Slums demand action

2026-02-19 - 23:23

THE decision by the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) to take up the issue of informal settlements, or katchi abadis, is a timely and critical intervention in a matter that has long been neglected. The court has directed all relevant federal and provincial departments to submit comprehensive, up-to-date reports containing accurate data on these settlements. This move has brought the issue of slums back into the limelight and rightly so. It is time to confront the persistent reality of katchi abadis, not just as a matter of urban development, but as a pressing national concern. Across the country, including in the federal capital territory itself, there exist several slum areas. They lack basic infrastructure such as clean water, sanitation and electricity, making life for their residents harsh and precarious. What is most concerning is the consistent failure of relevant authorities to act when these slum areas first appear. There has been no coordinated effort to prevent the emergence of such settlements or address them when they do emerge. As the FCC rightly observed during the hearing, accurate and authentic data is essential for fair and effective adjudication of the matter. Without comprehensive reports from all relevant departments, any efforts to address the issue will be haphazard at best. The court has called for these reports to be submitted within a stipulated timeframe and it is expected that when the case is heard again in April, a detailed review of progress will take place. This gives us a glimmer of hope that the court will provide a clear roadmap to address the plight of the hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis living in these conditions. It is important to note that slums do not only represent a challenge in terms of infrastructure and public health; they also serve as havens for criminal elements. The court’s involvement in the matter will, no doubt, lead to clear directions for all authorities to address both the social and security aspects of slum areas. A mixed or ambiguous approach will only perpetuate the problems that currently exist. It is time for a unified and strategic approach to urban development- the one that includes adequate planning for housing, services. It is the duty of the state to ensure that every citizen has access to basic living conditions, regardless of their socio-economic status.