The Parrot goes too. In Qualdubad, Karachi's largest shanty colony with a population of over 70,000 this refugee is all ready to leave for the new town and life - with his pet parrot. A new life for Pakistan's partition refugees 15,000 families will move into new homes near Karachi: There ar3e about five million homeless in Pakistan today, and of than some 800,000 are to be found in Kurachi, the capital. A great number of ~~~ss are refugees caused by the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, and have presented one of the major social problems of the country. The refugees live in little shanties, built of odd planks and tin, eating and sleeping in terrible conditions. On August 1st, the President of Pakistan, General Ayub Khan, inagurated the most important project of this nine - month - old government: A Colony which would provide homes for 15,000 refugee families, and consisting of the same number of one - roomed houses. Situated at korangi on a 3,000 acresite, which was an old R. A.F. base fifteen miles from Karachi, the programme was carried out on a national emergency basis and accorded top priority. Construction began in December last year, and within five months the refugees were able to move in. Each house costs about £140, and includes water, drainage, one small room sorrounded by a courtyard, kitchen and toilet facilities. The Colony was built with I. C. A Ford foundation and Goverment funds, and families were moved in at the rate of 100 a day, having dismantled
led their shantles before departure. The Colony will have 26 primary schools, playgrounds and shopping facilities. It is hoped to attract industries to the Colony so that it will become an independent torn.
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