SUKKUR: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Sukkur has launched two separate investigations involving the Sindh Irrigation Department, with nearly 85,000 acres of government land across five districts coming under scrutiny.
The investigations relate to allegations including corruption, misuse of authority, embezzlement of public funds and possession of assets beyond known sources of income. These matters remain under investigation, and the allegations against the individuals involved have not been established as convictions.
Nearly 85,000 Acres Identified for Review
According to the details available in the investigations, a total of 84,977.59 acres spread across more than 500 dehs has been identified for examination.
The land is distributed across five districts:
- Dadu: 38,854.72 acres
- Sujawal: 22,958.64 acres
- Jamshoro: 12,519.78 acres
- Shaheed Benazirabad: 6,620.63 acres
- Tando Mohammad Khan: 4,023.82 acres
The scale of the acreage involved makes the matter significant from a government land-record and management perspective.
Revenue Authorities Directed to Update Records
As part of the process, revenue authorities have been directed to correct the relevant land records and complete mutation in the name of the Sindh Irrigation Department.
Mutation is the formal process through which ownership or title information is updated in government revenue records. The directive indicates that the identified land requires official record correction so that the department’s ownership is properly reflected in the relevant land documentation.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
NAB’s action is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities involving government land and officials or individuals connected with the cases. At this stage, the probe should not be interpreted as a final determination of guilt.
The timeline for completing the record correction and mutation process across the affected districts has not been disclosed. The process is also separate from the eventual outcome of NAB’s investigations into the individuals concerned.
Implications for Land Verification
The case highlights the importance of accurate government land records, particularly where large areas are associated with departments responsible for irrigation infrastructure and related public assets.
For landowners, investors and prospective buyers dealing with property in Dadu, Sujawal, Jamshoro, Shaheed Benazirabad and Tando Mohammad Khan, the development reinforces the need to independently verify ownership and title records before completing transactions.
Particular care may be warranted for land located near irrigation channels, canals and other government infrastructure. Buyers should confirm the current ownership status, land classification and relevant revenue records with the appropriate authorities rather than relying solely on existing documents or private claims.
The outcome of the NAB investigations and the completion of the directed land-record corrections will determine the longer-term implications of the case for government land administration in the affected districts.
