Urban Resource Centre
Activity Report January – June 2019
Displaced families registering a peaceful demonstration: The Pakistan Railways (PR) displaced over 1,100 families along Karachi Circular Railway (KCR). These forced evictions were brutal and without prior notices. No compensations or alternative relocation were provided to displaced families. On 9th May 2019 Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) directed the authorities to revitalize the defunct KCR and removal encroachment along its tracks. But the SCP also directed PR to relocate the project affected families in proper way. See more inside
Urban Resource Centre A-2/2, 2nd Floor, Westland Trade Centre, Commercial Area, Block 7 & 8 Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Karachi Pakistan Tel: +92 21 – 3431 5656 and Cell 03332108916 E-mail; [email protected], Web Site: urckarachi.org, FB: www.facebook.com/URCKHI/
Contents
Highlights 02
1.0 Eviction Watch and Housing Rights 03 2.0 URC Forums 14 3.0 Act as watch group 16 4.0 Networking and Exchange 18 5.0 Community Architect Training 20 6.0 Youth Training Program 20 7.0 Publications 21 8.0 Documentation 23 9.0 Shelter Program 23 10.0 Budget and Expenditure 25 11.0 Photographs of the activities 26
Appendix
List of URC’s publications and documents
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Highlights
During current reporting period the Pakistan Railways (PR) displaced over 1,100 families along Karachi Circular Railway (KCR). These forced evictions were brutal and without prior notices. No compensations or alternative relocation were provided to displaced families. On 9th May 2019 Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) directed the authorities to revitalize the defunct KCR and removal encroachment along its tracks. SCP also directed to relocate the project affected families
On the orders of Supreme Court the government started a massive demolition operation in the city. Over 15,000 venders and small shopkeepers were displaced during this operation. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has demolished shops in a brutal way without any prior notices. No compensations and resettlement were offered to the displaced shopkeepers. In many instances the shopkeepers were not allowed to take out their goods before demolition of their shops.
URC developed collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and academic institution to stop forced evictions and prepared alternative.
During current reporting period URC held forums on the following subject: Dispacement of shops and houses and alrternative options Land and Land Ownership Rights Forced Evictions of the Shops and Houses – A Way Forward Women Health and Education Anti Quackery – An overview of background and facts Climate Changes and its impact on built environment
URC has initiated the Community Architect Program. The four batches of 59 youth have completed their training. Now training for 5th batch will start from February 2018.
URC also started a community profiling in five cities, including Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, DG Khan and Sheikhapura.
A shelter housing project was also initiated in Khipro Sanghar district with the support of SELAVIP. Under this program 75 one roomed shelter will be support to the poor families in Khipro.
A number of news articles and stories published in various newspapers related to URC work.
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1.0 Eviction Watch and Housing Rights Program
Evictions in Karachi;
The government on basis of recent Supreme Court’s orders initiated massive eviction operation in Karachi. The orders include:
i. On 9th May Supreme Court ordered removal encroachments and residential colonies along Karachi Circular railway tracks, this resulted displacement of over 1108 families. Still many hundreds families are facing eviction threats
ii. On 27th October 2018 the Supreme Court ordered the removal of illegal encroachments in Karachi. This resulted displacement of over 15,000 small shops and vendors in the city.
Eviction of communities along Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) tracks
Over 5,000 families have been living along Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) tracks in Karachi. The government had conducted a survey in 2013 and declared all these families as project affected persons (PAP). The government listed all these families and they were informed in written notices to be relocated under a government developed resettlement project. The KCR affected communities formed their alliance under the name of KCR Effectees Action Committee (KCREAC). The KCREAC has been actively collaborating URC for last many years to find ways for proper resettlement of these communities. Here is a brief of activities of the current reporting period;
URC along with communities and other civil society partners has been advocating to assert housing rights of KCR project affected persons.
On 10th January 2019 a joint meetings of community activists and URC representative was held at URC office to discuss the situation of evictions. The members for Karachi Urban Lab (KUL – IBA) also attended the meeting. The meeting discussed various ways and strategies to stop the current wave of evictions. The community activists also stressed to develop their networking with various political parties and concerns government officials for a proper resettlement plan before displacement of poor communities. URC also assured its continued support to the communities to stop evictions.
On 21st January Mr. Navid Anthony member of Provincials Assembly from ruling party raised the issue of forced evictions and demanded a resettlement plan for KCR’s affected communities. This is worth to mention here that Mr. Anthony attended URC meetings and forum on evictions and promised to raise the issue on assembly floor.
On 22nd January 2019 anti-encroachment bulldozers arrived at Muhammadi Colony (Macher Colony) to demolished, but the community lodged very strong protest. The community men, women and children came out on the streets to stop demolition operation. Due to very strong resistance from community the government has to halt
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the operation.
On 21st March 2019 Gharibabad (PIDC) received demolition notices from Pakistan Railways (PR). The settlement was listed in the KCR project and all families were declared as projected affected persons. The government already promised to provide alternative relocation to the affected persons. But PR did not mention any relocation in its notices.
On 29th March 2019 National Human Rights Commission held its hearing in its Karachi office. The community activists and URC representatives drew the attention of the NCHR towards the forced eviction notices that PR issued to Gharibabad. After hearing the arguments, the NCHR issued an order to the PR for stopping evictions of the settlements. The NCHR further said in its order that PR cannot demolition houses of the KCR project affected persons without awarding alternative relocation or compensation to them.
On 24th April 2019 a meeting of community activists was held at URC office. To discuss increasing threats of evictions. The activists feared that the government and Pakistan Railways (PR) were planning to demolished their settlements. According to the news reports the PR has been planning to reclaimed its land and sell it for commercial purposes.
On 9th May 2019 the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) has directed removal of encroachments along Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) tracks within 15 days. But the SCP also directed the government to provide alternative relocation to the affected families. There are over 5,000 families living along KCR track.
On 15th May 2019 the Pakistan Railways started demolishing the settlements and displacing poor families. Over 30 families were rendered homeless at a settlement near Urdu College station. These demolitions were ruthless and brutal without any prior notice, in violation of SCP and no alternative were given to the displaced families. These evictions were carried out in the holy month of fasting in very harsh humid hot climate, when heatwaves were looming over the city’s skies. Many displaced families have been living on the rubbles of their houses in harsh hot climate for over a month now.
URC along with communities has already been working to stop these forced evictions for past many years and the recent eviction unfortunately were a serious below on these efforts to stop eviction in Karachi.
URC has intensified its lobbying and advocacy efforts to stop further evictions. A collaborative network of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and effected communities was formed to advocate with media and government to stop further evictions.
On 17th May an emergency meeting of URC representatives, CSOs and community activists was held to discuss the situation and drew a strategy to lobby against forced evictions. The meeting decided to mobilize communities and other stakeholders to stop these brutal evictions. The meeting also decided to call on a meeting of Civil Society Organizations to further highlight the worsening situation of the displaced communities.
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On 21st May 2019 a meeting of CSOs and communities was held at Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) office. The affected and under threat communities presented their case of unjustified displacement. The meeting decided to support the communities and form a wider coalition against forced eviction. The civil society organizations will support the communities in advocacy and assist them to develop networking with government in negotiations for relocation of the displaced communities.
