According to presidential spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar, the President expressed concern over the incident and directed the authorities to ensure no community was discriminated against in any manner.
President Zardari reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguard the rights of minorities in the country, a press release quoted him as stated.
Background
The houses in Soldier Bazaar which were demolished on Saturday used to be spaces where 40 people built their lives and nurtured their children. Now, they are nothing more than debris which the homeless will use as pillows as they sleep under the open sky.
Around three or four houses and a century-old temple, the Shri Rama Pir Mandir, were demolished by a private builder. The swift operation seemed to have emerged out of the blue and caught the residents unawares.
“We are protesting against the injustice by staying out on the streets. We won’t leave or move in with our relatives,” said Kaali Das, an elder of the community. “We will sit on the road till our temples and houses are rebuilt.”
Read the full story: Soldier Bazaar demolition: The homeless will brave cold nights and put up a fight
A video report on the incident can be viewed here.
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