This panel discussion will highlight the discriminatory and anti-poor character of the demolitions that are underway across Karachi, whilst particularly focusing on the destruction and despair along Gujjar Nullah. The manner in which the ongoing demolitions that are being conducted is brutal, inhumane and unsympathetic to the aggressive new wave of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst these demolitions are purportedly in compliance of the Orders of the Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan, they go well beyond the scope of the Supreme Court’s directions and ignore the Apex Court’s directions to rehabilitate all affectees. The discussion will explore the human cost of the selective implementation of the Supreme Court’s Order. Panelists will shed light on why the rich deserve to have their illegal properties regularized whilst the poor, who have toiled their whole lives to make a home for themselves must have their government issued leases cancelled.
Panelists:
Jibran Nasir:
Jibran Nasir is an advocate of the High Court and a prominent activist. He is one of the lawyers representing the affectees of Gujjar nullah and Orangi Nullah before the Honourable High Court of Sindh.
Khurram Ali:
Khurram Ali is the convener of Karachi Bachao Tehreek and General Secretary of the Awami Workers Party - Karachi Chapter. His politics revolves around trade unions and working class colonies, particularly those facing evictions.Since the beginning of the demolition operation, he/he has been involved in mobilising, assisting and facilitating legal aid for the affected communities of Gujjar Nullah, Orangi Nullah and others.
Erum Yasmeen:
Erum Yasmeen is a community leader and a resident of Gujjar Nullah who has directly been affected by the demolitions in her community and has been trying to access justice for herself and her community.
Moderator:
Palvasha Shahab:
Palvasha Shahab is a Karachi-based lawyer, researcher, and activist. She is a part of the lawyer cohort representing those affected by the demolitions, before the Honourable High Court of Sindh. Palvasha currently serves as the Gender, Child, and Litigation Specialist at Legal Aid Society and the former Executive Director, Rasheed Razvi Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights.
5 май 2021
