Encroachers face renewed crackdown

KARACHI: The Karachi administration has expanded its campaign against encroachments and other civic violations, demolishing illegal markets, clearing unauthorised parking areas, removing roadside eateries from footpaths and taking action against LPG retailers accused of charging above official rates.

According to a handout issued by the Commissioner’s Office, Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi directed all deputy commissioners to continue the operation in order to improve traffic movement, recover public space and strengthen enforcement of official rules. During a meeting held on Sunday, he instructed deputy commissioners to ensure that roads and footpaths remain free of encroachments, with particular focus on roadside hotels occupying public areas. He also ordered strict legal action against those found responsible for violations.

The handout said deputy commissioners briefed the commissioner on steps taken to enforce official prices of flour and other essential commodities, remove encroachments and improve public service delivery. While appreciating the ongoing work, Naqvi stressed the need to make enforcement more effective. He also praised field officers engaged in anti-encroachment work, action against the sale of unsafe CNG cylinders, implementation of official prices and efforts aimed at improving civic services through government directives.

Operations in Site and North Nazimabad

Assistant Commissioner Site Muhammad Yousuf led a large anti-encroachment drive on Mauripur Road, from the beginning of the Lyari Expressway to Sher Shah. The operation targeted a number of long-standing illegal structures in the Site subdivision.

Among the structures removed was an illegal timber market operating under a bridge, which authorities completely demolished. Officials also removed what was described as an unlawful occupation by a construction company that had allegedly set up a cattle pen and other unauthorised structures on government land.

The administration further cleared a large illegal parking lot that had occupied a substantial area for years and was said to be adding to traffic congestion. During the operation, about 50 to 80 illegally parked vehicles, including private and commercial vehicles, were removed. The drive was carried out with the participation of the Anti-Encroachment Force, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and local police.

Separately, Assistant Commissioner North Nazimabad Nemat Khan carried out an operation against encroachments on footpaths and against roadside restaurants in North Nazimabad. During the action, officials confiscated tables and chairs being used by roadside eateries that had occupied public space.

Action against LPG retailers

In Bin Qasim subdivision, Assistant Commissioner Sajjad Ansari launched a crackdown at Ghaghar Phatak against LPG retailers allegedly selling gas above the government-notified price. Three LPG outlets were inspected during the operation. One shop was sealed, while fines amounting to Rs10,000 were imposed on three outlets for violating official pricing rules.