Counting heads in Karachi's katchi abadis

KARACHI: The population of Pakistan has always been an estimated guess, as for almost 20 years the authorities have not been counting heads.

The guesswork regarding population can work in certain cities but not in Karachi for sure. This is because migration from different cities is a big contributor to the growth rate for the city.

However, as the city is short of its housing requirements, the migrants make their way to katchi abadis or rural neighbourhoods.

“Fifty-two per cent of Karachi’s population lives there [katchi abadis], these people have names but their abodes don't have addresses,” says Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan Chairperson Mohsin Shekhani, while speaking to Geo News.

He believes katchi abadis also serve as hideouts for criminals.

"Houses in katchi abadis are not numbered, which is why anyone can stay there," he adds. This way the activities of locals can also go unnoticed.

Sheikhani says if the population continues to expand there will be a civil war in future."The severity of the situation is not being understood."

He believes the houses should be numbered and relevant laws should be put to use.