On 22nd May the representatives of affected communities and civil society organized a joint press conference at Karachi Press Club. The press conference was addressed by: i. Ms Anis Haroon, chairperson, National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) ii. Mr Asad Butt, chairperson, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) iii. Mr. Haji Khan Badshah, chairperson. Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) Effectees Action Committee iv. Mr. Muhammad Younus, director, Urban Resource Centre v. Ms Naghma Shaikh, representative of Civil Society vi. Mr Karmat Ali, director Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER)
The speakers unanimously condemned the brutal act of forced evictions along KCR tracks and demanded the government must all demolition operation until development of proper relocation plan of the effected families. According to the speakers the forced evictions are clear violation of basic human and housing rights.
On 23rd May 2019 the Pakistan Railways started demolition operation in Quaid -e- Azam colony and Gharibabad. 333 families were rendered homeless in a very brutal and ruthless manner. No notices were served and even many families were not allowed to take belongings of their houses.
On 25th May 2019 the community activists and civil Society representative held meeting with legal advisor advocate Faisal Siddiqui to discuss the legal option to protect rights of poor communities. According to advocate Siddigui an appeal is a lready filed at SCP to review present demolition operations in Karachi. He advised the communities the evictions can only be stopped through effective lobbying. He also assured the communities that he will pursue the legal battle until the end.
On 28th May 2019 the government demolition team started bulldozing houses in Moosa Colony. No prior notices were issued before demolition of houses. No compensations or alternative relocation were given to the homeless families. The eviction operation of poor families was brutal many families were not allowed to take out their households before demolitions. The operation later on extended to Majid Colony and Wahid Colony. A total 439 families were rendered homeless in these three colonies.
So far a total 1,108 families were evicted in various settlements these demolition operations initiated carried out by Pakistan Railways (PR) on SCP orders after 9th May 2019.
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On 28th May 2019 the communities along with civil society held a demonstration at Karachi Press Club. The protestors demanded immediate halt of forced evictions in Karachi along KCR tracks. The demonstration was addressed by community leaders and civil society activists. Speakers include:
Mr. Karmat Ali, executive director Pakistan Institute of Labour Educationand Research (PILER) Mr Asad Butt, chairperson, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Mr. Haji Khan Badshah, chairperson. Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) Effectees Action Committee Mr. Muhammad Younus, director, Urban Resource Centre Mr. Faisal Edhi, Edhi Foundation Trust Ms. Uzma Noorani, Women Action Forum Mr. Muhammad Toheed, Karachi Urban Lab Mr. Muhammad Ali Shah, Legal Advisor, of effected communities and others
They strongly criticized government actions to displaced poor communities along KCR tracks. A large number of men, women and children from different communities participated in the demonstration.
On 29th May 2019 a meeting of community activists was held at URC office to discuss future action plan and strategy to stop evictions. The representatives of URC, JAC HRCP PILER and Karachi Urban Lab (KUL) were also present ed in this meeting.
On 30th May 2019 a delegation of civil society activists and citizens visited Wahid Colony to observe the situation of displaced families. The delegation members met with homeless families and expressed their solidarity with the displaced families. On this occasion Mr. Haji Khan Badshah chairman, KCR Effectees Action Committee assured the community that they will continues their fight for rights until end.
On 31st May 2019 the civil society organizations organized a solidarity dinner (Ifftar Party) with the homeless families of Quaid -e- Azam colony and Gharibabad. A large number of displaced communities and civil society activists participated in the dinner. The dinner part was held in open space along the rubbles of the demolished houses.
After the dinner a delegation of effected communities and civil society representatives visited Mr. Saeed Ghani, minister for local government. The delegation explained problems of displaced poor families. They requested the minster stop forced evictions along KCR tracks and provide relief to displaced communities. The minister informed the delegation that these evictions were being carried out on the orders of Supreme Court. The minister further said he himself has been facing contempt of court charges on this subject. The minister promised that he will find some remedy for these evictions.
On 2nd June 2019 a meeting of the community leaders and civil society activists was held at NOW Community NGO office to discuss the current situation of forced evictions. The participants firmly decided to continue their struggle against forced evictions and they will also continue their support for the displaced families.
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On 3rd June 2019 another press conference against forced eviction was held at Karachi Press Club. The press conference was jointly organized by representatives of effected communities and civil society organizations. Speakers of the press conference explained plight of displaced families and appealed immediate relocation of homeless families.
On 5th June 2019 a delegation of effected communities and civil society representative held meeting with the Commissioner Karachi. The delegation expressed their concerns over ongoing demolition operation and requested to provide alternative arrangements for displaced and homeless families.
On 6th June 2019 a peaceful walk was held at Quaid -e- Azam Colony and Gharibabad to express solidarity with the displaced communities. A Large number of community activists and civil society representatives participated in the walk.
On 7th June 2019 a meeting was held at Human Rights Commission Of Pakistan (HRCP). The meeting was attended by civil society representative and community leaders. The meeting discussed further the current forced evictions situation and action plan against evictions. It was also decided to hold a joint rally on 9th June 2019 to register protest against ongoing demolition.
On 9th June 2019 a rally from Regal Chowk to Karachi Press Club was organized. The rally was attended by a large number of community activists, women, children and civil society representatives. They chanted slogans against forced evictions and human rights violations. The protestors staged a sit on in front of Karachi Press Club. To discuss the demand of protesters a team of provincial ministers led by Mr. Saeed Ghani minister for local government visited venue of protest. The other ministers and advisors of the government of Sindh accompanied on this occasion include Mr. Murtaza Wahab, advisor to CM, Mr. Imtiaz Sheikh minister for agriculture and Mr. Murtaza Baloch advisor to CM. Mr. Saeed Ghani on the occasion promised to consider the protestors demands and will try to stop further evictions of the communities.
As a result of continues protests, demonstration and press conferences the government stopped using force in the demolition operations. This has enabled the communities to stop bulldozers for demolishing the houses.
On 10th June 2019 Pakistan Railways demolition team arrived Gharibabad (PIDC) to demolished houses but due to heavy resistance from the community they could not demolish houses. The community women and children actively participated in the protest.
On 19th June 2019 community men and women set up a protest campaign in Gharibabad (PIDC) area to stop evictions. Apart from men a large number of women also participated in this protest campaign. The protestors were sitting in the protest campaign for more than two weeks.
The continues protests and lobbying efforts of the communities forced Pakistan Railways to stop further demolition operations. But threats of evictions still persist and it seemed the railways authorities were waiting until protests end.
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On 11th June 2019 a delegation of community activists and civil society representatives held meeting with Commissioner Karachi. The delegation requested Commissioner to halt eviction and provide alternative relocation to already displaced families. The Commissioner informed the delegation that he will pursue the court orders in this regard and it is not possible for him to stop these evictions. After meeting with Commissioner, the delegation visited Gharibabad (PIDC) protest campaign. The members of the delegation informed the protesting community men and women about their meeting with Commissioner.
On 12 June 2019 Pakistan Railways issued notices to cut down electric, water and other services of Gharibabad (PIDC) area. Upon receiving such orders one community women died (nrs Nagina Bibi) due to heart failure. The death news of Nagina Bibi had intensified protest against Pakistan Railway action to demolish Gharibabad. The authorities were also unable to disconnect electric, water and other services of the areas. The funeral services of Mrs. Nagina Bibi were held on 13th June, on this occasion the community affirmed to continue their struggle. against forced evictions.
