Authorities in Karachi have launched a major anti-encroachment operation in Sohrab Goth. The operation targets homes in the former Afghan refugee camp. These homes were vacated after the government ordered repatriation of Afghan nationals. The goal is to reclaim government land and prevent land mafia from taking control. Police and civil authorities are jointly carrying out the operation.
According to DIG West Irfan Ali Baloch, the land spans 200 acres near Sohrab Goth. Around 3,000 houses had been built there over the years. He said nearly 30,000 Afghans once lived in the camp. Most have returned to Afghanistan in recent months under the federal repatriation policy. However, about 2,000 individuals are still living there.
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To protect the land from illegal occupation, DIG Baloch requested a special committee. This committee would include officials from the police, city administration, and other departments. Their job will be to monitor the area and stop future encroachments. The DIG also met with the Karachi commissioner to coordinate the plan.
On the first day of the operation, authorities demolished houses built on 20 acres of land. The drive will continue for the next three to four days. Officials aim to completely remove illegal structures from the site. Heavy machinery was deployed to carry out the demolitions efficiently.
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This operation marks one of the largest land recovery efforts in the area. Authorities are focused on preventing reoccupation by land grabbers. The move is part of a wider crackdown on illegal settlements across Karachi. Officials stress the importance of keeping reclaimed land secure in the long term.