KARACHI, Aug 20: Governor Mohammadmian Soomro on Tuesday directed the authorities to take action against those involved in illegal allotment of government lands and construction of buildings in violation of building bye-laws in Karachi.

He issued these directives while presiding over two meetings convened to review the progress of implementation of law and the actions with regard to disposing of government lands at throwaway prices and construction of buildings illegally.

The concerned minister, secretaries, chief secretary K.B. Rind, City Nazim Naimatullah Khan, officials of NAB, Principal secretary to Governor Brig.(R) Akhtar Zamin, Karachi Building Control Authority Chief Brig. A.S.Nasir, DCO Karachi and other officials attended the meetings.

Governor Soomro directed that the matter pertaining to recovery of amount of allotment be expedited and stern action be taken against the persons involved.

He also directed the chief secretary to evolve an effective system for protecting the government lands and other property.

Speaking at another meeting regarding illegal constructions, Mr. Soomro observed that instead of issuing statements only, practical steps be taken against the persons involved in illegal constructions.

Maj. Gen. Aijaz Ahmed Bakhshi, Director General, NAB, Sindh and Justice (R) Abdul Rahman, Chairman of the Committee for Regularization of Lands, briefing on progress, said that 170 offer letters and 110 challans had been issued.

Justice Abdul Rahman informed that challans worth Rs840 million were issued of which Rs.150 million have been recovered.

The meeting expressed satisfaction on effective coordination between the NAB and implementation committee of the government.

The KBCA chief informed the meeting that action had been taken against 60 illegal constructions up to June 30, of which 18 were ground plus one and 42 were over ground plus one.—PPI