ISLAMABAD: Residents from various informal settlements (“katchi abadis”) in Islamabad protested against the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration.
Their outcry was sparked by a wave of evictions and demolitions from their homes and settlements. In recent months, large parts of seven such settlements have been razed, including areas such as E-11 katchi abadi and parts of villages like Chauntra, Bheka Syedan in F-11, Pind Sangrial, Tahlian Malpur, Jabba Taili, and Dhok Khokhran.
Four of these demolitions were carried out to make room for roads, despite the availability of unused land nearby. Critics argue that the government could have altered plans to protect these settlements if the constitutional right to shelter had been appropriately prioritized.
Katchi Abadi Alliance chairperson Dr Aasim Sajjad stated at a press conference that the constant evictions were uncivilized. He highlighted the plight of the working class in the capital, who frequently face home demolitions under the pretext of removing ‘encroachments.’
On the other hand, powerful land grabbers, including state functionaries, operate freely. Dr Sajjad stated that residents of these settlements often have to make unofficial payments to government department officials for basic necessities such as electricity and gas installations.
General Secretary of the Awami Workers Party, Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Iqbal Jahan stated that ‘development’ should not be an excuse for demolishing the homes of working-class people. The Katchi Abadi Alliance, he mentioned, is open to collaborating with the CDA to find solutions but will resist if the evictions persist.
Residents from settlements like France Colony, 66 Quarters G-7/2, Rimsha Colony H-9, Muslim Colony I-10, and others shared their regular hardships, particularly in the hot summer months when they lack electricity.
Ayesha Shahid of the Katchi Abadi Alliance advocated for a change in the CDA’s long-term planning paradigm. She stressed that affordable housing must be guaranteed to working-class residents, especially with the influx of migrants intensifying the shortage of low-income housing. Shahid urged the city to dedicate land for non-market housing to provide long-lasting, affordable housing for low-income settlements in all zones of the ICT.
General Secretary of the Awami Workers Party, Bakhshal Thalho, emphasized the importance of including affected settlements in the planning and design process of ‘development’ projects. He argued that these projects should be co-planned with the residents to respect and accommodate their right to shelter in the city.
Source: DAWN
