Sindh Assembly was informed on Tuesday that the provincial government's Land Utilisation Department, with the approval of the then Sindh governor, had agreed for allotment of reclaimed land on lease at the rate of Rs 20 per sq. yard on 13-2-2001 to the Defence Housing Authority (DHA).
Replying to a question of the opposition's Ms Nasreen Chandio, Finance Minister Sardar Ahmed, while answering on behalf of the Chief Minister, during the question hour, said the deputy commissioner (defunct) Karachi (South) was directed to conduct a joint survey of the reclaimed land and furnish the actual area for transfer.
The House was told that since the above exercise has not yet been finalised and the lease money has not yet been deposited and the EDO Revenue is being directed to complete the survey immediately.
He said no land located across Marina Club has been granted to the DHA and the secretary DHA has confirmed that the Authority has not occupied any land in the said area.
The members from the opposition benches wanted the market price of the land allotted to the DHA, but the finance minister said that it was a fresh question and he would ascertain the factual price and let them know.
To a supplementary question, the minister said after 2002 no land was allotted to the Authority since an ordinance was promulgated banning allotment. He said if any land would now be allotted, it will be given on market price.
When a member asked if 12,500 acres of land is being allotted to the Defence Housing Authority in Malir area, the minister informed that the survey of the said land is under way and it is also being examined whether or not this land should be allotted.
To a supplementary question about the land allotted to the Authority in 2002, the minister explained that at present a dispute is going on between the Sindh government, DHA and PQA about the ownership of the said land.
He said when it is established that it is Sindh government's land, it would recover additional amount from the Defence Housing Authority.
He said that the Authority claims its ownership on this land saying that it is a reclaimed land. He said that this issue was discussed in the cabinet and a stay order was obtained.
However, the caretaker government decided to give this land to the DHA at Rs 20 per sq yard.
Replying to a question of Mohammed Rafique advocate, the House was informed that heavy rains in July-August 2004 had claimed five lives in Malir and 42 in other areas of Karachi but none in Lyari. He said that compensation was paid.
ROYALTY: Answering the question of Mrs Humera Alwani, the Minister for Mines Irfanullah Khan Marwat informed the House that oil and gas comes under the purview of the federal government. The royalty to this effect is being transferred from the federal government to the provincial government.
As regards coal, he said, 'it comes under the provincial domain.'
"The royalty on coal is being deposited under the provision of Sindh Mining Concession Rules 2002," he said, adding, "the royalty on coal is being collected by the Mines and Mineral Development Department and deposited in government treasury."
He said the collection during 2001-02 stood at Rs 86.145 million, and as much amount in 2002-03 and Rs 120 million in 2003-04.
Replying to a question of Jam Madad Ali, Irfanullah Marwat said that 2 percent quota was fixed for jobs for disabled persons.
However, no appointment of disabled persons had been made in the mines department. He said the department has received applications from two disabled persons, who would be accommodated in the department.