Widow of fallen cop evicted from police quarters

KARACHI:

Years after losing her husband in the line of duty, a widow now finds herself fighting for the right to keep a roof over her children's heads. Despite assurances from police officials that she could stay in the government-allotted residence, she was thrown out last week allegedly on the orders of police personnel themselves.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, the widow of the late Constable Rustam Ali Shahid recounted how promises made after her husband's death in 2017 have been broken. Constable Shahid, who died of cardiac arrest while on duty at Risala police station, left behind not just a widow and three sons, but also the hope that official promises of support would help his family survive. Eight years later, those hopes have been replaced by fear, humiliation, and forced homelessness.

Making matters worse, tragedy struck the family home just months ago when a fire ravaged the widow's residence, destroying all possessions. Using the compensation money received after her husband's death, the widow rebuilt the house, rewired the electricity, and purchased basic furniture and clothing for her children — only to face another devastating setback.

According to her, Constable Kashif - identified as the driver of the AIG Karachi - used his influence to have the same police quarters re-allotted to himself. Around two weeks ago, she received formal orders asking her to vacate the house. Her attempts to reach senior police officials for clarification or intervention went unheeded.

On Thursday morning, the widow was called to Meethadar police station under the pretense of discussing her case. However, she was left waiting for hours without being granted a meeting with any officer. While at the police station, she received a frantic call from her daughter: police officials had forcibly entered their home, thrown their belongings outside, and evicted the family.

Neighbours told The Express Tribune that her daughters were dragged out of the house and left traumatised, their privacy and dignity violated. Upon returning home, the widow found her residence occupied and her belongings ransacked.