CJP extends Pakistan Quarters eviction deadline after police-protesters showdown

KARACHI: Police on Wednesday fired water cannon, teargas shells and baton charged residents of Karachi’s Pakistan Quarters who have been protesting against eviction orders. 

Meanwhile, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar extended the deadline for the protesting residents to vacate the government quarters by three months.

As per details, a large number of the residents of the colony, including women, took to the streets against police action to evict them from the federal government quarters on the directives of the Supreme Court.

A heavy contingent of police personnel in riot gear swarmed the site of the protest, using water cannon, lobbing teargas shells and resorting to baton charge to disperse the protesting residents.

As a result, the area turned into a virtual battlefield as the protesters hurled stones at police officials in retaliation.

The police also took a number of protesters into custody and resorted to aerial firing to disperse the protesters.

Sindh CM takes notice of police action

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah issued directives for the police to stop the eviction operation against the residents of the colony.

He directed the Additional Inspector General of police to pull the police force out of the area, saying he deeply grieved this behavior towards the people.

Adviser to CM on Information, Law & Anti-Corruption, Barrister Murtaza Wahab said the chief minister has summoned a report from the relevant authorities on the current situation in the area.

Farooq Sattar assails ruling PTI

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Dr Farooq Sattar reached Pakistan Quarters to show solidarity with the protesters.

Speaking to ARY News, he said the residents have not illegally occupied quarters meant for federal government employees as past governments had assured them that they will not be forced out of their residences.

The previous governments concealed relevant facts from the court which issued eviction orders, lamented the senior MQM-P leader.

He asked if the ruling PTI was constructing 5 million houses by depriving the people of their shelter.

It is now responsibility of the present government to devise a policy in this regard, he said.

Dr Sattar termed the eviction of the people from Pakistan Quarters as a conspiracy against the PTI-led federal government. He said he has talked to President Arif Alvi and Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, demanding that no action should be taken until a meeting with them.

Minister blames Sindh govt

Federal minister for water and power resources Faisal Vawda blamed the Sindh government for the situation stemming from the eviction operation, saying he respects orders of the apex court but the police have worsen the situation by using force against the protesters.

He alleged the PPP government wanted to achieve political gains by acting against the protesters as the IG Sindh and AIG Karachi, who he said are sensible people, cannot indulge themselves in such acts.

Top court orders eviction

It is pertinent to mention here that the top court had ordered the Estate Office of Public Work Department (PWD) to vacate federal government quarters.