Over 10 marriage halls, other structures razed in Karachi

KARACHI: More than 10 marriage halls and other structures, reportedly built on amenity plots, have been razed to the ground during an anti-encroachment drive in the city by Karachi Development Authority (KDA).

According to the officials of KDA, their anti-encroachment cell carried out the drive on the orders of the Supreme Court.

The structures that were demolished were situated in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, near Nipa Chowrangi, Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Federal B Area, the officials added.

During the ongoing operation, now in its second week, KDA has bulldozed more than 90 marriage halls and structures that were illegally constructed on amenity plots.

On the other hand, the anti-encroachment cell of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has obtained a record of amenity plots in the city.

KMC officials have decided to initiate an operation from December 19 to release more than 20,000 amenity plots from land grabbers. 

In the first phase of the drive, illegally-constructed marriage halls will be demolished.

A statement regarding the KMC operation has been issued to deputy commissioner west, Rangers, police and other officials concerned.

Earlier, during the operation, KDA officials said they had received threats from those involved in encroaching the amenity land. However, the officials had said, they would not come under any pressure during their drive against structures illegally constructed on amenity plots.