Mayor announces major drive against encroachments to begin this week

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has announced that a large-scale operation against encroachments will commence on Saturday.

The operation aimed at preventing inconvenience to citizens, he said, adding that illegal occupation of roads and footpaths created serious challenges for pedestrians and the business community.

"Encroachments on roads, footpaths, and storm water drains will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The operation will be carried out in full compliance with court orders and in an impartial manner," he said presiding over a high-level meeting at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) head office on Monday to review preparations for the anti-encroachment campaign.

He maintained that efforts were being made to involve all the stakeholders, including the district administration, to ensure the operation's effectiveness and comprehensiveness. The meeting was attended by KMC Municipal Commissioner SM Afzal Zaidi, Central Deputy Commissioner Taha Saleem, KMC Financial Advisor Gulzar Abro, the mayor’s focal person for District Central Dil Muhammad and others.

Wahab directed officials to take the strongest possible action—within the framework of court orders—against land grabbers involved in illegal constructions on roads, storm water drains, and graveyards. He underscored that disruptions to public life and encroachments on public spaces would not be tolerated.

He expressed the hope that the operation would produce tangible results and bring relief for the public from illegal structures. He said the operation would not be limited to District Central but would be extended to other areas of the city.

The mayor urged the traders and shopkeepers to refrain from setting up encroachments outside their shops on footpaths and roads and called for their cooperation with the KMC and city administration.

"For the development and betterment of the city, all segments of society — including industrialists, traders and ordinary citizens — must play their part," he said, adding that the KMC was committed to providing the best possible municipal facilities to the people of Karachi and would take all necessary measures to fulfil this commitment. “We are not only aware of our responsibilities but also delivering on them. We hope that these efforts to improve the city will bear fruit,” he stated.