On 14th June URC representatives visited displaced families of Quaid -e- Azam and Gharibabad Colony. The displaced families of these communities have been living on the rubbles of their houses since 23rd May 2019. The children and women were exposed to harsh hot climate. The basic services like electricity, water and toilets were not available. Mostly homeless families took refuge to nearby neighbor or relatives houses. The photos of the displaced families and their living conditions were circulated in the social media.
On 15th June a team of civil rights activists headed by Justice (Retd.) Mahjida Rizvi also visited displaced families of Quaid -e- Azam and Gharibabad Colony. The civil rights activists were displeased to see families living under the open shy in poor conditions. They demanded immediate rehabilitation of displaced families.
On 16th June 2019 the communities took out a rally from Kashmir Muhjid colony. The participants of the rally demanded that the government must stop forced evictions and housing rights violation.
The community activists from KCR effectees Action also increased their efforts to mobilize communities across KCR tracks. They were holding meetings in each settlement on daily basis. The chairperson and other members of the action committee were visiting every community. These meetings were held in Wahid Colony Gharibabad, Quaid -e- Azam Colony, Umer Colony, Kashmir Colony, Omer Farooq Town, Swat Char Bagh Colony and other colonies.
On 17th June a joint meeting of communities and civil society activists was held at Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) office. The meeting discussed the situation of eviction and ongoing campaign against forced evictions.
On 18th June 2019 another joint meeting of the community activists and civil society representatives was held at URC office. The meeting discussed various aspects of ongoing campaign against evictions. It also drew an action plan to continue advocacy efforts to stop the forced eviction in Karachi. Apart from community activists, representatives of URC, PILER, HRCP, JAC, Aurat Foudation, KUL, Now Community
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also attended the meeting.
On 18th June 2019 the representatives of civil society organizations held another meeting with commissioner Karachi to draw his attention of worsening condition of displaced communities. On the directions of the Commissioner Karachi Assistant District Commissioner (ADC/central) visited displaced families Quaid -e- Azam colony and Ghribabad. The ADC issued orders to police and other concerned departments not harass displaced families.
On 21st June 2019 representatives of KCR Effectee Action Committee held a meeting at Quaid -e- Azam colony. The meeting decided to strengthen the mobilization process of communities for the continuation of advocacy efforts. The meeting also decided to hold regular meetings in other settlements.
On 21st June 2019 a meeting of women community activists was held at URC office. The women from displaced and under threat settlements attended the meeting. The community women discussed problems of displaced families. The women from various settlements emphasized how women can play an important role for stopping evictions. The meeting decided to form their network.
On 16th June 2019 a media team from Dynya TV News channel visited Quaid -e- Azam colony and Gharibabad to film a documentary on situation and conditions of displaced families. The anchor person Mr. Masood Raza interviewed men and women of the area. These families have been living on the rubbles as their houses demolished by the government on the SCP orders. The documentary was aired on 29th and 30th June 2019.
On 27th June the shoch media group also released a documentary on the problems KCR’s displaced families.
On 27th June 2019 Mr. Saeed Ghani minister for local government while speaking on provincial assembly floor regretted forced evictions operations along KCR tracks. He further said they had to demolished houses on SCP orders.
On 28th June 2019 once again Pakistan Railways (PR) issued notices of demolition to some more KCR settlements. The PR advised the families to vacate their houses, otherwise the demolition team will bulldoze their houses without any further notices. But the communities refused to accept PR notices and informed PR that they will not vacate their houses unless alternative relocation is awarded to them.
On 28th June 2019 URC organized a community to community exchange visit. A group of women from KCR’s under threat settlements visited displaced families of Quaid -e- Azam colony and Gharibabad. Women shared their problems and experiences. Observation of the problems of displaced families particularly women and children motivated community women to play a more active part against forced evictions. Women decided that they will support each other and will try their best to stop further demolition of houses.
On 30th June Mr. Siraj ul Haq, head of Jamaat -e- Islami visited Quaid -e- Azam colony to express his party solidarity with the displaced communities.
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URC along with communities and CSOs will continue its lobbying and advocacy efforts to stop housing rights in the forced evictions.
Evictions of small shops and vendors: On the basis of 27th October 2018 of the Supreme Court orders the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) started an anti-encroachment drive in Empress Market and Saddar area on 4th November 2018.
Later on the KMC has extended this drive to the entire city. Over 15,000 vendors and small shopkeepers were displaced during this operation. The KMC has demolished shops in a brutal way without any prior notices. No compensations and resettlement were offered to the displaced shopkeepers. In many instances the shopkeepers were not allowed to take out their goods before demolition of their shops.
The Urban Resource Centre (URC) initiated a advocacy campaign against these forced evictions. URC contacted representatives affected shopkeepers. A number of meetings were held with shopkeepers to draw a joint strategy against these forced demolitions.
URC also started circulating information regarding these demolitions to the civil society organizations and media. URC also circulated photos and videos of these displacements.
On the basis of URC’s information, a number of researchers, journalists and human rights activists had written news articles against these brutal and inhumane demolitions. These news articles openly opposed these demolitions and declared them shameful and inhumane. See list of these articles in the publication section. (See list of news articles in publication section)
On 18th November 2018 URC informed its international partner organizations such as Asian Coalition for Housing Rights (ACHR), Slum Dwellers International (SDI) and other housing rights organizations regarding these forced evictions. URC also request them to send appeal to the Supreme Court and other authorities in Pakistan to stop these forced evictions.
On 27th November 2018 URC held a meeting with shopkeepers’ associations at Lunda Bazzar Light House Market. The meeting decided that more consultations will be held for a joint strategy against these forced evictions.
On 30th November 2018 the shopkeepers’ association held a demonstration in front of the KMC head office. The shopkeepers demanded resettlement/relocation and compensation for their losses.
On 1st December 2018 URC arranged joint meeting of civil society and shopkeepers’ associations. The other civil society organizations which attended this include Human Right Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Aurat Foundations (AF), Pakistan Institute of Labour Research (PILER), All Pakistan Katchi Abadi Alliance and Karachi Urban Lab (KUL). This meeting was held at HRCP office. The meeting decided to hold a press conference and a demonstration in front of Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) to
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denounce these forced evictions. It aslo was decided that the shopkeepers associations will also file a review petition in the Supreme Court.
On 7th December 2018 URC organized a joint press conference of Civil Society Organizations and Shopkeepers association at Karachi Press Club. In this press conference the civil society organizations and rights activists have demanded that the government to stop forced evictions, tender an apology to the affected people for destroying sources of their livelihoods and implement a fair compensation and rehabilitation plan.
On 9th December 2018 the civil society activists and journalists visited Empress Market to express their solidarity with displaced shopkeepers. On this occasion the representatives of civil society express their concerns on the demolition of shops and extended their support for the rehabilitation of the displaced shopkeepers.
On 10th December 2018 URC representatives took part in a TV talk show telecasted by TV News One. The URC representatives presented case of displaced shopkeepers and vendors and pointed out the brutal act of authorities while displacing shopkeepers.
Meanwhile URC continues its effects to circulate the information about inhumane act of demolition. URC circulated news articles, photograph, videos and interviews of shopkeepers and venders through social media and emails.
