Authorities in Karachi have started a major demolition drive targeting a 40-year-old Afghan Basti, which they say was built illegally on government land. The operation began early Wednesday morning with the help of Rangers, police, and heavy machinery.
The Afghan Basti, located in one of Karachi’s peripheral areas, had been home to hundreds of families for decades. Many residents claimed they had lived there since the 1980s, building small homes and shops over time. However, officials argue the settlement was unauthorized and part of a wider encroachment problem in the city.
The Operation in Karachi
Security forces surrounded the area before sunrise as bulldozers and excavators began dismantling structures. Authorities said the demolition was part of an ongoing anti-encroachment campaign aimed at reclaiming government land and improving city planning.
Rangers and police officers were deployed to ensure law and order during the drive. Some residents tried to protest, asking for more time to vacate their homes, but the operation continued under strict supervision.
Officials from Karachi’s administration say the land will be used for future development projects once cleared. They added that several notices had been issued earlier, warning residents to leave voluntarily.
Reactions and Concerns
Residents expressed distress over losing their homes, saying they had nowhere to go. Many have lived in the settlement for generations and consider Karachi their permanent home. Civil society groups have urged the government to provide temporary shelters or compensation for those displaced.
Critics argue that demolitions should only proceed once resettlement plans are in place. They fear that hundreds of people could be left without basic needs such as food, water, or shelter.
Broader Context
The demolition of the Afghan Basti is part of Karachi’s broader campaign to remove illegal settlements and reclaim public land. Over the past few years, several similar operations have taken place across the city. Authorities say these actions are necessary to control unplanned construction and improve infrastructure.
However, observers note that such drives often spark controversy due to the humanitarian crisis that follows. Many hope that the Karachi administration will balance development needs with human rights considerations.
Also read: Power Rift In Azad Kashmir? Minister Mazhar Saeed Resigns
