According to sources, Senior Member of the Board of Revenue Khalid Haider Shah has announced that 265 acres of land for Landhi Cottage Industries have already been handed over to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).
Speaking to the petitioners of Landhi Cottage Industries at his office, Khalid Haider Shah stated that the Board of Revenue is not creating any obstacle in the settlement of KMC Landhi Cottage Industries. He said that the 265 acres of land were transferred to KMC long ago, and it was KMC’s responsibility to protect the land, transfer it to the allottees, and ensure settlement. He added that KMC’s negligence should not be blamed on the Board of Revenue.
The meeting was held on the orders of Sindh High Court Justices Adnan and Abdul Mubeen Lakho. Participants included KMC Land Director Athar Naqvi, Assistant Commissioner District Malir Ameer, petitioners of Landhi Cottage Industries, and representatives of the Organization of Small Traders and Cottage Industries. Those present included President Mahmood Hameed, Senior Vice Chairman Muhammad Rizwan, Vice Chairman Iqbal Ahmed, General Secretary Ayub Khan, Finance Secretary Ashraf Ali Sheikh, Muhammad Ishaq, second petitioner Nasreen Abu Nasr, Advocate Muhammad Iqbal, and Muhammad Aqil.
On the occasion, Khalid Haider Shah clarified to the petitioners that the Revenue Board wants the settlement of Landhi Cottage Industries, which is why the land was handed over to KMC. He further announced that 15 acres of land which had mistakenly been transferred to another party were being cancelled.
During the meeting, President of Small Traders and petitioner Mahmood Hameed presented the stance of the allottees and said that the Landhi Cottage Industries issue has been pending for 33 years. He termed it a humanitarian issue and said the scheme was announced by KMC for unemployed youth. A young man who bought a plot in 1993 at the age of 25 is now 68 years old. Many allottees have passed away while waiting for their plots. He said that if the industries had been established on time, more than 23,000 people would have gained employment. He added that unemployment is one of the country’s biggest problems and people working in cottage industries support families of 150,000 to 200,000 individuals.
He requested the Revenue Board to submit the land survey report to the High Court as soon as possible in line with the orders of Justice Salahuddin Panhwar. He said the clear stance of the Senior Member Revenue Board has given new hope for the settlement of the industries.
General Secretary Ayub Khan presented the latest situation of the Landhi Cottage Industries land through photographs. Senior Vice Chairman Muhammad Rizwan requested the Revenue Board to show sympathy toward the affected allottees. Sheikh Muhammad Ishaq said that the cooperation of the Board would provide employment to thousands of people and earn prayers from the affected families.
Second petitioner Nasreen Abu Nasr strongly criticized the stubbornness, corruption, and negligence of KMC officials. She said that the KMC Land Director is the biggest hurdle in the settlement of Landhi Cottage Industries.
The allottees present thanked Khalid Haider Shah and said that his clear announcement has removed a major obstacle to the settlement of their cottage industries. It is worth mentioning that petitions regarding the revival of Landhi Cottage Industries have been filed in the High Court by Mahmood Hameed and Muhammad Ayub (Petition No. 5909/21), Nasreen Abu Nasr, and Muhammad Aqil.
Following the assurance of the Senior Member Revenue Board, a wave of happiness spread among the allottees, who praised the struggle and wise strategy of the Landhi Cottage Industries Action Committee leadership.
