KARACHI, May 7: Encroachments have turned the Steel Town of Gulshan-e-Hadeed into a slum area and the residents have alleged that officials of Pakistan Steel are acting in league with encroachers.

The residents, who are facing civic problems besides thefts and robberies, say the PS administration is reluctant to redress the residents’ genuine problems and provide basic facilities including healthy environment.

“Till date the Steel Mills has been billing the households with various charges including security and cleanliness charges, but the management shrugs of their responsibility to resolve any problem simply saying that the PS has transferred ownership rights and now it is a private colony,” residents said.

One can see a large number of pushcarts and “chapras” on all the main streets roads, and playgrounds. Restaurants and stall-holders have been doing a roaring business using playgrounds and open places.—APP