* Anti-Encroachment Force to start functioning from next month

By Razzak Abro

KARACHI: The Sindh Revenue Department has finalised arrangements for setting up ‘Anti-Encroachment Force’ to vacate thousands of acres of government land encroached by land mafia. The body is likely to start functioning from next month.

“The force would have its own police stations, and could register first information reports (FIRs) against culprits,” said the Sindh Revenue Minister, Jam Mehtab Dahar while talking to journalists on Friday.

He was listening to complaints of common people at the CM’s Complaint Cell.

According to him initially the force would consist of 500 persons, including male and female constables and officers. Some 450 persons are being appointed in this regard, while the remaining 50 personnel would be inducted from the police department, he said, adding that the force could also call the police and Rangers when needed.

The minister said that the force would curtail land encroachment and arrest land grabbers. According to him land encroachment has become a serious issue, which at times even creates law and order problems. He said that Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has agreed to provide 50 police personnel initially for revenue force who will also train the new recruits.

He also referred to the passage of bill in the Sindh Assembly regarding manipulation of revenue record and said that all those employees of the department found involved would face severe action and in this regard soon he will be holding a meeting with minister Anti-Corruption for early completion of inquiries against officials who are involved in manipulation.

Dahar warned the department officials to desist from unethical practices that not only hurt their reputation and pride but that of the department as well. The minister said that being government employees the officials of the department should work with dedication without favour and fear.

He said they must ensure that every action taken by them should be in accordance with the rules and law; they must also ensure that encroachments that are unlawful and illegal are removed at the earliest and further encroachers of land be apprehended and booked under the relevant law.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...009_pg12_1