Fort Abbas(Aamir Sultan)- An anti-encroachment operation carried out by the Railway Department in Marot town, Fort Abbas, has triggered strong public outrage after nearly 50 houses, some over 40 years old, were demolished. The operation left dozens of families homeless, forcing affected residents onto the streets and prompting them to stage a protest by blocking the main Fort Abbas–Bahawalpur Road.
The road blockade caused severe traffic disruption, with commuters facing long delays. Protesters alleged that the Railway Department selectively targeted poor residents while ignoring large commercial encroachments on the same railway land. According to the affected families, an ice factory owned by investors and hundreds of shops built on railway property were left untouched, raising serious questions about discrimination and misuse of authority.
Demonstrators accused the authorities of unfair treatment, claiming that only the weak and marginalized were affected, while influential individuals were protected. Upon receiving information about the protest, the DSP of Fort Abbas arrived at the scene along with a heavy police contingent. Following negotiations with the protesters, the blocked road was reopened for traffic.
The affected residents have appealed to higher authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into the operation and ensure justice. They also demanded alternative housing arrangements for families rendered homeless by the demolition.
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