KARACHI Raftar Digital CEO Farhan Malik has claimed that a case registered against his media organization by the Balochistan Police under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) has “no legal authority,” following the release of a documentary exposing Karachi’s land-grabbing networks.
The case, filed on October 4 at Hub Police Station by Balochistan’s Provincial Minister Ali Hasan Brohi, names Malik and several Raftar team members. The FIR alleges that Raftar’s documentary defamed officials, but Malik insists that PECA has been misapplied and procedural laws were violated.
Raftar has secured protective bail from the High Court and plans to contest the charges legally, asserting the documentary followed journalistic, legal, and ethical standards.
Documentary That Sparked Controversy
Raftar’s investigative documentary, published on September 19, revealed systematic land encroachments and illegal property takeovers in Karachi. It implicated influential individuals, including government officials, and accused them of aiding land mafias.
The media outlet said it interviewed builders, victims, journalists, and other stakeholders to ensure accuracy. According to Raftar, Minister Ali Hasan Brohi was given multiple opportunities to respond but did not comment.
Malik said the FIR represents “misuse of authority and pressure tactics to silence independent journalism.”
Land Grabbing Escalates Amid Afghan Repatriation
Following the repatriation of Afghan refugees from areas such as Gulshan-e-Maymar, groups allegedly linked to land mafias began occupying abandoned homes and shops. Witnesses reported that individuals marked walls with ownership claims and moved in with belongings, while some groups blocked police entry and even set fires to prevent demolitions.
The Malir Development Authority, anti-encroachment teams, and police have launched joint operations to reclaim state land. However, these efforts often face violent resistance from illegal settlers.
New KDA Fraud Case Emerges
In another development, Karachi Development Authority (KDA) Director General Asif Jan Siddiqui formed a 10-member committee to investigate the alleged fraudulent transfer of a 400-square-yard plot (BS-57) in Federal B Area, Block 7.
Officials claim a powerful land mafia, in collusion with KDA staff, disposed of the plot through forged documents. Sources say such fraudulent transfers have surged in recent months, with valuable plots being sold in what is being described internally as a “clearance sale.”
Bigger Picture: Karachi’s Persistent Land Crisis
Urban planners and experts warn that land grabbing in Karachi spans all levels — from government land and amenity plots to illegal housing schemes targeting low-income citizens. These activities thrive due to:
- Weak land record systems
- Overlapping federal and provincial jurisdictions
- Political interference
- Delayed court proceedings
Despite repeated anti-encroachment drives by successive governments, progress remains slow and inconsistent.
Experts say that without land reforms, transparent oversight, and affordable housing policies, Karachi will continue to face cycles of encroachment, eviction, and disputes eroding the city’s stability and social structure.
