Inquiry ordered into properties abandoned by Bangledeshi nationals

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday directed the federal law officer to conduct an inquiry to find out if properties left by Bangledeshi nationals were communicated back to their original owners and compensation was provided to them.

Hearing the appeal against the acquittal of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) employees in a corruption case, an SHC division bench headed by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar also directed the federal law officer to ascertain if any claims or disputes have been filed regarding these properties, and what their current status is.

In the previous hearing the court had directed the provincial law officer to submit details of the ETPB’s properties. The appellant’s counsel filed details of immoveable assets, including residential properties, commercial building, godowns and plots, in different parts of Karachi.

The court was informed that 3,804 acres of agricultural land is in possession of the Sindh Board of Revenue (BoR), while 896,304 abandoned shares are in companies actively trading in the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

The counsel said that according to the statement, Rs12.92783 billion is the total investment of the Abandoned Properties Organisation (APO) until July 17, 2024. The court was informed that Rs7.7941 billion was transferred in the Federal Consolidated Fund in July 2024 under the amendment made in Section 16(k) of the Abandoned Properties (Management) Act, 1975, on attaining maturity after 10 years. At present, the investment of APO Karachi amounts to Rs5.13373 billion, stated the report.

After the perusal of the report, the court said that it is evident that numerous properties have been encroached upon, and that related litigation is under way. The court said that additionally, 3,804 acres of agricultural land across six districts in the province is in the possession of the BoR.

To ensure clarity and accountability, the court directed the BoR senior member to submit a detailed report, which must include a complete breakdown of the encroached upon properties, supported by original (mother) entries and any subsequent entries in the record. The court directed the BoR to identify all properties in its possession, accompanied by photographic evidence to substantiate claims of possession as well as details of actions taken to address encroachments or ongoing litigations.

The court said that this report must be thorough and filed with the court within a specified time frame, adding that failure to comply would require the personal appearance of the senior member in court.

The court issued the Sindh advocate general Sindh with a notice directing him to review the matter and provide appropriate legal assistance to expedite resolution and compliance. The court also directed the SHC registrar to ensure the order’s communication directly to the BoR, emphasising the necessity of strict adherence to its letter and spirit.