IN a recent move, the Sindh cabinet approved Rs10.065 billion to resettle all those uprooted along Gujjar, Orangi and Mahmoodabad nullahs. The various demolition drives conducted in recent times razed thousands of houses, rendering scores homeless. The matter landed in the Supreme Court; specific directives were issued to the provincial government in the judgement on Oct 25, 2021, as well as other rulings. These verdicts lay down the concept and procedure of developing a resettlement scheme. Based on the submission of its reports, the Sindh government was directed by the apex court to provide land and essential infrastructure to the affected at the earliest.

A robust campaign was launched by the Karachi BachaoTehreek, which demanded housing for demolition-affected people. Apart from those left to suffer along the three nullahs, many others still need a proper response, such as the victims of the anti-encroachment drive for the Karachi Circular Railway who are still running from pillar to post for some relief. Besides, the listing and verification process of the nullah affectees has been questioned by residents and community leaders in the neighbourhoods; it was argued that only bulldozed houses were counted, not the........

© Dawn