On the 11th December URC organized a joint demonstration of displaced shopkeepers and affectees of KCR settlement. The protest was held in front of Supreme Court Karachi registry office. The demonstration appealed to the Supreme Court to stop evictions and provide alternative relocation to the victims of these forced evictions.
On 8th December 2018 the Supreme Court declared that the provision of resettlement and relocation is responsibility of the government. The SC further clarified that its orders do not prohibit the government for providing alternative resettlement. The announcement seems a great achievement as earlier the government declared these shopkeepers as illegal encroachers.
URC also continued its lobbying and advocacy efforts. A number of meetings were held with concerned government officials, politicians, ministers and journalists. On 18th December 2018 a delegation of civil society organizations (including URC, PILER, HRCP, KUL and AF) held meeting with Mr. Izhar ul Haq a parliamentary leader of MQM to seek his party’s support to stop forced evictions and provide rehabilitation. On 30th December 2018 the delegation of civil society organizations met with legislators of different political parties including MQM, PTI, GDA and others. The delegation explained destruction of livelihoods of the poor shopkeepers as result of recent evictions in Karachi. The legislator promised to raise issue on the floor of provincial assembly. As a result, number of motions tabled at Sindh provincial assembly and matter of forced evictions discussed at provincial assembly. The member of provincial assembly resolved that the matter of forced evictions must be handled in a proper manner.
On 21st December 2018 the representatives of URC held a meeting with Mr. Saeed Ghani, minister for local government Sindh. URC team explained impact of recent
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forced evictions on the livelihood of poor shopkeepers. The team members also requested the minister for the rehabilitation of shopkeepers.
On 9th January 2019 a round table discussion was held at Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST). The faculty members and civil activists discussed the issue of recent forced evictions in the city. The meetings demanded to take a human way to handle forced evictions and government must arrange alternatives before any displacement operation.
URC also initiated a dialogue with displaced shopkeepers to develop an alternative resettlement plan for the rehabilitation of shopkeepers around Empress Market. On consultation with shopkeepers of the Saddar area an alternative rehabilitation was prepared by the URC. The plan proposed relocation of shopkeepers around Empress Market. On 6th January 2019 the details of the proposed alternative plan of the Empress Market were published in one of the leading national newspaper daily Dawn.
On 13th January 2019 civil society activists staged a token hunger strike in front of the Karachi Press Club to protest and express sodality with those whose livelihoods have been destroyed during the anti-encroachment drive being conducted on the orders of the Supreme Court.
The participants of the hunger strike included senior architect and urban planner Arif Hasan, veteran economist and a former Adviser to Chief Ministers of Sindh and Balochistan Dr Kaiser Bengali, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) Faculty of Social Sciences Dean Dr Riaz Shaikh, Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER) Chief Executive Karamat Ali, Urban Resource Centre representative Zahid Farooq, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Vice Chairperson Uzma Noorani, human rights activists Dr Haroon Ahmed, Naghma Shaikh, Rafia Gulani and others.
On 16th January 2019 URC organized a discussion forum on evictions at URC. The representatives of shopkeepers and community activists from under threat settlements attended this forum. The key resource persons were Mr. Arif Hasan, Mr. Taj Haider, and Mr. Navid Anthony The discussed various ways to stop forced evictions.
On 23rd January 2019 daily Jang (a leading national newspaper) with collaboration of URC organized a forum on forced evictions. Dr. Saif ur Rahman, Municipal Commissioner of KMC and Mr. Arif Hasan, chairman Urban Resource Centre were the key speaker of the session. Mr. Akran Khan of daily Jang facilitated the forum. A large number of shopkeepers and communities activists attended the forum. A detailed report of the forum was published in the daily Jang magazine section.
URC developed collaboration with NED University and Karachi Urban Lab of Institute of Business Administration (KUL - IBA) for networking, advocacy, documentation and information dissemination on displacement and forced eviction of shopkeepers.
URC also developed collaboration with number of other civil society organizations such as Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Aurat Foundation for networking and lobbying to stop these forced evictions.
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URC will continue its monitoring of forced evictions and will lobby for the rehabilitation of displaced shopkeepers.
URC is supporting the communities through information and networking and engaging them in lobbying and advocacy.
URC will continue its support to the communities to protect their housing rights.
2.0 URC Forums
To encourage interaction between different development sectors of the city, regular forums are held at URC, where various groups come in contact with each other. This promotes collective thinking, decision making and actions on major urban issues. URC documents and prints the proceedings of these forums regularly. During the current reporting period, the following forums were held:
Forums on dispacement of shops and houses and alrternative options
This forum was held on 16th January 2019 at URC office. The key resource persons of the forum were:
Mr. Navid Anthony, member of provincial asembly and advisor to local government minister Mr. Taj Haider, Senior politician and ex member of the senate Mr. Arif Hasan, chairman, Urban Resource Centre
The representatives of displaced shopkeepers and community activists presented their concerns over recent forced eviction operation. According to shopkeepers a large number of shops were bullozed in the city. This operation was carried out with any notices and the government also did not announced any relocation plan.
Mr. Navid Anthony, member of provincial asembly and advisor to local government minister said that he will raise the issue of KCR communities’ displacement at the floor of Sindh Assembly Floor.
Arif Hasanm chairman URC demanded a comprehensive resttlement plan for displaced shopkeepers. He also said that there should not be any evictions without alternative relocation plan.
Forum on Land and Land Ownership Rights
This forum was held on 13th February 2019 with the community women at Garibabad Civil Lines. This was second forum with community women. ). Ms. Kenza Rizvi, legal advisor at Karachi Urban Lab of IBA explained land ownership patterns. The purpose of such forum is to initiate a discussion with women on land rights issues and how community women play a role to secure housing rights. The community has been facing evictions threats and women are most vulnerable in case of forced
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displacement. The community women discussed various ways to protect their settlemnts from forced evictions.
Forum on Forced Evictions of the Shops and Houses – A Way Forward
This forum was held on 19th February 2019 at URC office. Mr. Taseem Siddiqui, chairman SAIBAN for Shelter (NGO) explained the situation of the forced evictions in the city. Mr. Siddiqui is an expert on low cost housing explained various mechanisms to develop a master plan for the city. According to him a city can not be developed on adhoc planning. He further said the recent evictions were carried out without any planning and created large scale unemployment.
The community representatives also took part in the discussion. They demanded a proper relocation plan for the displaced shopkeepers.
Forum on on Women Health and Education
This forum was held on 25th March 2019 at URC office. The community women from various settlements attended the forum. Dr Gulnaz Anjum, senior social psycologists, from Department of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, Institute of Business Administration Karachi was resource person of this session. She discussed and explained various stresses women face in their daily urban activities. Such stresses badly effect women health. Women are also more likely to have mental health conditions that are made worse by stress, such as depression or anxiety.. She also explained various means to avoid or reduce any stresses.
