Mayor announces crackdown on encroachments to improve traffic flow

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Saturday announced a crackdown on encroachments to enhance traffic flow and provide better facilities for pedestrians across the city.

During a visit to various areas, the mayor, accompanied by Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi, Senior Director of Anti Encroachment Ammar Khan, and other officials, instructed authorities to remove illegal structures. At several locations, he gave immediate orders for the removal of encroachments and for measures to prevent their reappearance.

The mayor specifically directed the removal of a temporary market near the Matric Board and the dismantling of stalls selling fruits and second-hand clothes on both sides of the Teen Hatti Bridge. Emphasising the detrimental effects of encroachments, meh highlighted that they not only tarnish the city’s image but also cause inconvenience to the public. He clarified that the Pakistan Peoples Party did not advocate for unemployment; however, businesses must operate within designated areas, just like any other regulated industry.

He stressed Karachi’s status as an international city, calling for better roads, organised streets, parks, and playgrounds. He reiterated that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) would clear all encroachments from roads under its jurisdiction.

In a bid to encourage economic growth, the mayor also announced that the KMC was ready to facilitate business initiatives through public-private partnerships, welcoming investments that promote both commercial expansion and urban development. On sports, he reaffirmed the KMC’s full support for the Champions Trophy matches in Karachi and expressed his satisfaction in the city hosting these prestigious events. He noted that promoting sports would uplift the morale of young people and help enhance their performance.