News Desk |
After the clashes between the residents of federal housing colonies and police turned violent in Karachi, Chief Justice of Pakistan has extended the deadline to evict residents of Pakistan Quarters by three months.
According to media reports, deputy attorney general submitted a report in Supreme Court saying that some 4,168 government quarters – of which 639 houses are in Martin Quarters, 301 in Patel Quarters, 49 houses in Garden and Pakistan Quarters– had been illegally occupied.
They were asked to produce supporting documents in the court by July 31 to prove their rightful living in the colonies.
A petition had been filed seeking eviction of residents living in these areas even after the retirement or death of an allottee–a government servant to whom quarter is allotted. The Supreme Court in July ordered the eviction within 10 days of alleged illegal occupants.
Residents of the quarters pleaded their case with CJP Nisar, saying they had been gifted the quarters after retirement or they were still government employees and had legal right to live there. They were asked to produce supporting documents in the court by July 31 to prove their rightful living in the colonies.
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While authorities today tried to evict the residents under an apex court order, residents-turned-protestors showed resistance and started chanting slogans against the government. Residents beat up and threw stones at personnel attempting to enter the quarters.
Heavy contingents of police, including the anti-riot force, were called and they resorted to baton-charge, tear gas shelling and used a water cannon to disperse the protesters. At least 16 people, including six police personnel, were injured during clashes.
We have suspended the operation for now and will continue after further directives are issued.
As the situation got worse, Governor Sindh took the notice, contacted Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, who ordered the operation be halted for three months. Earlier today, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed anger over the use of force against resident and asked the AIG Karachi to suspend the operation.
Speaking to the media, SP Quarters Jamshed said, “Over a dozen people have been taken into custody and a case will be registered against them for hindering government work. We have suspended the operation for now and will continue after further directives are issued.”
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Meanwhile, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leaders Amir Khan, Naveed Jamil, Farooq Sattar and PTI MPA Jamal Siddiqui reached the site to extend support to the residents of the quarters.