Frustrated victims of Rawalpindi's ongoing nullah demolition drive staged a powerful protest outside the Commissioner Office on Monday, expressing their growing anger over unfulfilled compensation promises from the Punjab government.
Victims Demand Justice and Immediate Action
The protest saw affected residents from various nullah-side settlements gathering with placards and chanting slogans against the district administration. Their demands were clear and urgent:
- Immediate payment of promised compensation for demolished properties
- Transparent assessment of property damages
- Alternative housing arrangements for displaced families
- Protection of remaining homes and businesses
Administration's Response Falls Short
Despite repeated assurances from local authorities, the victims claim they have received nothing but empty promises. "Our homes have been destroyed, our businesses ruined, and we have nowhere to go," shouted one protester, capturing the collective frustration of the crowd.
Another affected resident emphasized, "The government promised us compensation before the demolition, but now they've left us homeless and helpless. We need action, not more promises."
Commissioner's Office Responds
Officials from the Commissioner Office eventually emerged to address the protesters, assuring them that their concerns would be escalated to higher authorities. However, the victims remain skeptical, having heard similar assurances multiple times before.
The protest highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis emerging from the anti-encroachment drive along Rawalpindi's nullahs, raising serious questions about the implementation of rehabilitation plans for affected families.
