Local authorities in Karachi, in collaboration with city police, have demolished more than 1,000 houses vacated by Afghans at the United Nations-designated Afghan Camp in Sohrab Goth over the past five days, officials confirmed on Sunday.

 

According to SSP-West Tariq Illahi Mastoi, the operation began on October 15, and so far around 1,200 out of more than 3,000 houses have been torn down.

 

 He said that over 14,000 Afghan nationals had already departed the camp before the demolition drive started.

 

SSP-West Tariq Illahi Mastoi reports that since the operation started on October 15, almost 1,200 of the more than 3,000 houses had been demolished. Before the demolition effort began, he said, more than 14,000 Afghan nationals had already left the camp.

 

The clearance operation commenced on Sunday and should be finished in the coming days, he added. Law enforcement officers faced some opposition from a suspected land mafia on the first day, but since then, operations have moved forward without any problems.

 

SSP Mastoi explained that the operation was being carried out in line with the federal government’s policy after concerns emerged that certain groups were attempting to seize the land illegally, potentially disturbing public order.

The land in question is owned by the Malir Development Authority.

 

About 15,680 Afghans had previously lived at the camp, according to officials. Of these, 1,384 are being transported back in stages, while 14,296 have made it back to Afghanistan.

 

The operation followed a letter from West-Zone DIG Irfan Ali Baloch to the Additional IGP Karachi and other authorities, warning of attempts by the land mafia to occupy the vacated area.

 

The DIG also recommended forming a special committee comprising representatives from the city administration, police, and other relevant departments to safeguard the government-owned land from encroachment.

 

The Afghan Camp was once considered the largest settlement for displaced persons, with an estimated 30,000 residents at its peak.