Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), has raised concerns about the proliferation of slums in Karachi, attributing the issue to alleged corruption within local bureaucracy and police. Shakoor contends that Karachi is transforming into a slum city due to the patronage of encroachments by local authorities, and he accuses the police of regularly collecting bribes from slum dwellers.

Shakoor claims that many criminals in Karachi reside in these slums, and the police provide them protection by not taking action against illegal settlements despite court orders. He points out that a recent order by the Sindh High Court (SHC) to remove encroachments along the city’s arteries is unlikely to result in substantial action.

Highlighting the connection between slums and criminal activities, Shakoor states that these settlements often serve as selling points for drugs, with corrupt police allegedly turning a blind eye to the illicit drug trade. He criticizes political parties for resisting actions against illegal slums, suggesting that such settlements are often viewed as potential vote banks.

The PDP Chairman advocates for the establishment of legal settlements for slum dwellers, emphasizing that the government should address the issue rather than allowing illegal practices to persist. Shakoor proposes the use of artificial intelligence technology to detect and mark illegal encroachments, recommending the removal of relevant police officers and deputy commissioners if slums are not cleared within a specified time frame.

He calls for the filing of FIRs against the land mafia involved in establishing and protecting illegal slums and asserts that sustainable actions against encroachments are essential to curb street crime, drug peddling, and traffic jams in Karachi. Shakoor suggests that the Sindh High Court should play a role in holding the Commissioner and Police Chief of Karachi personally responsible for addressing the issue and ensuring urban development in the city.