Afghan consul general complains of illegal occupation of two properties in Karachi

The Afghan consul general in Karachi has requested assistance from the federal ministries of foreign affairs and interior against the occupation of two of the Afghan government’s properties in Karachi.

The Afghan consul general seeks evacuation of the Bungalow No 28 on Mirza Khaleeq Baig Road near Purani Numaish within the limits of the Soldier Bazaar police station and the Bungalow No 82 in Amil Colony within the limits of the Jamshed Quarters police station.

The former of the two properties has been reportedly occupied by the provincial president of a local party of Karachi, Asif, and students Syed Nawaz Usman Wazir and Aftab.

Talking to The News, Sayed Abdul Jabbar Takhari, consul general of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Karachi, said the Afghan consulate had complained to the government of Pakistan several times but the government did not provide any help. He said that the diplomatic norms and international law was referred to in letters written to the Pakistan government.

He stated that the two properties belonged to the Afghan National Bank and they had been occupied by some locals for a long time. He added that an eviction agreement was inked on February 27, 2020, but the two bungalows had not been vacated yet.

“These are our two bungalows which have been occupied by some people for a long time,” the Afghan diplomat said, adding that the authorities were informed about it many times but the houses were not vacated.

“Last Eid when we went there, the bungalows were empty, so we placed our people there. However, they [occupiers] came back, tortured our people, and took control again at gunpoint. We have informed the government many times. Even now, a letter has been issued from the government to have them vacate the premises, but it hasn't been enforced.”

He said that some police officials might be in collusion with the occupiers as police did not cooperate with the consulate. “These are our properties, and it is the government's responsibility to get our properties vacated and ensure their protection,” he said. Police officials concerned were unavailable for comments when contacted.