Who is behind YMCA ground encroachment?

By Amar Guriro

KARACHI: Young Christian Association Bazarta Line office bearers have alleged that Pakistan Minority Front Chairman and former Sindh MPA Michael Javaid has allowed influentials to encroach the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) ground and to establish a charged parking lot in it. However, Javaid has bluntly rejected the allegations and has said that he is not involved.

Young Christian Association Bazarta Line office bearers Joseph and Zara alleged that Javaid has joined hands with influential people in grabbing the amenity plot of YMCA. Talking to Daily Times, they said that the Christian leader has given written permission for the establishment of a charged parking lot at the amenity plot. “Javaid has is only protesting against the parking lot to save face and to pressurise the influential people involved, however he has now made an agreement with them,” said Joseph.

It may be noted here that recently some mysterious banners appeared throughout the city, inviting the public to park their vehicles at the protected YMCA plot. Javaid had announced that a mass campaign would be started throughout the province against the charged parking at the plot, but despite the fact that many days have passed, Javaid has taken no action. “We demand that Federal Minister for Minority Affairs Shahbaz Bhati and other authorities conduct a high level inquiry into the matter and to ensure that if Javaid is guilty, he is punished. We are sure that the federal government will take interest in the matter,” said Joseph.

However, when Javaid was called for a comment, he bluntly rejected the allegation and said that he even cannot even imagine committing such an act. “I am very surprised to know that people think I am involved and I personally believe that it is a conspiracy against me. If they are sure that I am involved, they should prove it,” he said, adding that he has been struggling since a long time for the cause of his community.

(Daily Times)