ISLAMABAD (Digital Post) MQM-Pakistan MNA candidate questions CDA anti-encroachment drive & Lacs of genuine voters dislocated from NA-47

ISLAMABAD (Digital Post)– MQM-Pakistan’s candidate for NA-47, Syed Nadeem Mansoor, has criticized the Capital Development Authority’s recent anti-encroachment operation, saying it has left poor residents homeless without offering alternative land or compensation. Their votes were even till last Baldiati Elections that was postponed in 2025.

“Politicians took votes from residents of Bari Imam, Saidpur, Bara Kahu and other localities, yet no alternative space was provided to them,”

He called for a judicial inquiry into CDA to determine how residents were permitted to settle in these areas in the first place. “If there was a violation, the fault lies not only with these poor people but also with the officials who allowed construction,” he added.

“Is MQM-Pakistan the only party that will raise its voice for these underprivileged people?” Mansoor asked, noting that the issue was never debated in the Assembly before the operation began , inquiring or even compensations .

He pointed out that during election campaigns, all political parties sought votes from NA-47 residents and helped resolve local problems. “We provided electricity, water, markets, hotels, schools and dispensaries. Election Commission nominated areas , voting centres created , staff deputed , people casted votes and Today, we label them encroachers and render them homeless,” he said.

Most of the affected families earn less than Rs 20,000 per month, Mansoor said. “Even if they managed to buy a single marla of land, they paid for it. The question is: who gave them permission? If a mistake was made, the blame rests with the officials who allowed roofs over their heads, not with the poor.”

Drawing a legal analogy, he said, “There is a difference between premeditated murder and accidental killing — the punishments differ. There was no intent to encroach here. Therefore, they should be given alternative land, even if it is just one marla.”

Mansoor urged the government to establish a dedicated sector for those whose houses were demolished and to provide them with land free of cost, along with basic utilities such as electricity, water and gas. “If we settle a human being here today, perhaps Allah will grant us a home in paradise,” he said.

He made a strong appeal and suggestion to the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, and the Interior Minister: “These voters played their part. Today, you must think fairly for them.