ETAC campaigns against rising rent rates on Evacuee Trust properties
The Evacuee Trust Action Committee (ETAC) has launched a national protest in opposition to significant rent hikes imposed by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).
This moves targets tenants of properties managed by ETPB, impacting many businesses and families across Pakistan.
ETAC, an organization dedicated to the rights of evacuees from the 1947 partition, initiated the protests after consulting tenant representatives in various cities. The protest centers on the Evacuee Trust Amendment Ordinance 2006, which mandates an annual 8% rent increase.
This ordinance also grants ETPB officials’ discretion to further increase rents based on current market rates, creating a financial strain for many tenants.
Condemnation of Rent Hikes by Business Leaders
Atiq Mir, Chairperson of the All Karachi Tajir Ittehad, criticized the ordinance as unjust and burdensome for tenants, especially those running small businesses.
He appealed to Pakistan’s Chief Justice, emphasizing the intense pressure tenants face due to discretionary rent rates imposed by ETPB officials. Mir cited past rent increases, including a recent amendment resulting in a 30% hike and a 60-month rent fee, making it increasingly difficult for tenants to sustain their businesses.
Escalating Concerns Over Corruption and Economic Impact
Mir warned that the ongoing rent hikes could lead to higher corruption within ETPB, as officials exercise unrestrained power in setting rent levels.
He argued that applying uniform rent rates across tenants with varying economic backgrounds is unsustainable.
Additionally, Mir signaled that tenants may refuse to pay rent or allow department inspectors access if rent policies remain unchanged.
Widespread Support for ETAC’s Stand
The protest has garnered support from business leaders, including Khawaja Khawar Amin and others, who urged political parties to advocate for tenants’ rights.
Mir recalled a previous protest that successfully blocked similar rent policies and remains hopeful that the nationwide protest will yield positive changes for ETPB tenants.
