People affected by the ongoing anti-encroachment drive along Karachi’s drains, particularly Gujjar nullah, would be given alternate plots by the Sindh government.
According to information, the province administration would appoint a panel for the purpose, which will be led by a retired Supreme Court judge.
Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Adviser to the Sindh Chief Minister on Law and Environment, has finalised a draught for the commission’s formation and forwarded it to the chief minister for approval.
The commission will provide 80-yard plots to persons affected by the anti-encroachment campaign in the Gujjar, Orangi, and other nullahs of the port city. Apart from them, it would also take into account Nasla Tower occupants and other cases.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights raised alarm on June 26 about the eviction of individuals living along the Gujjar and Orangi nullahs in Karachi.
“These actions were done without adequate engagement with affected residents, no relocation plan, and disparate and insufficient compensation for the displaced,” the UN experts said in a statement.
Experts estimate that the demolition of 12,000 buildings along Karachi nullahs will affect 96,000 people. The experts were also concerned about the Supreme Court’s rejection of stay orders given by the Anti-Encroachment Tribunal, which had prevented the demolition of several homes.
