KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Local Government, Housing and Town Planning Syed Nasir Hussain Shah chaired the 1199th Governing Body meeting of the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) at her the Civic Centre. The meeting reviewed various administrative, financial, and development matters of the institution in detail. It was informed that the payment of dues to retired employees is among the institution’s top priorities. Syed Nasir Shah directed that salaries and pensions of the institution’s employees must be paid on a priority basis, as these are their fundamental rights. He proposed that funds may be obtained from the government of Sindh in the form of a loan to pay the dues, which the institution could repay later. He emphasised that any delay in the payment of employees’ dues is equivalent to denying them their rights. However, DG KDA Asif Jan Siddiqui said that the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) owes certain dues to the institution. In response, the minister decided to form a committee to review these liabilities and present its recommendations. The KDA DG also stated that the institution intends to take action against encroachments on its lands. The minister directed that all plots should first be cleared of encroachments and then presented for auction. He further instructed that the valuation of plots should be conducted through a third party to obtain better market prices. He also directed that development work in Surjani Town be accelerated. He said encroachments in development areas must be removed and KDA should take practical steps to reclaim all its lands. The Governing Body approved the upgradation of the Director Legal post. On this occasion, Abdul Maroof, President of the KDA Employees Union (CBA), presented the Charter of Demand, which the minister approved while considering the welfare of the employees. A request was also made during the meeting to take steps regarding the promotion of employees from Grade 1 to 15, to which the minister assured positive consideration. The minister further directed that public complaints regarding files and records in KDA should be addressed immediately, and action should be taken against the concerned officer in case of any complaint. Asif Jan Siddiqui informed the meeting that a plan has been prepared to digitise the institution’s land records, and implementation will begin soon. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026