Authorities reclaimed an additional 22 acres of government land at the Afghan settlement that had been built on the property belonging to the Malir Development Authority (MDA) in Karachi, during the second day of the ongoing operation to clear the area on Thursday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.
During yesterday's action, 280 houses and six shops were demolished within the settlement. In two-day operation, so far over 580 houses were razed to the ground along with six shops.
The operation is part of a larger effort to clear 214 acres of illegally occupied government land, where Afghan migrants are reported to have settled over the 40 years.
According to 24News TV channel, the operation to clear the Afghan settlement was suspended on its third day Friday for unspecified reasons.
The land, officially allocated for 'Taiser Town' under the jurisdiction of the MDA, was encroached upon over several decades and developed into an unregulated Afghan settlement.
The TV channel reported that of the estimated 15,000 Afghan nationals previously residing in the area, more than 13,000 have already vacated the settlement.
The demolition of abandoned and illegally constructed houses is ongoing. Afghan migrants detained in other parts of Karachi are also being transferred to designated holding camps.
According to police sources, detained Afghan nationals are being repatriated to Afghanistan after their documents are verified.
Meanwhile, remaining residents of the Afghan settlement are also continuing to leave voluntarily.
MDA officials said that the operation aligns with state policy, which aims to ensure the repatriation of all undocumented Afghan migrants to Afghanistan.
Officials further stated that following the initial departure of Afghan residents, some individuals attempted to seize vacated properties, prompting continued demolitions of all unoccupied structures to prevent further encroachment.
The Afghan settlement originally spanned approximately 214 acres and included more than 3,000 houses, all of which were constructed illegally on public land, according to MDA sources.
A massive anti-encroachment drive began earlier this week and has continued for two consecutive days. On the first day alone, more than 300 houses were demolished using heavy machinery.
Personnel from the Sindh Rangers, local police, the MDA, and other relevant departments are present, with anti-riot units also on standby.
Police officials have reiterated that no illegal occupation of government land will be tolerated.
Reporter: Usama Malik