THE Sindh High Court’s orders on the demolition of multi-storey buildings in Karachi are heart wrenching for the people who have bought flats and live there.

I live in one such building in Gizri after I purchased a flat for what to me was a considerable sum that I saved out of my meagre earnings. That is not all: I borrowed a considerable amount from my father, who retired from service and received his provident fund and other dues. I also borrowed from some friends and relatives.

My family managed the money for the flat with severe nourishment problems for long periods. Afterward, we migrated to Karachi leaving nothing in our village.

Although, the honourable chief justice’s remarks for demolishing the buildings could be correct, why on earth make us helpless people suffer?.

Where were the authorities at the time of the construction of these multi-storey buildings? Why did they allow the builders to construct? We ordinary people had believed that the builders had obtained consent from relevant authorities.

It is our humble request to the honourable court not to take away our sole shelter. The honourable court is perfectly justified in stopping all illegal construction projects. The court should also thoroughly probe the government officials and builders engaged in this crime.

Shahnawaz Ali
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2020