The community women, who have been going through fear of displacement participated in the discussion
Forum on Anti Quackery – An overview of background and facts
This forum was held on 10th April 2019 at URC office. The speakers of the session were:
Dr Tipu Sultan, ex president of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Dr. Minhaj A Qidwai, chief executive Sindh Heakth Care Commission Mr. Ayaz Mustafa, dorector Sindh Health Care Commission
The speakers informed the participamts that the quacks are play with human healthe. As quacks are not qualified doctors and usually they perscribe wrong medical treatment to the poor patients. According to Mr. Ayaz Mustafa the Anti-Quackery Directorate is the frontline cohort of Sindh Health Care Commission (SHCC), established under the SHCC Act, 2013. The SHCC Directorate aims to play active role in pursuance to U/S 2(xxix), 4(1), 4(2) (q); facilitate to perform such functions and exercise such powers and take necessary steps for banning quackery in the province of Sindh in all its forms and manifestations and take corrective measures to enforce regulatory laws with the help of stakeholders as approved by competent authority.
A detail discussion was held on on anti quackery caipagn and participants took part in question and answers session.
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Forum on Climate Changes and its impact on built environment
This forum was held on 22nd April 2019 at URC office. Architect Fazal Noor, head of department of achitecture and planning Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology made a detail presentation on reasons and cuases of climate changes. He perticularly dicussed its impacts. Mostly syudents and youth from community aprticipated in this forum. After presentation a discussion was held on various aspects of the climate changes.
3.0 Act as a watch group on major urban issues
URC plays the role of a `watchdog' group in the city's planning and development scene. In this respect, it has worked on a number of issues, currently it is involved with the following:
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Karachi The government has planned to construct Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Karachi. The construction work on one of the BRT corridor (Green Line) is already underway. Two corridors of the BRT, Red Line and Yellow Lines are at planning stage.
The BRT Green Line Corridor: The construction work on “Green Line” corridor of BRT has been going on. The Green Line to run on a 17 Km stretch between Surjani Town and Guru-Mandir. According to the government this project will be completed at a revised cost of Rs.26 billion.
On suggestion submitted by URC’s board members a major modification was made in the design of Green Line project. Under this modification the elevated portion at M.A. Jinnah Road was made partially underground and at grade. This change in the design has a significant impact on historic district of the city.
The construction work on underground portion of the Green Line BRTS is underway and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2019. The project was supposed to be completed by December last year now it seems it will be further delayed for another year.
URC will continue to monitor the developments of proposed BRT plan and its impacts on the city.
The BRT Red Line Corridor The second corridor named Red Line BRT is being proposed on University Road. It will begin from Safora Goth and end at Guru-Mandir. URC has been following the development of the project. The design consultants are preparing initial plans of the project.
A focus group forum cum consultation was held at URC office on 20th February 2018. The aim of the meeting was to record views of disadvantage groups to improve the design of Red Line BRT. The community activists from settlements along the Red Line
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corridor attended the meeting. The Red Line consultants presented the initial design and recorded participants’ point of views.
The report of the focus group discussions is available at URC. The Red Line project is still at planning stages. It is being funded through Asian Development Bank (ADB) and recently ADB has approved a loan for this project. It is still not clear when will government will announce the implementation of this project.
URC will monitor further development of the project.
The BRT Yellow Line Corridor: The yellow line corridor is also being planed for the city. International Development Association (IDA) - an organ of World Bank (WB) will share 80 percent cost of Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Karachi, which would be developed at the total cost of Rs 65.698 billion. According to Concept Clearance Proposal of the project, Sindh Government would share 20 percent share of the cost of the project.
The 21-kilometre-long route starting from Dawood Chowrangi in Landhi will end at Numaish Chowrangi to merge with the Green Line.. Under the Yellow Line project, eight underpasses will be constructed at Murtaza Chowrangi, Singer Chowrangi, Bilal Chowrangi, Vita Chowrangi, Brooks Chowrangi, Khyaban-e-Ittehad, Korangi Road intersection and the intersection on Sunset Boulevard. Jam Sadiq Bridge will also be widened for the project.
URC representatives are regularly attending planning meetings of the project. URC is more focusing on resettlement plan of the project. The does not involve displacement of housing but it will affect street hawkers and small shopkeepers. A proper compensation plan is being finalized for them.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) URC representatives regularly attend Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) hearings organized by the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency.
The EIA reports are now being posted at URC web site for wide circulation. URC attended the following EIA project hearings
Ground plus 20 floor building on 06 block 18 D Gulshan-e-Iqbal Karachi. IA was held on 29th January 2019.
LNG terminal at Port Qasim Karachi, EIA was held on 21 March 2019.
Medical Waste Incineration in 8 public hospitals of Sindh, EIA was held on 2nd April 2019.
Mining activities in the Coal Mines of Sindh, EIA was held on 18th June 2019.
URC will analyze the EIA reports and will inform the communities if any of these mega projects involve any kind of dislocation or other impacts on poor communities.
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Documentation of Hawkers and shopkeepers at Empress Market URC has been documenting issues of Hawkers and vendors in Saddar area. But in November 2018 the government has started massive forced eviction drive against hawkers and small shopkeepers in Saddar area. Later on this drive has been extended to the entire city. As a result of this drive many thousand shopkeepers, hawkers and vendors were displaced in the city. See detail report in eviction section of this report.
4.0 Networking and Exchange
During the current reporting period URC has been engaged in the following networking actions:
Community Development Network (CDN) The Community Development Network (CDN) is a national network of partner organizations. The CDN is an important platform for information and experience sharing. The partners exchange their working experiences and learn from each other work. The CDN meetings provide an opportunity to members to understand each other’s work and to observe partners work on site, as the venue of the meeting is rotated among partners. Members discuss various development issues and trends.
On 19th January 2019 a CDN meeting was held at OPP Karachi office. Partners from various organizations presented new developments in their work, expansion of work, link up with government programs.
Asian Coalition for Housing Rights (ACHR) URC is also an active member of ACHR network. ACHR is a coalition of Asian professionals, NGOs and community organizations committed to finding ways to make change in the countries where their work is rooted - change that goes along with the particular realities of their own cultures, politics and ways of doing things. The collective experience of all these groups represents a huge quantum of understanding and possibilities - Asia’s own home-grown development wisdom. ACHR explores ways of joining forces and supporting each other through a growing number of joint initiatives: housing rights campaigns, training, exchange visits, workshops and study tours, projects to promote community savings and community funds, citywide slum upgrading. URC regularly participates in ACHR’s learning and sharing process. Local Governance Initiative Network (LOGIN) URC also became member of the Local Governance Initiative Network (LOGIN). The LOGIN is a ‘not for profit’ multi-stakeholder network that strives to advance decentralization and local governance reforms in East and South Asian countries. The aim of LOGIN is to enable peer-exchange and learning to contribute to decentralization and local governance reform efforts across East and South Asia.
Login network is being restructured to make it more effective for information sharing and experience exchanges.
Joint Action Committee (JAC) URC is also a part of an NGO Network called Joint Action Committee (JAC). This is a coalition of NGOs in Karachi. The JAC is working on gender and human rights issues.
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This network holds regular meetings, seminars, workshops, public demos and interactions on gender and human rights issues.
During current reporting period the JAC member organizations actively support URC campaign against forced evictions in the city. As part od civil society organizations JAC members attended all activities arranged by URC along with communities, these include, meetings, press conferences, demonstrations. The JAC also supported the communities networking and interaction with the media and government.
The JAC provides a larger platform to raise some more important issues of the common interest for the policy dialogue.
Network of communities against forced evictions
URC has been working with the following community networks:
Network of communities living along railway tracks of Karachi. Network of shopkeepers against forced evictions
During the current reporting period URC has been engaged with both networks. URC provided support, information and networking in various activities. Please see details in eviction section.
