamid Sheikh, he said he would speak to excise minister and chief minister and announced donation of Rs50,000 for the press club and supported grant of plots for journalists.