Over 1,000 vacated Afghan houses demolished in Sohrab Goth operation

KARACHI: Authorities, in coordination with the city police, have demolished more than 1,000 houses vacated by Afghan nationals in the United Nations-designated Afghan Camp in Sohrab Goth during the past five days, officials said on Sunday.

According to SSP-West Tariq Illahi Mastoi, the ongoing operation, which began on October 15, has so far resulted in the demolition of around 1,200 out of over 3,000 structures in the camp.

He said that over 14,000 Afghans had already repatriated to Afghanistan before the operation commenced.

The SSP added that the anti-encroachment drive was proceeding smoothly after initial resistance from elements of the alleged land mafia on the first day.

“The operation is being conducted as per the federal government’s policy after reports emerged that certain groups were trying to illegally occupy the vacated land, creating fears of unrest,” he said.

Officials said the land, which belongs to the Malir Development Authority, had been home to about 15,680 Afghans, of whom 14,296 have already returned to their home country. The remaining 1,384 are being repatriated in phases.

The operation followed a letter from DIG West Zone Irfan Ali Baloch to the Additional IGP Karachi and other authorities, highlighting attempts by land grabbers to seize the vacated plots.

The DIG also recommended forming a joint committee — including representatives from the city administration, police, and other relevant institutions — to prevent illegal occupation of government land in the area.