ISLAMABAD: Residents of Rimsha Colony and G Seven Shapar Colony on Wednesday staged protests against a possible eviction drive by the Capital Development Authority, warning that thousands of working class families could be left homeless if the operation proceeds without rehabilitation.

Dozens of protesters gathered in Rimsha Colony in Sector H Nine, claiming CDA officials had asked them to vacate the area or face a demolition operation. Residents said many families have lived there for more than a decade and depend on nearby sectors for daily wage work and domestic jobs.

Minority leader William Pervaiz told demonstrators that forcing people out without providing an alternative settlement would be unjust. He said most residents survive on low income labour while many women work as domestic helpers across the city. Christian leader J Salik also joined the gatherings and vowed to support the residents’ demand for housing security.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressed concern over reports of eviction notices issued to Rimsha and nearby Akram Gill colonies, warning that nearly twenty five thousand residents could be affected. The commission said many families were relocated to the area in the early 2010s following the Rimsha Masih blasphemy controversy when Christian communities faced security threats.

HRCP also pointed to a 2015 Supreme Court stay order protecting katchi abadis from forced eviction without proper resettlement. It urged the federal government to intervene and ensure that any action against the settlements complies with national law and human rights commitments.

CDA officials, however, said action was taken only against illegal commercial encroachments in Shapar Colony built on greenbelts and public spaces. An officer said the authority would verify records regarding Rimsha Colony and honour any agreement if it exists, but stressed that illegal settlements on state land cannot be allowed to expand.