Construction on China-cutting plots implies that the plots were initially reserved or allotted for parks
KARACHI: The Supreme Court has recently ordered to clear all plots illegally constructed via China-cutting in Karachi. The court verdict implies demolition of houses and residential units in mostly slum areas of the city.
Construction on China-cutting plots implies that the plots were initially reserved or allotted for parks, hospitals or any other public or community service, but they were illegally divided into smaller pieces of land and sold to owners of such houses. However, it cannot be ruled out that selling plots carved via China-cutting cannot be done without the involvement of government officials. So the court should also order investigations and action against those involved in illegal selling of the plots, while simultaneously ensure alternative housing or offer monetary compensation to those who are likely to be displaced. Both humanitarian and political aspects should be kept in view while tackling the issue.
Affan Hassan
Published in The Express Tribune, December 15th, 2017.
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