Rights Groups Demand Resettlement Plan Before ML-1 Railway Project Evictions
Rights activists and community representatives in Karachi have urged the government to announce a clear and comprehensive resettlement plan before starting any eviction or demolition activities linked to the Karachi–Peshawar Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway upgrade project.
The demand was raised during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, where members of the ML-1 Affectees Action Committee expressed concern over the potential displacement of residents living near railway tracks.
The ML-1 project is considered one of Pakistan’s major infrastructure upgrades, aiming to modernise the country’s main railway corridor from Karachi to Peshawar to improve both passenger and freight transport. Construction is expected to begin in July 2026, starting from Karachi Port.
Activists said the government must clearly define the railway Right of Way (ROW) boundaries and ensure transparency before any land clearance operations begin. They also called for detailed surveys, official maps of affected areas, and a verified list of families that may be impacted.
Speaking at the event, representatives from civil society groups said that many settlements along railway tracks consist of low-income communities, and any development process should avoid forced displacement without proper rehabilitation arrangements.
Human rights observers also stressed that development projects should not come at the cost of vulnerable populations and urged authorities to follow fair consultation and resettlement procedures.
Experts noted that while Pakistan Railways plans to expand and modernise the track, questions remain about how land acquisition will be managed in densely populated urban areas such as Karachi, where both residential and commercial structures exist close to railway lines.
Community representatives further demanded an environmental impact assessment of the project and greater transparency in planning to ensure affected families are properly supported.
They warned that without a clear resettlement framework, large-scale infrastructure development could create social and economic challenges for thousands of residents living along the railway corridor.
