Slums in Islamabad

Although Pakistan is different than other countries in every aspect, but there is one area where it differs so much that it is almost unimaginable. Every country’s capital is decorated with flowers and greenery. There are high buildings and clean roads that projects the overall image of that country. But Alas! Pakistan’s capital city Islamabad is surrounded by slums. Wastes of camels, cows and donkeys decorate our capital city.

Almost all population in those slums belongs to Afghanistan. The first wave of Afghan migrants into Pakistan began during the 1980’s Soviet war of Afghanistan. Before 2006, there were about 25000 Afghans, living in these slums between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. In 2009, it was reported that UNCHR helped some 3,000 refugees move from the slums of Islamabad to an undeveloped land in a green belt on the edge of the city.

An intelligence report has revealed that some of the inhabitants of these slums are involved in serious criminal activities. Also in many of the terrorist activities in Islamabad, it the terrorists used these slums as a cover to plan and execute their missions.

The Capital Development Authority had set up a colony named Farish Town for slum dwellers in Musharraf’s regime. However, they have failed to implement the ordinance issued by former president Musharraf regarding the shifting of the Slum areas outside the city.

According to official statistics eight Kacchi Abadeis including, French Colony, Paris colony, 100 quarters, 66 quarters, Hansa Colony, Charles Colony, Siad Purr Model Village and I-9 Christine colony were set up by the CDA and have a legal status. Whereas, illegal Kacchi Abadeis in  G-7, G-8, F-6, F-7, I-11, and Banni Gala were set up due to the negligence of the concerned departments. They don’t consider it as a problem but this is a big problem indeed.

Government should pay attention to this problem and send all illegal immigrants to their homeland. Not only are these slums a security risk but they also affect the beauty of Islamabad.

Has anyone wondered where that jungle is, which covered the whole Islamabad few years ago? That jungle is no more now. Leaving the issue of slums unresolved means risking the remaining green belt.  The government and CDA should take strict action against those who damage the beauty of Islamabad.

Efforts should be made for the beautification of the capital and the federal government has to take this problem seriously. Slums should be removed from the capital and have them relocated to other places. Islamabad must look like a capital, not just another urban city.