5.0 Community Architect Training Program
To build organizational capacity of the communities URC has initiated a capacity building training to the community youth. URC provides mapping and drawing training to the youth from communities. The focus of this program is to involve the youth in community related mapping. So that they would be helpful for their respective communities for making. It aims to build future community leaders and involve them in community related activities.
A total number 87 youth have completed their training so far. The 5th batch of 22 students was completed their training on 13th June 2019. A certificate distribution ceremony was held on 22nd June at URC office. On this occasion a lecture was also organized for the newly trained community youth.
Another batch of 20 youth started their training on 27th June 2019 and expected to complete its training course in August this year.
The training basically focuses on the following disciplines: Community/settlement mapping Leveling survey Small houses designing House improvements techniques : These training sessions are being held at URC office, which will enhance interaction and networking of youth. This process will also develop orientation of youth towards low income communities issues and problems.
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6.0 Youth Training Program
The students from various universities join URC on short term basis to work in low income communities to understand causes and nature of urban problems. Currently The main objective of the program is to develop the orientation of youth on urban issues.
During the current reporting period a master’s student (Aseela Haque) at Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Germany joined URC internship program.
During the six noth’s internship, she was tasked with the following:
1. Mapping of all flyovers and underpasses in Karachi 2. Compiling a list of flyovers and underpasses in Karachi 3. Collecting data of the urban voids caused by infrastructure development through photo-documentation and ethnographic fieldwork 4. Writing a comprehensive report on the data collected
At end of her internship she produced a compressive report on bridges and underpasses of Karachi.
The students from different universities join this training as part of their internship. A number of interactions of students with the various communities through field visits were also arranged in which the students collected primary and secondary data from various communities.
7.0 Publications
URC continues its research and documentation activities on urban issues.
Recently the following publication were printed
Karachi Circular Railway – Resettlement from community perspectives, January 2019 Hospital Waste Management – Issues and solutions, February 2019. Dispacement of shops and houses and alrternative options, March 2019
URC will continue to its research activities and will conduct more investigation to get better understanding of the city.
Some of selected news articles published in various Newspapers related to URC work: th Planning Karachi through verdicts, Dr Noman Ahmed daily The News 24 February 2019 Civil society wants autonomous provincial Human Rights Commission, daily Dawn, 20TH FEBRUARY 2019 Women on bikes, Zubeida Mustafa daily Dawn, 1st February 2019 Civil society questions depriving Sindh Human Rights Commission of its
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independent status, The News, 21st Feb 2019. Concerns raised over plan to install eight incinerators in hospitals, Faiza Ilyas, Daily Dawn, 3 April 2019 The mantra of mega projects, Abdul Sattar, daily The News, 9th April 2019 Civil society urges Sindh govt not to deviate from court verdicts on new police law Imtiaz Ali, daily Dawn, 13th May 2019. Which master plan? Noman Ahmed, Daily Dawn, 16th May 2019 Ownership of space, Arif Hasan, daily Dawn, 29th May 2019 Civil society, trade unions decry absence of relief in federal budget , daily The th News, 18 June 2019
List of some selected articles published on recent evictions Why the government is evicting people from its housing facilities, Moosa Kaleem, Herald Magazine 2nd January 2019 Special report: What does the future hold for Karachi's historical Saddar area?, Arif Hasan, daily Dawn, 5th January 2019 Life along KCR: Between aspirations for mobility and threat of eviction, Evictions and displacements not only marginalise poor populations but also further impoverish them. Soha Macktoom, daily Dawn 9th January 2019 Civil society protests against demolition of shops, Shazia Hasan daily Dawn 14th January 2019 Civil society demands end to anti-encroachment operation, Zia ur Rahman, daily The News, 14th January 2019 No place for displaced, By Ali Arqam, News Line Magazine, January 2019 Activists stage hunger strike for affectees of Karachi's anti-encroachment operation, Daily Express Tribune, 14th January 2019 Speakers lament loss of livelihoods due to drive against encroachments, Zia Ur Rehman, daily The News 24th January 2019 Karachi Seeks to Remake Itself, With Bulldozers Leading the Way, Meher Ahmad, daily Times, 26th January Karachi demolitions, Arif Hasan, daily Dawn 31st January 2019 Top court gives one month to revive Karachi Circular Railway, Express Tribune, 10th May 2019 Civil society urges Sindh govt not to deviate from court verdicts on new police law, Imtiaz Ali, daily Dawn, 13th May 2019 KCR Operation decried, daily The News 23rd May 2019 Stop forced evictions for KCR project Civil Society activists, Daily Jang 23rd May 2019 Karachi activists protest KMC's 'anti-poor demolitions' in solidarity with displaced, homeless, Haseem uz Zaman, GEO TV, 28th May 2019 Residents affected by operation to clear KCR track protest govt inaction to relocate them, Oonib Azam, daily The News 29th May 2019 Residents affected by operation to clear KCR track protest govt inaction to relocate them, Oonib Azam, daily The News, 29th May 2019 The state wants to make Karachi a 'world-class' city. But what's the cost? The poor are being displaced from their homes and work spaces under this development imagination, Nausheen H. Anwar, daily Dawn, 30th May 2019
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Despite top court’s order, fate of KCR hangs in balance, Oonib Azam, daily The News, June 3, 2019 Protesters demand immediate suspension of drive to clear KCR route, Hasan Mansoor, Daily Dawn, 10th June 2019 Civil society holds protest against anti-poor encroachment drive, PPI/Pakistan Today, 10th June 2019 Sindh govt promises makeshift tents for people affected by KCR operation Oonib Azam, daily The News, 10th June 2019 KCR anti-encroachment drive affectees demand compensation, daily Nation, 10th June 2019 Civil Society protest eviction drive along Karachi Cicular Railway Track, daily Express Tribune, 10th June 2019 KCR evictions, editorial daily Dawn, 11th June 2019 Unfair evictions, editorial daily The News, 12th June 2019 Right to shelter, Noman Ahmed, daily Dawn, 24th June 2019 Forced Evictions In Karachi, 'My children's mother died. Who will take care of them now?'Haseem uz Zaman, Geo TV, 27th June 2019 Govt asked to rehabilitate people affected by KCR The News, 5th July 2019
8.0 Documentation
News Clippings
URC has a news clippings library. It regularly collects news clippings and articles on important development issues of the city. These news clippings are compiled in subject wise files and are available at URC library. Students research, journalists, communities activists use these news clippings as reference in their research studies.
URC Library
URC has been maintaining a library on development. The library has a collection of government reports, books, research papers, magazines and newsletters on urban issues in general and on Karachi in particular. The researchers, students, journalists, community activists and training groups widely use URC library facilities.
Website
URC web is extending the outreach of its information dissemination. The web address is www.urckarachi.org. The website is being updated on a regular basis.
URC on face book
URC circulates current information and news clippings on city development through face book page on regular basis.
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URC block on Tumblr blog
URC is posting all news articles and updates related to its work on tumblr page. The link is http://urckhi.tumblr.com/
Community Profiling
URC also initiated a Citywide Community-driven Settlement Profiling with the partnership of Asian Coalition for Housing Rights (ACHR) and Slum Dwellers International (SDI). Under this activity profiles of 50 settlements in 5 cities will be developed. The cities include Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, DG Khan and Sheikhupura The activity will help to develop networking with ACHR and SDI, as part of community networking in Asia and Africa. After completion this data will be available at URC, ACHR and SDI web sites. The community profiling will help securing housing and land rights. The communities can also use the data to advocacy against forced evictions.
