Karachi: The families affected by the Karachi Circular Railways (KCR) anti-encroachment operation have demanded alternative houses, a news source reported. Members of the KCR Affectees Action Committee (KCRAAC) and several other civil society organisations highlighted that over 1,000 families were awaiting relief efforts during a recent press conference held at the Karachi Press Club.
One resident affected by the KCR operation stated that they had no alternative housing to protect themselves against the current rainy season, and their children had no education facilities left to attend. She said that over 400 children had been deprived of education as railway authorities had also razed their schools and madrassahs.
The affected woman also highlighted that the Supreme Court (SC) had not only ordered for clearing the KCR route. She said that the court had also directed the federal and provincial governments, along with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), to provide alternative housing facilities to those affected.
Chairman KCRAAC Haji Khan Badshah requested the authorities concerned to help the affectees of the KCR anti-encroachment drive. He added that even before ensuring alternative accommodations, they should provide these families with basic facilities at locations they are currently residing in.
Badshah also asked for providing alternative houses to those who are currently awaiting the removal of their houses. He said that Pakistan Railways should secure the land required for the project, and lease the rest of it to the residents.
Referring to the potential reassigning of the KCR project to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the members of the civil organisations said that they would welcome the step if taken. They added that in this case, JICA should conduct another survey of the buildings constructed along the KCR route.
