The Sindh Government is reviewing the Defense Housing Authority (DHA) proposal to allocate up to 6,000 acres of coastal land in Karachi for its expansion plans.
According to a report by Dawn News, DHA’s request aims to facilitate its housing schemes near the coastline, primarily to benefit the families of martyrs and armed forces personnel.
In December 2023, DHA approached the caretaker government of Sindh, seeking land for the future expansion of DHA Karachi. The letter sent to the Chief Minister detailed the necessity of the expansion and acknowledged the provincial government’s support in previous projects.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed that the Sindh government is considering the request. The need for additional land has become crucial for DHA Karachi, especially after the establishment of DHA City Karachi, to continue its mission of providing relief to military families and personnel.
On April 8, the provincial government’s Land Utilization Department requested the Deputy Commissioner of District West for a detailed report and site map of the coastal land. This is part of the government’s due diligence to ensure the land’s appropriate use and protection against unauthorized encroachments, recognizing the area’s susceptibility to land mafia activities.
While the process is still in the early stages, the outcome will determine the technical and financial viability of the proposed expansion.
DHA, established in the 1980s with just 76.2 acres, now manages over 8,797 acres and supports a community of 81,489 members comprising armed forces officers, civilians, and legal heirs of deceased members. This expansion, if approved, will further solidify DHA’s role in providing premier residential facilities to its beneficiaries.