The Sindh government is considering a request from the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) for the allotment of up to 6,000 acres of seafront land in Karachi, it has emerged.
The DHA has sought this land, preferably on the beachside, for expanding its housing scheme to support families of martyrs and armed forces personnel. The request was made to the caretaker government of Sindh in December 2023.
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In a letter addressed to the Sindh chief minister, the DHA administrator outlined the reasons for the expansion plan and praised the provincial government for its past support of various DHA projects. Mayor Wahab confirmed that the Sindh government is considering the request, emphasizing the need for additional land due to the bifurcation of DHA Karachi and DHA City Karachi. The letter requested a lease of 5,000-6,000 acres in the vicinity of the Hawksbay area.
The caretaker government acted quickly on the request, with the CM Secretariat asking the Senior Member Board of Revenue (SMBR) to examine the plan in January. The process continued even after the Pakistan Peoples Party’s government began its fourth consecutive term in the province. In April, the land utilization department requested a detailed report and site sketch of the beachfront land from the deputy commissioner of district West.
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Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, also the Sindh government spokesperson, confirmed receipt of the DHA’s request and stated that the relevant officials and departments are reviewing it. DHA officials have declined to comment on the expansion plan. However, sources indicate that the Hawksbay Scheme in district West has become a hotspot for land mafia activities, suggesting that an organized and legal housing scheme under strong administration could protect the area from encroachments and unauthorized occupation.
Despite the Sindh government’s acknowledgment, the proposal is still in its early stages, and the fate of DHA’s expansion remains unclear. Even if the provincial government identifies suitable land, several studies will be required to determine the technical and financial viability of the expansion.
DHA Karachi launched its housing scheme with just 76.2 acres in the 1980s but has since evolved into the largest and leading residential estate. According to the authority’s website, DHA now manages over 8,797 acres, serving numerous families and including 81,489 members, encompassing armed forces officers, civilians, and legal heirs of deceased members