Daily Times

KARACHI: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Mian Saqib Nisar extended the deadline to evict residents of Pakistan Quarter by three months after clashes erupted between the residents of the federal housing colonies and police on Wednesday.

Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah thanked the CJP for taking notice of the situation.

Earlier in July, the SCP had ordered the eviction of alleged illegal occupants of federal housing colonies including Pakistan Quarters, Martin Quarters, Jamshed Quarters, Clayton Quarters, Federal Capital Area, and other residential areas within 10 days. Since then, police teams have been attempting to vacate the occupants by force.

On Wednesday, as many as sixteen, including six policemen sustained injuries as residents of Pakistan Quarters clashed with the police. Police also took several residents of the federal residential colonies into custody as they staged a protest against the operation to evict them from the quarters following the Supreme Court’s directives.

Reportedly, residents, including women and children, installed blockades at entrances of the quarters and did not allow personnel of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to enter leading to clashes between them. 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 canon to disperse the protesters. The protestors also chanted anti-government slogans. One policeman also resorted to aerial firing following which he was taken into custody and his weapon was seized. Sixteen, including six policemen, were injured in the ensuing clashes.

As the situation worsened, Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah telephoned Karachi police chief and expressed anger over police’s use of force. “Such actions against the masses are hurtful,” he said. Shah further directed the immediate withdrawal of police from the quarters. Following the Sindh chief minister’s orders, police suspended the eviction operation.

Speaking to the media, SP Jamshed Quarters 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 it when directives are issued,” he added.

Meanwhile, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leaders Amir Khan, Naveed Jamil, Farooq Sattar and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA Jamal Siddiqui reached the site to extend support to the residents of the quarters. Veteran MQM-P politician Farooq Sattar also appealed to the CJP to take suo motu notice of the case.

Following the incident, CM Murad Ali Shah spoke to the media. He said that he had intervened in the matter because it was the Sindh government’s responsibility to maintain the law and order situation in the metropolis. He added that he would consult the provincial Law Department, advocate general and administration and approach the top court if necessary in order to find a resolution to the ‘humanitarian’ issue.

Advisor to Sindh CM on Information Barrister Murtaza Wahab later clarified that the Sindh government had no role in the matter of Pakistan Quarters. He said that it was federal government’s property and the residents were being evicted on the orders of the SCP.

Talking to media after the incident, Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that the police action was unnecessary. He said that CM Murad took prompt notice of the incident and ordered the police to stop. Barrister Murtaza Wahab also said that water canning and baton charging the residents was not the solution. “This incident was intolerable. Such incidents do not take place in civilised societies,” he added.

He said that the Sindh government was standing with the residents of Pakistan quarters. “We have to find a substitute solution for the evacuation of Pakistan quarters residents,” he said. Provincial advisor said that CM Murad had formed an enquiry committee headed by Karachi Additional Inspector General (AIG) Ameer Shaikh to investigate the police action on the residents of Pakistan Quarters.

Meanwhile, Karachi president of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Khurran Sher Zaman told the media that the ruling party had asked the governor to take notice of the issue. “We condemn the police action,” he said. “This is not a federal matter but we have asked the Centre to play its role in resolving the issue,” he said.

Published in Daily Times, October 25^th 2018.