THE anti-encroachment campaign in Karachi though appreciable is at the same time a source of concern as it is also causing unemployment and poverty, leading to unrest among the people.

This state of affairs can provide an ideal playing field to anti-state elements to exploit the disaffection and create a law and order situation.

The anti-encroachment campaign has affected mostly those people who are among the most poor in society. They are finding it hard to manage two meals a day and this latest turbulence has made their lives miserable.

I am not against the anti-encroachment campaign, but the government’s primary responsibility is to first provide food, shelter and clothing at affordable prices besides employment opportunities, and then go after those who have violated the law of the land.

The least the government can do now is come up with a programme to generate employment and income for the thousands who have lost their source of livelihood in the anti-encroachment drive.

Hani Thaheem

Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2019