ISLAMABAD — A massive humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Pakistan’s capital as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) moves to evict over 25,000 residents from low-income Christian settlements. Last week, authorities used megaphones to announce immediate evictions in Rimsha Colony, Allama Iqbal Colony, and Akram Masih Gill slum settlements. Officials labeled these long-standing neighborhoods as “illegal encroachments” on government land. However, the move has triggered widespread protests and sharp condemnation from global human rights groups.
Community members took to the streets on March 11 and 12, carrying large wooden crosses and chanting psalms. They argue that the government itself facilitated their relocation to these areas over a decade ago. Many residents are employed as essential workers, including sanitation staff, domestic help, and construction laborers. For these families, the sudden eviction notice represents a betrayal of past state promises.
A Legacy of Displacement and Broken Promises
The history of Rimsha Colony is deeply rooted in a 2012 blasphemy case involving a minor girl, Rimsha Masih. After she was falsely accused, violent mobs forced hundreds of Christian families to flee their homes in Mehrabadi. Consequently, the government at the time allowed these displaced families to settle in Sector H-9. This area eventually grew into the permanent neighborhood now known as Rimsha Colony.
“These families did not just occupy this land; they were placed here for their safety by the state,” noted a spokesperson from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). Advocates point out that the CDA’s current stance ignores this history. Furthermore, the residents have built brick-and-mortar homes, established community schools, and obtained national identity cards with these specific addresses.
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Legal Violations and Lack of Resettlement
The planned demolitions face significant legal hurdles. Specifically, a 2015 stay order from the Supreme Court of Pakistan prohibits the summary eviction of informal settlements without a formal resettlement plan. Additionally, Pakistan’s 2001 National Housing Policy mandates that authorities must provide alternative housing before clearing such areas.
Despite these protections, the CDA has already begun removing smaller structures and shops. Residents describe the atmosphere as one of “extreme mental stress.” Many parents report that their children cannot sleep, fearing the arrival of bulldozers during the night. The timing is particularly sensitive as many local students are currently sitting for exams.
Comparative Demographics of Islamabad’s Informal Settlements (Katchi Abadis)
| Settlement Name | Primary Demographic | Estimated Population | Legal Status Claim |
| Rimsha Colony (H-9) | Christian | 15,000+ | State-facilitated (2012) |
| Akram Gill Colony | Christian | 10,000+ | Long-standing settlement |
| Muslim Colony (Bari Imam) | Mixed | 20,000+ | Partially razed in Dec 2025 |
| Shapar Colony (G-7) | Mixed | 5,000+ | Established 2002-2003 |
Minority rights activists argue that this “war on the poor” disproportionately targets religious minorities. They allege that while working-class homes face destruction, high-end illegal constructions by the elite often go ignored. Religious leaders, including representatives from the Catholic Church and the World Minorities Alliance, have joined the protests. They are calling on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene immediately.
The CDA maintains that the land is needed for urban development, specifically for the 10th Avenue highway project. Nevertheless, an Environmental Protection Agency hearing in 2022 previously concluded that the social impact of demolishing Rimsha Colony could not be condoned. As the three-day deadline passes, the community remains in a tense standoff with the state.