Naya Nazimabad scandal: DC West's action amounts to contempt of court, says JCL

Javedan Corporation Limited (JCL) has termed the action taken by Deputy Commissioner West, as contempt against the clear instructions given by the Sindh High Court in its restraining orders on February 11, 2020.

According to details, Fayyaz Alam Solangi, deputy commissioner West in its letter dated February 12, 2020 stated that a lease deed of land measuring 128-07 acres from survey nos 33, 79, 84, 86, ,89, 102 & 109 situated at Deh Mangopir, District West, Karachi was executed by the former Assistant Commissioner Manghopir Asadullah Abbasi in favour of M/s Javedan Corporation Ltd on November 22, 2019 and received from the office of Sub-Registrar-11, Gadap Town vide letter No. 16/ SR-II/GT-2020, dated January 17, 2020.

The letter therefore said that he has serious reservations that the said Lease Agreement Deed has been signed by former Assistant Commissioner Asadullah Abbasi in stark violation of the ban imposed by Supreme Court on November 28, 2012.

Furthermore, it said that verification had been sent to the Land Utilisation Department, Government of Sindh vide letter No. DC(W)/637/2020, on February 12, 2020.

The letter further stated that until the verification is received, Deputy Commissioner intended to retake the possession of the said disputed land situated at Deh Manghopir, District West, Karachi, and urged for a joint demarcation to be carried out immediately to ascertain location and area of the said cancelled land.

In addition, the deputy commissioner office has also sent letters to the chairman Enquiries and Anti-Corruption Establishment and DG Sindh Building Control Authority for comprehensive inquiry and for cancellation of all layout plans of Naya Nazimabad.

Meanwhile, Naya Nazimabad denied all allegations levels in the letters, saying that Naya Nazimabad, a housing project of JCL, is a fast evolving and cohesive community within Karachi for the progressive middle class.

It is the only gated, master-planned project, of this scale, with provision for world class amenities. Currently, 6,000 units are owned by members of general public.

Ownership title of Naya Nazimabad land is absolute, lawful, clean and clear as concluded in investigations conducted by courts and several government agencies including Board of Revenue, NAB, and FIA from time to time. It is important to note that the land presently owned by the company has been in its possession since its nationalisation through Economic Reforms Order of 1972.

All activities undertaken by JCL including hill cutting, land levelling, infrastructure development, construction, sale and transfer bear perfect requisite approvals by the Board of Revenue (BOR), Lyari Development Authority (LDA) and Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA).

Gath/Wadh (survey) form 35, which merely states land measurement and has no bearing on title, was created through proper procedure. Its cancellation was illegal and hence it was subsequently restored. Its genuineness is evident from several reports and documents of BOR.

It is noted with disappointment that DC West, despite having access to all records and information, has chosen to misrepresent facts and commit contempt against clear instructions as per the restraining orders of the Sindh High Court dated February 11, 2020.

The company shall devise a line of action in consultation with its legal advisors and other stakeholders for the best interest of its members that primarily belong to the progressive mid-income segment of society. The company has and will always remain committed to the highest level of compliance.