Sindh slams raid on Saleh Bhotani’s DHA residence by Balochistan police

The Sindh government has expressed strong discontent following a raid by Balochistan police at the residence of prominent Balochistan political figure Saleh Bhotani, located in Karachi’s upscale Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area.

In an official communication obtained by The News, the Sindh Home Department condemned the late-night raid on September 22, 2024, in the limits of the Gizri Police Station, stating it was conducted without prior intimation to the Sindh government. The letter characterized the action as unauthorized and potentially damaging to inter-provincial law enforcement relations.

Interestingly, the Pakistan Peoples Party is in power in both provinces, Sindh and Balochistan.

The Sindh government has called for legal action against the officers involved and has urged Balochistan’s Home Department to take immediate measures and inform Sindh officials accordingly.

However, sources close to the situation suggest that the Balochistan police raid may have occurred with tacit approval from the Sindh government.

They said that this backdrop of tension includes ongoing property disputes involving Saleh Bhotani and his nephew, Malik Asad, a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MPA from the Jamshoro district.

Allegedly, a powerful political figure has been leveraging a Balochistan minister to act against the Bhotani family in these disputes.

Moreover, sources claim that Malik Asad’s valuable land in Karachi’s East district has been encroached upon by armed individuals allegedly backed by the same Balochistan minister. This minister is reportedly also at odds with the Bhotani family over land issues in Hub, Balochistan.