Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have alleged that a policy is underway in the country that pushes the poor out of their homes while benefiting the wealthy.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and party leader Shoaib Shaheen visited Saidpur Village in Islamabad, where they met affected residents and later spoke to the media.
Salman Akram Raja said that long-time residents were being displaced as houses were demolished in the area, adding that land was being allocated to others while original inhabitants were left without alternatives.
He claimed that similar evictions were taking place across the country, saying the poor were being removed wherever they were visible, while the wealthy were being further empowered.
He added that the party had also visited affected communities in Sindh and Cholistan and would continue to stand with displaced residents. According to him, legal action would be pursued over the lack of rehabilitation or compensation for those affected.
Shoaib Shaheen said Saidpur Village was a historic settlement and should not be dismantled. He argued that if relocation was necessary, compensation and alternative housing must be provided in line with Capital Development Authority (CDA) rules.
He further stated that similar demolitions had taken place in other areas, including Muslim Colony and Malpur, and criticized what he described as unequal application of law within the city.
Shaheen also said PTI would raise the issue in both the National Assembly and Senate, urging the state to ensure housing for displaced citizens, calling it a basic responsibility of governance.
Affected residents claimed that thousands of kanals of land remain under dispute and that promises of developing the area into a model village have not been fulfilled over the years. They further said no formal approval for demolitions had been presented.
