Fundamental rights: Slum dwellers of Sector I-11 approach top court

Contend that under housing policy, residents cannot be evicted from a katchi abadi without being relocated first


Our Correspondent August 02, 2015
PHOTO: EXPRESS

ISLAMABAD: The affected slum dwellers of Sector I-11 Islamabad have filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the Capital Development Authority-led operation to demolish their homes.

The petitioners have asked that the apex court declare that residents of katchi abadis of the federal capital are entitled to the benefits conferred under Articles 9, 10A and 25 of Constitution and “declare that the state is duty-bound to provide the residents shelter and other amenities as per the Constitution and the National Housing Policy 2001.”

They requested the court direct the state to stop forcible eviction of the residents.

The victims have filed the petitions under Article 184(3) and named the Federation through Secretary Ministry of Interior, Capital Development Authority through its Chairman, federal secretary Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Inspector General of Police, Islamabad, Secretary Cabinet Division and chief commissioner Islamabad as respondents.

The petitioners informed the court that they are all residents of the capital city who have resided in Pakistan their entire lives and are therefore entitled to the fundamental rights promised to them in the Constitution.

They added that while living here, they have provided labour and services to the government and its various institutions whenever the need has arisen. In fact, when the ICT region was being developed, they were encouraged to relocate here by the State so that they may provide the necessary labour needs of the newly developing capital city.

They further contend that National Housing Policy 2001 declares that there shall not be any eviction from a katchi abadi unless the residents are relocated as per resettlement plans.

The petition reads; “The State is targeting its most vulnerable population. Once the petitioner’s homes are demolished and no adequate alternate housing is provided, where does the State expect them to sleep?”

According to sources close to the case, the SC may take up this constitutional petition next week.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 2nd, 2015.

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