QALAT - With real estate prices shooting up, powerful warlords are trying to make a quick buck by seizing state-owned land, rendering many poor individuals homeless in Qalat, the capital of southern Zabul province, an official revealed on Tuesday.
The municipality and residents complain about the rampant pratice as locals are deprived of land. "Amid soaring prices, dozens of acres of state-owned land has been sold by some people and the process is still going on," grumbled Abdullah, a resident of Qalat.

He said several pieces of land snatched illegally were located in Sinak, Hazari, Kharwaryan, Haji Asghar and Mullah Barat villages of the provincial capital.

Mohammad Akram, who lives in a rented house, said the unlawful activity was troubling the homeless. "Land grab has sent house rents soaring. The government should make sure the grabbed lands are vacated and distributed to the poor."

Mayor Syed Ahmad Safi confirmed the problem, saying that dozens of acres had been retaken from encroachers over the past week in Hazari and Sinak areas. He accused some government officials and warlords of trying to snatch more state lands. However, he did not name anyone.

In response to a question, Safi said: "We have launched efforts and God will help us in wresting back the state-owned land from strongmen." Some government officials had pledged their full cooperation in the fight against land mafia, he concluded. (Pajhwok)