9.0 Shelter Program
URC with the support of SELAVIP has started a shelter program in Khipro Sanghar district. The project is targeting to build 75 shelters for poor families displaced by the floods. Construction work on these shelter was started in April 2019, so far cConstruction of 23 houses have been completed construction work on another 52 shelter houses is under way and it is expected the construction of remaining 52 houses will be completed in next two months.
URC’s local partner Desert and Rural Development (DARD) Organization is implementing the project. In March 2019 the families were informed to start the construction of their one room house in the remote village of Khipro. Since it is mostly desert area therefore temperature goes over 40C in summer. In such hot weather it becomes very difficult for families to carry out construction work.
Urban Resource Centre
Budget and Expenditures for the year 20118 - 19
S No Head Budget Expenditure 2018 - 18 Rs 2018 - 19 Rs
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A 1 Staff Cost 4,400,000 4,299,180 3 Act as Watch Group 350,000 349,169 4 URC Forums 300,000 295,297 5 Documentation 550,000 521,080 6 Eviction Watch 500,000 471,153 7 Publication 275,000 261,256 Networking & 8 Training 350,000 353,689 Admin & Operation 800,000 777,165 12 Audit Fee 50,000 42,000 Total 7,575,000 7,369,989
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URC forum on forced evictions
A discussion on forced displacement of livelihoods and houses was held at URC on 16th January 2019
The representatives of shopkeepers and community activists are presenting their concerns over recent evictions in the city.
Forum on Forced Evictions of the Shops and Houses – A Way forward
Mr. Taseem Siddique is discussing eviction issues at a forum on 19th February 2019 at URC office.
The forum suggests a master planning process to over come the housing needs of the low income communities.
A discussion with community women on Land & land ownership rights
The community women feel women and children will suffer the most if their houses will be bulldozed.
Women shared their concerns and demanded a respectable relocation of their families before their displacement.
Community & Civil Society protest on forced evictions
A day long sit in protest was held at Karachi Press Club against recent evictions in Karachi. The Civil Society and Communities demanded rehabilitation of displaced shopkeepers. They also demanded a resettlement plan if government wants to extend its demolition operation.
Women protest against forced eviction
Community women from Muhammad Colony are protesting to stop demolition operation of their settlement
Strong protest from the community forced the government to stop bulldozing operation of houses in Muhammad Colony.
Community protest against forced evictions
The communities are protesting against demolition operation in in Muhammadi Colony.
The community was successful to send back bulldozers.
Community activists from railways settlements meet at URC to discuss eviction threats
The communities discuss government’s plans to demolish their settlements.
They decided to continued their negotiations with government for a proper relocation plan
URC Forums
Forum on Anti quackery – An overview of background and facts was held on 10th April 2019 at URC office.
The speakers informed the participamts that the quacks are play with human healthe. As quacks are not qualified doctors and usually they perscribe wrong medical treatment to the poor patients.
URC forum for community women
This forum was held on 25th March 2019 at URC office. The community women from various settlements attended the forum. ssion. Dr Gulnaz Anjum, senior social psycologists, from Department of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, Institute of Business Administration Karachi was resource person of this se
URC Forum Climate Change
This forum was held on 22nd April 2019 at URC office.
Arch Fazal Noor made a detail presentation on reasons and cuases of climate changes. He perticularly dicussed its impacts.
Community Architect Training Program
Field exposure to learn survey techniques
Understanding the mapping and documentation process of the settlements
Training workshops for the youth
The training sessions are being held at URC
The focus of the program is to involve the youth in community related mapping and documentation
The Community Architect Training Program
The certificate distribution ceremony
The certificates are being awarded to the youth on successful completion of the training course
The Community Architect Training Program
A fresh batch of trainees starting their 8 weeks training course from June 2019
The training program aims to build future community leaders and involve them in community related activities
Discussion on Forced evictions at URC
Over 1100 families were displaced in the recent evictions along Karachi Circular Railway’s tracks
The community activists and URC representatives are discussing the situation and drawing a strategy to stop such forced evictions
Developing a city-wide strategy against forced evictions
The community activists and civil society are holding a meeting at Human Rights Commission of Pakistan office
Preparing an action plan to stop forced evictions along KCR tracks in the city
Forced and brutal evictions took place in Karachi
No prior notices were given to the poor communities before demolition of their houses
Despite an order from the Supreme Court no alternative relocation was given to the displaced communities
Solidarity with displaced communities
The delegations of civil society organizations (CSO) visited displaced families to express their support
The CSOs representatives are expressing their concerns on ruthless forced evictions
Press Conference against forced evictions
The community activists and civil society representatives are addressing a joint press conference at Karachi Press Club
They demanded immediate halt of brutal evictions and proper resettlement of the displaced families
Displaced families and forced evictions
Community and civil society activists visited displaced families to express their solidarity
A protest dinner (iftar) was arranged on the rubbles of demolished houses
Forced Evictions in Karachi
Pakistan Railway demolished houses along KCR track on the order of Supreme Court
The demolition process was brutal, no prior notices or alternative arrangement were given to displaced families
Protest against forced evictions
Community and civil society activists are demonstrating at Karachi Press Club to register their protest
The demands were: • Stop forced evictions • Relocate displaced families
Protest against forced evictions
A large crowd gathered at Karachi Press to register their protest
Forced Evictions are gross violation of human rights
Protest against forced evictions
The women community activists gathered in Gharibabad colony to stop bulldozers from demolishing their houses
The government must accept universal rights of housing and relocated project affected families in proper way
Community meeting on forced evictions
Community activists are holding meetings to discuss situation threat
The communities along railway tracks strengthening their network to ensure their houses rights
Community mobilization
The community activists play key role to mobilizing the under-threat settlements to fight for their housing rights
Women community activists are holding a meeting at URC office
URC representatives informing women community activists current forced eviction situation
Women are also actively participating in various activities against forced evictions
Solidarity with displaced families
The civil society activists are visiting displaced families and demanded their relocation
Houses were demolished along KCR railway tracks and families were rendered homeless
Meeting on forced evictions at URC office
The civil society activists are discussing eviction situation
Demonstration against forced evictions
No evictions without alternative relocation
A large gathering at Karachi Press Club to register their protest
Forced evictions in Karachi
