In response to the orders for the demolition of 1100 shops in New Karachi, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Member of the Sindh Assembly, Muhammad Farooq, has submitted a resolution in the provincial assembly. The resolution calls for the withdrawal of demolition orders and demands that affected shopkeepers be provided alternative spaces in nearby Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) markets. The resolution states that over 1100 shops were built on a drain along the Shafiq Mor to 7000 Road area in New Karachi. These shops were permitted after payment was collected from shopkeepers in the past. The shopkeepers, mostly local residents, have been supporting their families with their businesses for several years. However, after a long period of operation, they are now being ordered to vacate without alternative spaces or compensation. In the resolution, Farooq asks, “Where were the relevant authorities and officials when these illegal constructions were allowed to take place? Why was this illegal activity permitted?” He further argued that after 30 years of operation, with the shopkeepers having invested substantial amounts in their businesses, it is unjust to demolish these shops and evict the owners without offering them alternative spaces.
