An enclave was gradually coming into existence which, without timely action, could have led to ugly situations
PESHAWAR: This is apropos the article, “New Social Contract” by Ayesha Siddiqa published in The Express Tribune (August 6). The writer has touched on broader aspects of the state’s obligations in reaction to the I-11 katchi abadi saga. Regarding the eviction of residents of the I-11 katchi abadi, many ground realities have been ignored by commentators to a level which looks adamantly biased with respect to the decision of the state.
The I-11 katchi abadi was a ghetto growing into a potential danger zone within the capital. Once, while travelling through I-11 on Faqir Ippee Road, a taxi driver told me that it was dangerous to traverse this road in the evening and almost impossible at night. “It has turned into a hub of many social evils, including robbery, street crimes, vehicle hijacking, passerby intimidation, and so on. The police, too, don’t dare to touch them,” said the driver. This shows that an enclave was gradually coming into existence which, without timely action, could have led to ugly situations in the future. Social media activists have showed off their hollow support to the illegal occupants. This show seems little to do with the pitiful condition of the people displaced, and rather seems to depict a greater rancour for government actions. As the adage goes, ‘give credit where it’s due’; the action, although delayed, has come to represent the old social contract to maintain social order in our land.
Syed Gohar Ali Shah
Published in The Express Tribune, August 8th, 2015.
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