KARACHI, Aug 3: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Friday condemned the mass evictions taking place in Karachi under the development plans executed without consulting any citizens' groups or those affected.

“Evictions represent a serious human rights violation, i.e. the right to shelter. The city government’s evictions are being done in a thoughtless manner and in disregard of the international commitments that Pakistan has made,” Zohra Yusuf, vice-chairperson (Sindh), HRCP, said in a statement.

The HRCP condemned the eviction of residents of Gahi Faqir Goth, Mehran Town, Korangi Industrial Area, Karachi without any prior notice, and the demolition of about 5,000 houses, leaving 30 – 35 thousand people homeless on July 26, 2007. Gahi Faqir Goth was established in 1981.

The rights group also expressed concern over the violence inflicted on women and children during eviction and the arrest of more than a dozen men.

“We believe that many evictees have no place to go and demand immediate compensation for those whose homes have been destroyed, as well as reparations for all the damages they have incurred. Those arrested in this incident should also be released,” said the statement.