Causes and Related issues of Encroachment: A Study of the State Land of Karachi Division
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65755/jpa-20254601-105Keywords:
Encroachment, Urban Governance, Land Management, Karachi, Public PolicyAbstract
Encroachment on state-owned land in Karachi remains a persistent governance challenge that undermines planned development, environmental sustainability, and the rule of law. Despite the Sindh Public Property (Removal of Encroachment) Act, 2010, weak enforcement, institutional corruption, political interference, and a shortage of affordable housing have allowed illegal occupations to continue. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study surveyed 29 government officials and reviewed policy documents, legal judgments, and reports to assess the effectiveness of the existing framework. Findings show that 85% of respondents identified weak land management, 78% cited corruption, and 80% highlighted political interference as key drivers, while 70% considered the Anti-Encroachment Force ineffective due to resource constraints and poor coordination. The paper recommends legislative reforms, digitization of land records, stronger inter-agency coordination, judicial process reforms, and expansion of affordable housing to safeguard state land and improve urban governance in Karachi.
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