BAHAWALPUR: Under directions of Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Pakistan Railway Police demolished squatter settlements they said were illegally constructed on Railways property. Residents protested by throwing stones at the machinery. The Rahim Yar Khan colonies included Abu Al Hassan Colony, Odh Colony and Trust Colony. Residents Basheer Ahmad and Haider Khan said they have been living in these colonies for years after they acquired the land from the government. They say that lines of gas, electricity meters, and water supply lines are also installed under their names. Residents are also paying rent to the municipal government for the residence, and municipal records of the houses also exist. Residents of these properties are mostly impoverished laborers.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 6th, 2013.
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