Sindh’ Chief Secretary, Syed Asif Hyder Shah, directed the identification of 2,500 acres of land for graveyards in the city. This decision came during a high-level meeting attended by Senior Member of the Board of Revenue Baqaullah Unar, Additional Chief Secretary Home Muhammad Iqbal Memon, Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi, Secretary Implementation & Coordination Shahab Qamar Ansari, and divisional commissioners.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the urgency of this initiative due to the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and population growth, which have outstripped the capacity of existing burial grounds.
He instructed Commissioner Karachi to formally request the Revenue Department for the allocation of suitable land for graveyards and highlighted the importance of including burial spaces in the master plans of all housing societies. Additionally, the Chief Secretary extended the directive to all divisional commissioners across Sindh to identify land for graveyards in their respective regions, underscoring the need for long-term urban planning that includes essential public services.
The meeting also focused on other critical issues, such as bolstering anti-smuggling efforts in the province. It was decided to establish 13 Anti-Smuggling Digital Enforcement Stations and 10 Joint Check Posts at strategic locations to combat smuggling.
The authorities were instructed to swiftly identify and allocate land for these facilities to ensure effective anti-smuggling operations. Furthermore, the Chief Secretary called for stringent measures against illegal encroachments on government land, directing the relevant authorities to expedite the reclamation of state-owned properties and accelerate anti-encroachment efforts.
