KARACHI, Sept 19: Sindh Local Government Minister Mohammad Hussain said on Wednesday that the lease granted to katchi abadis of Clifton was not a favour to the area inhabitants but their basic right which had been denied by the governments in the past.

Talking to a six-member delegation from Bath Island’s Tekri Colony, led by UC Nazim Mohammad Khalid, the minister described the grant a proof of commitment and sincerity of the government towards the masses.

He said all the notified katchi abadis, not only in Karachi but all over the province, were being granted lease to develop a sense of ownership and security amongst their inhabitants. He made it clear that there was no truth in the rumours that localities of some particular linguistic group were not being granted lease.

The minister said that about 60 katchi abadis in the province were given lease during the last eight months while lease work in respect of 70 other areas was in progress.

He asked Sindh Katchi Abadis Authority Director Dr Asghar Shaikh to immediately establish a camp office in Tekri Colony and expedite the survey and issuance of challan forms to the area occupants.

Mr Hussain said the present leadership was serving the downtrodden without any discrimination.

He said the next election would provide an opportunity to the 98 per cent oppressed majority to elect sincere and devoted representatives and, therefore, they should use their right of franchise with utmost care and caution.

The delegation members thanked the minister for taking personal interest in addressing the long-pending problem.—APP