Karachi: Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has announced that a citywide anti-encroachment operation will commence this Saturday to clear illegal structures from roads, footpaths, and stormwater drains across Karachi.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) head office on Monday, Wahab said the operation aims to alleviate the challenges faced by pedestrians and the business community due to encroachments. “Encroachments on public spaces, including roads, drains, and footpaths, will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he asserted, emphasizing that the campaign will be conducted in full compliance with court directives and executed in a transparent and impartial manner.
Read: Tessori urges PM Shehbaz for PKR 100 bn to revamp Karachi
Officials attending the meeting included KMC Municipal Commissioner SM Afzal Zaidi, Central Deputy Commissioner Taha Saleem, KMC Financial Advisor Gulzar Abro, and the mayor’s focal person for District Central Dil Muhammad, among others.
Wahab directed the relevant departments to take strict action—within the legal framework—against those involved in land grabbing and illegal constructions, particularly in sensitive areas such as graveyards and stormwater drain corridors. He also stressed that the operation will not be confined to District Central but will extend to other districts of the city.
Efforts are underway to involve all stakeholders, including district administrations, to ensure effective coordination and lasting results. “We want this campaign to bring tangible relief to citizens,” Wahab said, calling on traders and shopkeepers to cooperate by avoiding the use of public spaces for commercial setups.
Read: Task force set up to revamp Karachi’s major roads, curb encroachments
The mayor reaffirmed KMC’s commitment to restoring Karachi’s civic infrastructure and providing improved municipal services. “We are fully aware of our responsibilities and are taking necessary actions to fulfill them. This campaign is part of our broader efforts to make the city more livable,” he added.Bottom of Form