KARACHI — The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Karachi has recovered 43.11 acres of land belonging to Pakistan Railways in Deh Khanto, Juma Goth, with an estimated value of Rs9.67 billion. The development marks the conclusion of a long-running inquiry into alleged encroachment on government property.

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Inquiry reopened after fresh request Land handed back to Pakistan Railways

According to NAB officials, the land — located at Survey Numbers 48, 49, 50 and 51 — had been under illegal occupation despite earlier claims that possession had been secured. The recovery restores physical control of the property to Pakistan Railways and concludes an investigation that began in 2019.

Inquiry reopened after fresh request

The case was initially launched on July 13, 2019, following allegations that government-owned railway land had been encroached upon by private textile mills. The inquiry was later closed after a Supreme Court ruling, but was reopened in 2025 at the request of Pakistan Railways.

The renewed investigation focused on alleged involvement of officials from the Railway and Revenue departments, along with private parties accused of continued occupation of the site.

While Pakistan Railways had maintained that possession of the land was secured in 2021 under Supreme Court directives, NAB stated that its findings showed private entities remained in actual control of the property.

Land handed back to Pakistan Railways

Following completion of the investigation, NAB officials confirmed that the 43.11 acres have now been formally handed back to Pakistan Railways. Authorities described the handover as a recovery of high-value public land and part of ongoing efforts to address illegal occupation of state assets.

The bureau said the case reflects continued action against encroachments on government property in Karachi and other parts of the country.