Squatters foil anti-encroachment drive again

Officials say they will return with adequately planned operation

KARACHI:

After several attempts, another operation was foiled when a mob of agitated protestors forced Karachi Development Authority (KDA) personnel away from Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 10 and 11, where they arrived to clear the encroachment on Wednesday.

The encroachers not only threw stones at them but also burnt tyres to block the road, pushing the officials away. Subsequently, the anti-encroachment team again failed to implement the court orders.

KDA officials, while talking to The Express Tribune, said a mafia is occupying the area who are using women and children as a shield, which is why they backed off today.

However, they said the court orders to evict the squatters would be implemented in any case, adding that they would be back to remove the encroachment with an adequately planned operation.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2023.