Pakistan Railways demolished without prior notice and without resettlement
Displaced families at Urdu college and Gilani stations along KCR tracks
Demolition of houses along KCR tracks
Houses were demolished at in Gharibabad and Quaid -e- Azam Colonies
Right to housing is a basic human rights and government must provide alternative resettlement to displaced families
Stop forced evictions of the poor communities
Community and civil society activists are holding a joint press conference at Karachi Press Club
The forced evictions are gross violation of human rights
Discussion meeting at URC office
Community activists and civil society representative are discussing evictions and possible action plan
Discussion meeting at URC office
Discussion on forced evictions
The community activists are holding a discussion meeting
Meeting with Saeed Ghani, minister for local government Sindh
Meeting with legal advisor advocate Faisal Siddiqui
The community and civil society activists are holding meeting with commissioner Karachi
Discussion meeting at URC office
The community and civil Society activists are holding a discussion on forced evictions
Hearing at National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR)
The community Activists are their case at NCHR
The NCHR declared that the project affected persons must be resettled before demolition of their houses
Displaced families
On Supreme Court’s order houses were demolished along railway tracks
The demolished settlements include; Wahid Colony, Moosa Colony, Gharibabad, and Quaid –e- Azam Colony
Demolition of houses
Women and children rendered homeless
Families have been living on rubles of their demolished houses
Forced evictions in Karachi
Children lost their education
Families lost their livelihoods
Solidarity to displaced families
Community to community exchange visits
Community women extend support to each others
Community to Community Exchange Visit
Women from under threat settlements visited displaced families
Women expressed solidarity to each others
Appendix - List of publications and documentation available at Urban Resource Centre:
Publications:
Responding to the transport crisis in Karachi, by URC with Arif Hasan and Mansoor Razaworking paper published International Institute for Environmental Development (IIED), July 2015 The Pedestrian Bridges of Karachi, by Mansoor Raza working paper published by Urban Resource Centre (URC), October 2015
The proceedings of the Forums printed: 1. Karachi Circular Railway – Resettlement from community perspectives, January 2019 2. Hospital Waste Management – Issues and solutions, February 2019. 3. Dispacement of shops and houses and alrternative options, March 2019 4. Karachi Circular Railway – Resettlement from community perspectives January 2019 5. Karachi water supply Crisis – an overview and suggestions November 2018 6. How Solid Waste will become a source of Income August 2019 7. Karachi Sewerage Plan – An Overview of the implementation 8. Occupational Health and Safety 9. Role of Karachi in 1946 Naval Mutiny, Aslam Khwaja 10. Public Transport Issues and proposed Bus Rapid Transit System in Karachi 11. Ban on Qingqi Rickshaws in Karachi - The Perspective of Operators, by Syed Safdar Shah and A. A. Wahidi, published by URC, December 2015. 12. Road Safety Issues in Karachi – an over view of the situation, Abdul Qadir Bullo published by URC, September 20015. 13. Heat Wave Deaths in Karachi – capacity of health facilities to cope with emergency situation, by Dr Tipu Sultan, published by URC, October 2015. 14. Control and contestation of space and emerging safety and security issues in Karachi by Dr Noman Ahmad 15. An over view on shrinking transport facilities in the city, by Mr. S Irshad Hussain Bukharai, 16. Weapomization and its impact on violence by Mr. Naeem Sadiq 17. Karachi Mass Transit – An overview by Mr Rashid Mughal 18. The drainage system of Karachi – Major issues and a way head Rs. 50/- 19. Karachi: Demographic trends - social and political Implications Rs. 50/- 20. Sindh Local Government Act 2013 - An Overview Rs. 50/- 21. A Research Study on Road Accidents in Karachi – Causes and Impacts Rs. 50/- 22. The Goths of Karachi and their regularization process. Rs. 50/- 23. Flood and after: an Overview of the Flood Situation in Sindh by Arif Hasan Rs. 50/- 24. The Post Flood Relief Program of Sindh Government by Taj Haider Rs. 50/- 25. Report of the Task Force on Urban Development by Arif Hasan & Dr. Noman Ahmed Rs. 50/- 26. Problems of Street Children by Mr. Rana Asif Habib Rs.50/- 27. Karachi Transport Management - current situation and a way forward by Dr. Waheed Uddin Rs.50/- 28. Karachi Sewerage Improvement Plan S-III Rs.50/- 29. Role of water Tankers in Karachi Rs.50/- 30. Water Supply in Karachi: Situation/Issues, Priority issues and Solutions. Rs.50/- 31. Active Organized People – Sustainable Development Rs.50/- 32. Gutter Baghicha by Nisar Baloch, Rs.50/- 33. Electricity Crisis in Karachi by Prof. Mohammad Noman Rs.50/-
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The case studies of the Community Based Organizations (CBOs) are available as separate publications: Case studies of 50 Community Based Organizations are available at URC office library with the price tag of Rs. 50/- for each copy.
Case studies of the following community organizations (CBOs) were printed: i. Al Rakhshi Welfare Services ii. Anjuman-e-Itehad Sajidi Balochan Welfare Association. iii. Anjuman Imdad Bahimi Kohi Goth iv. Social Welfare Association Junejo Town v. Welfare Association Talent Citizen Human Rights (WATCH) for special persons vi. Insaf Welfare Trust vii. Al-Barka Welfare Trust viii. Anjuman -e- Itehad Sajidi Balochan Welfare Association ix. Kashmir Mujahid Colony Residential Welfare Society x. Dream Foundation Trust xi. Anjuman Warper Social Welfare Association xii. Fikar-e-Nau Welfare Society xiii. Rifa Development Organization xiv. Moria Khan Goth Welfare Association xv. Slummer Welfare Organization xvi. Gulshan-e-Bakhtawar Welfare Society xvii. Anjuman Falah-o-Behbood, Chaman Iqbal Colony xviii. Muzzaffarabad Welfare Society, Muzzafara’bad Colony
The case studies of the settlements are available in Urdu as separate publications: i. Case Study of Gharibabad Colony Rs. 50/- ii. Case Study of Allah Wali Colony Rs. 50/- iii. Case Study of Madhu Goth Rs. 50/- iv. Case Study of Kashmir Mujahid Colony Rs. 50/- v. Case Study of Old Sleeper Quarters Rs. 50/- vi. Case Study of Pahr Gunj Rs. 50/- vii. Case study of Umer Coloy No. 2 Rs.50/- viii. Case study of Umer Farooq Town Rs.50/- ix. Case study of Wahid Colony Rs.50/- x. Case study of Awami Colony Rs.50/- xi. Case study of Kausar Niazi Colony Rs.50/- xii. Case study of Umer Colony No. 1 Rs.50/- xiii. Case study of Hasan Aulia Village Rs.50/- xiv. Case study of Chaman Iqbal Colony Rs.50/- xv. Case study of Bilawal Jokhio Goth Rs.50/- xvi. Case study of Moria Khan Goth Rs.50/- xvii. Case study of NTR Colony Rs.50/- xviii. List of Goths (villages) in Karachi Rs. 50/-
Facts & Figures (monthly facts sheet) URC has been publishing this newssheet in Urdu and English since January 1993.
Appendix: News clippings and articles year wise files are now available from Jan 1992 up to Dec 2018. 1. Traffic & Transport Management 10. Beaches, Parks and plantations 2. Housing & Land Management 11. Water Supply 3. Health 12. Sewerage 4. Education 13. Solid Waste Management, 5. Environment 14. Electricity 6. Economics 15. CDGK & Local Body System 7. Law & Order 16. Urban Services 8. Lyari Expressway 17. Floo 9. Eviction and Encroachment
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Some Documentaries Housing Option for Karachi Lyari Expressway Highway of Tears Karachi Circular Railway a trip around Railway Land Karachi Rising - The unplanned Densification of low income housing Lyari Expressway Evictions Informal Waste Recycling in Karachi Karachi Beaches\ URBAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT URBAN RESOURCE CENTRE –Case Study . ARM Child and Youth Welfare – Case Study The People VS Lyari Expressway.
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