The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a prominent Baloch rights organization, has accused the Pakistani state of orchestrating a systematic land grab in coastal settlements of Karachi. In a statement released on Wednesday, the BYC alleged that authorities are forcibly evicting Baloch families from their ancestral lands in areas such as Ibrahim Hyderi, Rehri Goth, and Bhains Colony.
Allegations of Forced Evictions
According to the BYC, the provincial government of Sindh, in collusion with real estate developers, has been issuing eviction notices to residents without due process. The committee claims that these actions are part of a larger plan to displace the Baloch community and seize valuable coastal property for commercial development. “The Pakistani state is using its machinery to uproot Baloch families from their homes and livelihoods,” said a BYC spokesperson.
Impact on Local Communities
The affected settlements are home to thousands of Baloch families who have lived there for generations, relying on fishing and small-scale trade. The BYC warns that the evictions will lead to severe economic hardship and cultural dislocation. “These communities have deep roots in the area, and their displacement would be a grave injustice,” the statement added.
Government Response
Officials from the Sindh government have denied the allegations, stating that the evictions are being carried out against illegal encroachments on state land. A spokesperson for the Karachi Development Authority argued that the actions are necessary to reclaim public property and prevent unauthorized construction.
Broader Context
The BYC’s accusations come amid rising tensions in Balochistan and among Baloch diaspora over perceived discrimination and marginalization by the federal government. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for greater protection of minority rights in Pakistan. The UN has also expressed concern over forced evictions in the region.
- Baloch Yakjehti Committee demands immediate halt to evictions.
- Committee calls for international intervention to protect Baloch rights.
- Local activists plan protests in Karachi next week.
The BYC has vowed to challenge the evictions through legal and peaceful means, urging the government to respect the rights of indigenous communities. The situation remains tense as both sides dig in.
