Umerkot Forced Evictions Spark Outrage And Police Suspension

The recent forced eviction of families in Umerkot has sparked significant outrage and condemnation, leading to the suspension of 10 police officers involved in the operation. On February 28, 2026, police forcibly removed residents from their homes in Afghan Mohalla, claiming the land belonged to Habibullah Shah, who asserted ownership through a purchase made in 1998. However, local families, including the Solangi community, have lived in the area for generations, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the eviction. Syed Ali Haider Shah, the legal owner of the disputed land, stated, "The suffering of the Machhi community could have been avoided if the court order to vacate the plot had been complied with," highlighting the complexities surrounding land ownership and the eviction process (Tribune Latest). The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned the police's actions, calling it a "grave violation of human rights" and demanding comprehensive police reforms to prevent such abuses in the future. They noted that the police's conduct reflects "entrenched structural deficiencies" and called for mechanisms to protect vulnerable citizens from powerful interests (Pakistan News Network). As a result of the eviction, a citywide strike occurred, disrupting normal life in Umerkot, with markets shuttered and public transport severely limited as residents protested against the police's heavy-handed tactics (Tribune India).