Karachi: Serious irregularities have been uncovered in the allocation and vacation of official residential accommodations at the University of Karachi, where 72 houses remain occupied by retired employees, families of deceased staff members, and other unauthorized occupants.
According to official documents, university regulations allow an employee to retain an official residence for only one year after retirement. However, the records show that dozens of individuals have continued occupying university houses for many years beyond the permitted period.
The documents reveal that, in addition to the 72 disputed residences, two university employees have been living for years in the Foreign Faculty Guest House, one official residence is reportedly being used by a bureaucrat, and three houses are occupied by security officers.
The university’s Estate Office has issued eviction notices to the occupants, but most have reportedly failed to vacate the premises despite repeated warnings.
The prolonged occupation has created a shortage of housing for serving faculty members, officers, and employees, many of whom are still waiting for official accommodation.
Officials also expressed concern over the financial burden on the university. Sources said that several residential units do not have separate electricity and gas meters, resulting in utility expenses being paid directly by the university. Reports further suggest that multiple air conditioners are being used in some houses, yet no comprehensive energy audit has been conducted and no recovery of unauthorized utility costs has been made from the occupants.
One of the longest cases involves Ashfaq Warsi, who has reportedly been residing in House No. SD-46 since 2007. His authorized occupancy period expired in 2008, meaning he has allegedly remained in the residence for approximately 18 years beyond the permitted period, making it the longest unauthorized occupancy listed in the official records.
The documents also note that some cases differ in nature, including occupants whose one-year grace period has only recently expired or has not yet ended.
University authorities have acknowledged the issue and confirmed that notices have been issued. However, the continued occupation of official residences remains a major administrative challenge, raising concerns over governance, housing management, and the efficient use of university resources.
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