AFTER military action in North Waziristan, massive [internal] migration has been witnessed. Initial reports suggest around 13,000 people have reached Bannu. … What will be the next destination of the new IDPs? The answer can be found in Karachi’s katchi abadis.

Whenever military action is taken in the tribal areas, the [affected people] after briefly staying in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, [eventually] reach Karachi. … The presence of militants among their ranks cannot be ruled out. …

Unnatural migration to Karachi continues, which has changed the demography of the provincial capital. An increase in migrants’ representatives in elected institutions can be witnessed. Sindh’s rulers are confined to their houses. They become active when alliances and reconciliation are needed to prolong their rule. They do not know … how many people are living in such katchi abadis. …

The surroundings of Karachi have many no-go areas even law enforcers cannot enter. These areas have become nurseries of militants. Every army action increases such nurseries. There is a need to check IDPs before they enter Sindh. …— (Jan 28)

Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi.