KARACHI, Dec 8: Centuries-old settlement of fishermen on the an island off Karachi coast were razed at noon on Friday, according to the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum. It claimed three persons, including a child, were injured.

“At around noon, officials of the concerned agency struck at the Bhandar Island and forced out the fishermen families residing in their huts, built centuries ago. In the two-hour operation, several local residents were subjected to manhandling for resisting the demolition of their huts,” the PFF release claimed.

The release said over 50 huts on the island were razed, and identified those who suffered injuries in the operation as Bashir Ali, Rajab Ali and Gul Hassan.

President Pervez Musharraf is expected to lay the foundation stone of ‘Diamond City’ to be developed on the twin islands next month. The PFF, meanwhile has summoned an emergency meeting of the Forum to decide the future course of action.—PPI