The Sindh government has promised to grant legal ownership rights to more than 150,000 residents of Sukkur’s katchi abadis, who have been living for years without legal rights to their homes. This commitment was made in a high-level meeting between local and provincial officials aimed at finding a sustainable solution to the long-standing housing crisis.
This important discussion took place on Tuesday between Sukkur Mayor Barrister Arslan Islam Shaikh and Sindh Chief Minister’s Advisor for Human Settlements and Katchi Abadis Syed Najmi Alam. It focused on implementing the directives of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to resolve this critical issue.
Mayor Shaikh stated that the provincial administration is seriously addressing the difficulties of the city’s major katchi abadis. He confirmed a phased plan to regularize the settlements, under which residents of communities meeting the established criteria will receive free leases and ownership rights, allowing them to live in their homes with dignity and security.
The discussion included a comprehensive review of all types of katchi abadis in Sukkur, including dozens of notified and un-notified areas. The status of communities located within the limits of Pakistan Railways and the progress of previously regularized settlements were also carefully examined to formulate a clear future course of action.
The Chief Minister’s Advisor, Syed Najmi Alam, reiterated the government’s commitment, explaining that the goal extends beyond just providing shelter to ensuring legal protection, ownership, and a dignified civic identity for the residents. He assured that settlements that meet the legal and technical requirements will be notified and issued leases without delay, while other areas will be addressed gradually.
To expedite this process, Mr. Alam directed the relevant departments to accelerate obtaining necessary clearances, completing records, and fulfilling all legal formalities. He stressed that improving basic facilities, infrastructure, and urban amenities in these areas is a top priority for the government, requiring full coordination between the district administration, elected representatives, and federal agencies.
Mayor Shaikh added that the purpose of the advisor’s visit was to ensure the swift completion of all official stages. He said that it is now the joint responsibility of the party leadership and relevant officers to finalize the notification and leasing process through effective coordination.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment that the Sindh government, district administration, and relevant institutions will continue to take concrete steps in mutual cooperation. The aim of this joint effort is to empower the residents of katchi abadis and provide a permanent and dignified solution to their long-standing housing problems.