Tensions with Karachi Metropolitan Corporation flare as railways calls in armed personnel from other cities
• PR police say step taken to protect federal assets following ‘recent incidents’ • Both sides have already lodged cases against each other over scuffle between city wardens and PR policemen KARACHI: In a clear sign of further escalation of tensions between the KMC and Pakistan Railways, the federal institution has called in additional forces from different parts of the country “equipped with…
Karachi's KMC and Pakistan Railways are locked in a standoff over a Rs780 million road construction project, with the federal institution deploying additional armed forces to protect its assets. The dispute stems from a disagreement over the land ownership for the project, which aims to link Natha Khan Bridge with Pehlwan Goth. Both sides have lodged cases against each other, accusing one another of various offenses, including terrorism and kidnapping.
The railways halted the construction on Sunday, citing the project's encroachment on Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) land without authorization. Following the halt, a scuffle erupted between KMC City Wardens Director Saim Imran and PR policemen, leading to further tensions. The KMC accused PR policemen of assaulting the City Warden director and taking him to the railways police station, while the railways lodged an FIR against KMC officials for terrorism.
In response, Pakistan Railways has called in additional personnel from Sukkur and Multan to bolster security in Karachi. The move comes after an attack on a railway police station and the dumping of garbage outside railway offices and the residence of a senior official. Despite ongoing talks between senior officials, the ownership of the land remains unresolved, with both parties committed to their respective positions.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
